Carol McClelland began working with clients in career and life transitions in 1991. Since then she's written several books: The Seasons of Change, Nature's Wisdom Deck, Changing Careers For Dummies, and the Career Clarity Program.

When you went to college did you imagine you'd be a career coach?

As I prepared to graduate from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Psychology, I had no idea what I was going to do next. Thankfully, I had some professors who mentored me and supported me in reaching for a higher degree. In graduate school, I studied Organizational Psychology--the psychology of the work place. After working as an internal consultant for five years, I realized I could use my knowledge to have far more impact helping individuals discover how they best function in the work world--whether in a large company, a small organization, or their own business.

Are most people happy in their careers?

Surveys generally show that between 60% and 70% of people are 1) dissatisfied with their current job, 2) unengaged at work, or 3) looking for their next job. Another key statistic to keep in mind is that the U.S. Department of Labor estimates each person will have between six and ten careers in their lifetime. (Not jobs...careers!). People entering the workforce in 2008 are likely to have between ten and fourteen careers.

How did you get started doing career coaching?

During my graduate school years at Purdue University, my favorite classes were those that examined the balance between work and life. I felt passionately that we all deserve to have that balance. Most people focus on their career first and fit their life in around the edges of their work life. When I changed careers, I hoped to support people through difficult life transitions. One of the support groups I announced was for people who recognized that they were craving a career change. That group filled, and filled again. In addition to using my transition support ideas, I also reached back to my graduate training and my own career change to develop a process to help people discover their passion and their own unique identity.

Why a "green" career site?

Over the past few years, more and more clients have expressed an interest in making a difference in their community--and the world. The blossoming of the green economy now encourages them to feel that green is a viable career to strive for. However, in my role as career coach, I ask them what they want to do in the green economy and, inevitably, they don't know what kind of green career they want.

I have created this site to give people the guidance and support they need to match their passion for the environment, their skill set, and their experience, with a career where they can make a difference and prosper.

How do you feel about the launch of Green Career Central?

I'm excited! The green economy is growing and evolving each week. New companies are getting funding, new innovations are reaching the marketplace, and established corporations are taking on green and sustainable goals. All of this means that people who are looking for a green career have opportunities they never had before. What makes this time even more exciting is that each green industry is maturing at a different rate. Having strategies to find your way into a green career will give you an edge to land the green career you want.

The Green Career Central™ Team

Website Development

Founder and Managing Editor: Carol McClelland
Production Manager/Photographer: Kent Fields
Marketing: Lynn Strand Marks
Researcher: Lauren Delp
Graphic Designer: Ellen Silva
Editor: Alison Thordsen
Marketing Assistant/Customer Service: Susan Sullivan
Online Marketing Manager: Donna Gunter

Contributing Experts

Green Career Consultant: Marie Kerpan
Green Niche and Transition Coach: Karin Marcus
Research Expert: Lauren E. Delp
Resume Expert: Jewel Bracy DeMaio
Interview and Video Resume Coaches: Robin Ogden and Chris Fogarty
One Page Business Plan Coach: Susan L. Reid
Personal Branding, Marketing/Branding - Samantha Hartley