One-on-One Coaching Program
Gain clarity over your priorities and advance your goals this summer through our three month 1-on-1 coaching program. Designed to support graduate students and postdocs in navigating the complexities of academic and professional life, coaching facilitates intentional decision-making and sustainable progress. Our program provides a structured, yet adaptable space for reflection, goal setting, and strategic action.
Places are limited. Applications are due Monday, May 11, 2026 at 10:00am EST. Read the instructions below carefully before applying.
What is Coaching?
Coaching is a collaborative process that fosters self-directed growth through guided reflection and conversation. Together, you and your coach will clarify priorities, identify challenges and develop concrete strategies to realize your objectives. In other words, a coach is a thinking partner who helps you figure out what you need to do, rather than telling you what you should do.
How Can Coaching Help You?
Coaching can help you to...
- Clarify your goals wholistically – any goal, not just your academic ones
- Create actionable steps with accountability structures
- Develop strategies for balance, time management, and decision-making
- Identify and address challenges that may be impeding your progress
- Enhance your confidence in navigating graduate education
Coaching sessions are designed to align with your specific needs and aspirations. Each session begins with an exploration of your session objective, followed by a focus on practical, actionable steps to facilitate meaningful progress.
About Your Coach
I’m April, a Professional Goal-Centric Certified Coach (PGCC) with over six years of experience helping graduate students navigate challenges, set meaningful goals, and make intentional progress. My approach is warm, open, and curiosity-driven, providing a supportive space for reflection and growth. I emphasize joyful productivity, blending a sense of humor with a practical mindset to help students build sustainable habits, maintain balance, and move forward with clarity and accountability.
Program Structure and Commitment
- The One-on-One Coaching Program is open to all McGill graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
- There are only 10 spots available.
- Students selected to participate in this program will receive 2, 1-hour online sessions per month from June-August for a total of 6 sessions.
- Coaching sessions will be scheduled at the same time every other week, with a few exceptions outlined in the schedule below.
- Attendance at all 6 coaching sessions is expected, as is participation in a post-coaching feedback survey following the final coaching session.
- Interested candidates are invited to fill out this application form by the deadline of 10:00 am EST on Monday, May 11, 2026.
- Applicants are encouraged to take their time to submit thoughtful and authentic application materials.
- Individual applications will be assessed on their ability to commit to the program timeline, and the suitability of an applicant’s goal(s) to a six-week coaching process.
- Selected applicants will be invited to a 30-minute consultation session during the first week of June to ensure that this coaching program meets their needs and expectations, that they feel comfortable working with April as their coach, to confirm their commitment level and availability, and to discuss any questions, comments or concerns.
Program Schedule
- May 11: applications due at 10am EST
- May 12-15: selected applicants contacted
- June 1-4: 30-minute consultation meetings
- June 8-August 27: coaching sessions
- August 31: deadline for post-coaching feedback survey