Washington Career Services (WCS) is a career management firm specializing in organizational and career counseling for individuals, academia, and industry. Our mission is to provide career and educational planning services and comprehensive training to our clients. Founded in 2003, WCS has designed and implemented a variety of services focusing on self-direction and self-reliance with the goal of improving professional and personal performance.
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Melissa S. Fireman
Career Counselor and Coach, Master Career Counselor (MCC)
I am the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Washington Career Services, a career management firm specializing in career and organizational counseling for individuals, academia, and industry. My 20 years experience in business, career development, recruiting, training and academia has prepared me to help my clients in all aspects of career development from career exploration, career transition, job search strategies to career management. I work with my clients to figure out what their needs are, and then set goals together to get you where you want to be. My approach combines person-centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT emphasizes the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do).
I was formerly the Human Resources Manager for Staffing and Development at Time Life Inc. (division of Time Warner), so I understand the recruitment side of organizations intimately. I created a variety of managed programs including the Time Life employee development-training program, as well as innovative talent acquisition initiatives. Later, I worked as the Employer Relations Representative/Career Consultant for The George Washington University Career Center, where I developed relationships with employers from the private, public and government sectors. I am a career-changer, so I understand the work that is needed to clarify your career and life goals. I started Washington Career Services in 2003 and I have been very happy with my decision as it aligns with my talents, passions and values. I earned my Masters of Science in Organizational/Clinical Counseling at Johns Hopkins University and obtained my BA in Sociology and Business from the University of Maryland, College Park. In addition, I hold a MCDP-Master Career Development Professional Certification from the National Career Development Association, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® Certification. I have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, NBC4 News, Yahoo! HotJobs, MSN, College News, The Hill, Bethesda Magazine, Let’s Talk Live and the Quarterlifer's Companion. I work with recent college grads, mid career professionals, senior level executives, and re-entry clients. My specialty areas are Fortune 500, non-profits, for profits, associations and government. I have 20 years experience working with organizations and individuals in the Metro-Washington DC area, NY, California, as well as across the country and internationally. Additional information: Group and individualized Outplacements services, workshops, OD Training, Federal Contracts, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® Certified, Strong Interest Inventory, Firo-B, 360 Degree Feedback assessments. I provide phone, Zoom and Google Meet or MS Teams sessions, as well as evening and weekend hours. |
Susanne M. Maurer
Career Counselor and Coach, Licensed Professional Counselor
I am the Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer of Washington Career Services, a career management firm specializing in career and organizational counseling for individuals, academia, and industry. My 20 years of experience in career development, mental health, and academia has prepared me to help my clients in all aspects of career development from career exploration, career transition, job search strategies to career management. I believe in a collaborative approach to career counseling, with a focus on not only how the work the client and I do together can help with the immediate needs, but also how the client can take what he/she learns and apply it to future career and life planning. My approach combines short term solution-focused therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with additional techniques drawing from the client-focused approach (client manages his/her treatment goals with support from counselor).
I have been working in the mental health counseling field since earning a Master of Arts degree from Marymount University in 2002. While in graduate school, I worked in corporate sales for a large health club, learning first-hand the importance of a healthy work life balance and stress management in the workplace. My work at the health club was further enhanced by providing employee assistance support to the employees of Arlington County. At the George Washington University Career Center, I was in charge of the career resources, helping students and alumni sort through job postings, internships, and part-time positions that would meet their unique needs. Later, I became a Licensed Professional Counselor and began to provide career support and supervision to up-and-coming therapists. I am a member of the American Counseling Association and the National Career Development Association and enjoy staying connected to the fields of both career and clinical counseling. I have been interviewed by CNN and Discovery Health, as well as featured in the Washington Post and Washington Post Express, NBC4 News, and The Hill. I work with adolescents, pre-college, recent college grads, mid-career professionals, career transitioners, parents returning to the workforce and parents planning to leave and then return to the workforce, and other workforce re-entry clients. I have experience working with non-profit, higher education, for profit, professional associations, and government agencies in the Metro-Washington DC area, as well as across the country. Additional information: Outplacement (on-site and off-site outplacement counseling), workshops for individuals and organizations, Federal Contracts, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® Certified company, Strong Interest Inventory. I provide phone, Zoom, and FaceTime sessions, as well as evening and weekend hours. |
