As you know, research can be a long, arduous process.
On top of other responsibilities, the sheer amount of work can seem insurmountable. Without external support, it’s all too easy to let your research slide. Don’t waste precious time trying to manage everything alone.
stay on track
save time and effort
find support and connection
advance your career
I care about your work and about you!
I am a researcher myself, as well as a busy parent and professional. I know how it feels to have more to do than you have time for. That’s why I chose to take my 20 years of experience guiding academic writers and launch Compass Academic Coaching. Through customized one-on-one coaching sessions, I provide resources, guidance, and a strategic listening ear to take the overwhelm out of research and writing.
Since going into business in 2020, I’ve helped 90+ academic writers move forward with their work.
Coaching Services
-
Planning + Accountability Sessions
Together, we set long and short term goals for your academic work. We meet regularly to review progress, troubleshoot challenges, and define next steps.
-
Problem Solving Sessions
Got a research or writing problem to solve? I help you work through puzzles like organizing your literature review, aligning your research questions and methods, or interpreting reviewer feedback.
-
Facilitated Work Sessions
You’ve tried and tried but just can’t get started drafting. You’re afraid to read your advisor’s comments. You’re new to qualitative data analysis and want some guidance as you go. Do it with a coach at your side.
-
Feedback on Work-In-Progress
All writers need an outside perspective on their drafts, and you might want that to come from someone other than an advisor or peer reviewer. I provide robust feedback you can actually use to move forward.
“I reached out because I had my first sabbatical coming, and I wanted to make sure I got back to some good writing habits. I needed help with plotting out timetables, goals, and next steps. Kind of like a trainer at the gym but with writing!
Working with Kate has helped me to keep precise focus on the smaller tasks, so that I can work toward the larger ideas in my scholarship. I appreciate her support and interest in my work during times I felt demoralized or had setbacks. I didn’t even know ‘coaching’ existed when I first started an academic position. Really glad I found Kate.”
– Associate Professor, Social Work
Getting started is easy.
-
1. Schedule with me.
A free consultation allows us to get to know each other and make sure we are a good fit.
-
2. Share your goals and challenges.
This ensures we both have a clear vision of your goals and the support I can provide.
-
3. Get started with your custom coaching plan.
You and your work are unique. Your custom plan is tailored just for you.
You may be thinking…
-
The image of a writer toiling alone in an attic is pervasive, but it is a myth. Many academics struggle trying to do research and write alone in the “ivory garret.” In reality, most successful academic writers benefit from human interaction. They get support from coaches, editors, collaborators, and mentors.
-
I’ve worked with researchers across disciplines: chemical engineers, art historians, sex therapists, and theologians. I’ve also led a university writing across the curriculum program. I understand that academic disciplines have different writing styles and research methods. I will always be upfront about the limits to my expertise. When you need help outside my wheelhouse, I have a network of consultants, statisticians, and editors I can refer you to.
-
You’ve worked really hard to get where you are, and academia can be competitive. I keep client information confidential. I know academic communities are small, and I don’t discuss clients or their projects with anyone unless instructed to do so by the client.
