What Does Academic Coaching Actually Do? Real Talk from Inside the EMERGE Café (AcWriMo Edition)

Ever Paid a Coach to Help You in Academia?

If you haven’t, you’re not alone.

Many academics — from PhD students to full professors — believe they have to figure things out on their own. That includes questions about their dissertation, dealing with peer review, navigating job markets, or publishing under pressure. Even though we know senior scholars often have a whole team behind them (teaching assistants, research collaborators, editors, and more), many still feel that getting help is somehow “cheating.”

Let me tell you right now: that belief is holding people back.

The Two Biggest Myths About Academic Coaching

In my experience as a writing and career coach for researchers in the humanities and social sciences, I hear two major misconceptions again and again:

1. "Getting help means I’m not capable."This one runs deep. Many early-career researchers carry the weight of perfectionism and self-reliance. But here’s the thing: even the most successful scholars didn’t get there alone. Most standout professors have an armada of assistants who help them get their work done. Think teaching assistants, line editors, secretaries, mentors, and more.

2. "I don’t know what coaching even is, and I probably can’t afford it." Fair. Coaching in academia is still relatively new, and most people only discover what it actually involves when they’re in crisis mode. But most coaching is more affordable than people think, and once they've seen the results, most consider it priceless.

So let’s change these misconceptions once and for all.

What Academic Coaching Looks Like in Practice

Here are two real-life examples from my coaching practice that show what academic coaching can do:

Case 1: From Overwhelmed Assistant Professor to Clarity and Boundaries

One client came to me shortly after landing an assistant professorship. On paper, it was the dream step after their postdoc. In reality, they were drowning in responsibilities, and the department culture was far less welcoming than it had seemed during the campus visit.

Together, we created a milestone plan focused on:

• Setting boundaries for meetings and administrative work

• Saying no to unnecessary service tasks

• Preparing for a clear, confident conversation with the department head

• Rebuilding space in their calendar for research and writing

This wasn't about fixing everything overnight. It was about regaining control so they could to what mattered most to them: research and writing.

Case 2: Winning the Dream Job through Strategy and Preparation

Another client approached me with an application for a long-term academic position at a university they had dreamed of joining for years. We worked through everything, including:

• Strengthening their CV to highlight academic publishing achievements

• Sharpening the tone and focus of their cover letter

• Refining their research and teaching statements for clarity and fit

• Preparing mock interviews to boost confidence and handle tough questions

When the interview invitation came through, we celebrated — and kept practising. She got the job.

And no, coaching didn’t magically get her the position. But it helped her avoid common mistakes and show up at her very best. And I’m always honest about people’s chances. We also worked on a solid backup plan for other academic and alt-ac opportunities.

Why I’m Telling You This Now: The Ask the Coach Challenge (AcWriMo Edition)

This month is Academic Writing Month (AcWriMo), and inside the EMERGE Café, my free community space for researchers, we’re running a special challenge this week:

Ask the Coach: Get Real Advice on Your Biggest Academic Writing or Career Challenge

You can bring your most pressing question — whether it’s about:

• Finding time to write your PhD dissertation

• Dealing with rejection in publishing

• Preparing job applications

• Planning your academic career beyond the next semester

I’ll respond directly inside the Café, and you’ll also get thoughtful insights from our incredible community. We have researchers from across disciplines and career stages, from first-year PhD candidates to experienced professors. Everyone is welcome, and no question is too small or too messy.

If you’ve ever been curious about what academic coaching is, this is your chance to get a free taste.

What Else Is Happening in the EMERGE Café this Month?

Alongside the Ask the Coach Challenge, we’ve packed the Café with AcWriMo-themed resources to support your writing and publishing goals:

• Co-writing sessions to help you get words on the page

• Mini prompts and reflection tools to break through writing blocks

• Accountability challenges to help you commit to your goals

• And yes, space to talk about writing and career questions without judgment

Ready to Join?

Just sign up for the EMERGE Café, and you’ll get instant access to the community and the Ask the Coach thread. It’s completely free — and you can stay for as long or short as you like.

You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s make this AcWriMo the one where you stop spinning your wheels and start finding support that actually fits your academic life.

P.s. And if you missed the Ask-the-Coach week, don't worry. We have ongoing challenges and support, so join whenever you see this for more helpful resources.