Powerful Questions
A student says, “I have no idea what I want to major in.” Ask one powerful question to help them reflect.
“What subjects or activities have you enjoyed the most so far?” or “What interests you outside of class?”
Use the technique of "Curiosity" to assist the following student:
"I'm thinking about applying to work abroad, but I am not sure it's realistic"
- "When you say you’re not sure it’s realistic, what does ‘realistic’ mean to you in this context?"
- "What kind of experiences do you imagine having if you did work abroad?"
- "What’s making you hesitate — is it logistics, confidence, something else?"
In this style, the student leads the conversation and decides the topic.
Coaching
What does the letter "G" stand for in the GROW Model? Name one question you can ask for this letter.
G= Goal
Question: What would you like to achieve in today's appointment?
You want a student to take ownership of their job search process. What’s one powerful question you could ask?
“What’s one step you could take this week toward finding a position?” or “How do you want to approach this search?”
Use the technique "Summarize back" to assist the following student:
"I've talked to my advisor, my parents, even my roommate. Everyone has an opinion, and I'm more confused than when I started about what career I should choose"
"It sounds like you’ve been seeking advice from a lot of people — your advisor, your parents, your roommate — and now you’re feeling even more confused about what direction to take."
"You’re getting a lot of input, but it’s making things feel more overwhelming rather than clearer."
Name 2 key differences between coaching and advising sessions
Coaching: Explores inner wisdom - Advising: Provides expertise, info, direction
Coaching: Collaborative partnership of equals - Advising: expert-helper dynamic
Coaching: Builds ownership & accountability - Advising: focuses on clarity and next steps
What does the letter "R" stand for in the GROW model? Name one question for this letter.
R= Reality
Question: Where are you right now in the process?
Rewrite this closed question to make it more powerful: “Are you going to apply for that internship?
“What interests you about that internship?” or “What would applying for that opportunity mean for your goals?”
Use the technique "Open-ended questions" to assist the following student:
"I just want a job that makes me happy"
- "Can you tell me about a time when you felt really happy doing something — even if it wasn’t a job?"
- "What kinds of tasks or environments bring you energy or excitement?"
- "What values or priorities feel most important to you in a job right now?"
This approach focuses on sharing resources, tools, and steps to take.
Advising
What does the letter "O" stand for in the GROW model? What is one question you can ask for the letter O?
O= Options
Question: What relationships do you already have in your life the can help connect you to x industry?
A student is overwhelmed trying to choose between two career paths. Name one powerful question that could help them reflect or prioritize.
“What does success look like in each path?” or “Which one aligns more with your long-term goals or values?
Use the following technique to assist the following student: "Assist in Seeing New Perspective"
"I didn't get an internship, which just confirms that I am not good enough to land a job"
"What else might be true about why you didn’t get this internship?"
Is the following coaching or advising?: "What's one small step you could take this week to move forward?"
What does the letter "W" stand for in the GROW model? What is one question you can ask for the letter W?
W= Way Forward
Question: What do you plan on doing this week to help you get closer to your goal?
A student keeps saying, “I don’t know what I want to do after graduation.” What’s one powerful question to help them dig deeper?
“If you had to make a guess, what direction feels most exciting?” or “What would you do if there were no wrong choice?”
Use the technique "Assist in understanding current perspective" to help the following student.
"I'm avoiding all my career stuff. Every time I open LinkedIn, I feel dread"
"It sounds like opening LinkedIn brings up a strong emotional reaction for you. Can you tell me more about what that dread feels like — or what thoughts come up when you see your feed?"
Coaching or Advising?:
Have you considered talking to a professor in that field? I know someone I can connect you with."
Advising
Which letter in the GROW model is the best place to insert advising? Why?