COMPASS GUIDES
Careers are built through people.
Sometimes one conversation with the right person changes what comes next. But not everyone knows who to ask or has someone they feel comfortable asking.
Compass Guides connects you one-to-one with experienced professionals who can share perspective on what you’re exploring.
How it works;
Before your meeting, you’ll share a little about your background, what you’re exploring, and the kind of support you’re looking for. Your Guide will receive that information in advance so they can arrive with context and focus on what matters most to you.
A Guide conversation can help you:
✓ Untangle a difficult career decision
✓ Explore a new industry
✓ Prepare for an important transition
✓ Gain perspective from someone who's been there
✓ Leave with greater clarity and confidence
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Find the right Guide:
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Book and purchase your session:
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Prepare with intention:
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Leave with clarity and next steps:
We rely on mentors, former managers, classmates, colleagues, friends, and generous people who make time to share what they've learned.
Those conversations can change careers.
But not everyone has those relationships. And even when they do, every conversation can feel like another favor to ask.
Compass Guides creates another way.
There are two ways to work with Compass Guides:
Book a single conversation directly on this site, whenever you have a specific question. Just follow the Guides link above and it will bring you to the guides live calendar, no membership required.
Or join one of Compass Membership and a Guide Session is included for ongoing access, community, and more.
The Compass Bridge Fund
The Compass Bridge Fund helps provide Guide conversations and Compass Memberships to people who need support but cannot currently afford them.
This matters deeply to me because meaningful career support shouldn't depend entirely on who you know or what you can afford right now.
The Fund is supported by an optional additional fee at checkout, gifts from individuals and organizations, Compass Guides who choose to direct some of their session earnings toward it, and Your Career Compass.
If cost is a barrier, fill out this short application.
“She’s like an ad world Yoda. Over the years, Sam has been a sounding board, a trusted advisor, a source of sharp insight, and someone I’ve leaned on for honest advice when I’ve needed it most.”
— Steve Fogel Group Executive Creative Director HighDive
Answers to some FAQs
Can I book a Guide without joining Compass? Yes. Standalone conversations are open to everyone.
How do I know which Guide to pick? Start with what you're actually trying to figure out, the industry, the role, or the decision in front of you. Each Guide's profile covers their background, the topics they can help with, and the career stages they support, so you can match on relevance, not just title. If you're a member, I can help you decide during Office Hours.
Can I talk to more than one Guide? Yes. There's no limit. Many people meet several Guides for different questions and perspectives.
Why are Guide conversations paid? Many career conversations begin as favors, a former manager makes time, a friend offers an introduction. But favors can be hard to ask for, and harder to keep asking for. Compass Guides creates a different kind of arrangement: dedicated time, clear expectations, and a conversation both people have chosen to have.
Interested in Becoming a Compass Guide?
Compass Guides is a growing community of experienced professionals who enjoy sharing their perspective and helping others navigate what's next.
"You've always been my Compass Guide. It's my pleasure to return the favor to the next."
— Hunter Hall, Compass Guide
If you're interested in sharing your experience and supporting others through thoughtful career conversations, we'd love to learn more about you.
Complete the interest form to start the conversation.