Tricia Dolkas

Founder

With over 20 years as a corporate recruiter, I know how companies recruit.  I have worked with people at all stages of their career and see how my insider knowledge can benefit their job search.

I graduated from Stanford University in the middle of a recession. Even with an MS degree looking for my first job was hard work. I didn't have a professional network and felt tongue-tied in interviews. Finally with an offer, I didn't try to negotiate because I didn't know how.

My profession started in tech:  data analytics, product mgmt and software mgmt. Then transitioned to corporate recruiting (20 yrs) for large corporations and start-ups: IBM, Google, Driscoll's, Qualcomm, Sears, Blue Jeans Network, VMWare, etc…. My recruiting experience includes all functional roles across the corporation from college recruiting to C-suite.

Over the years friends and family have asked me to coach them during their own job search. Each had struggled at different phases of a job search: from developing a network to negotiating an offer. They had never learned the fundamental skills needed during a job search. My knowledge as a corporate recruiter made their job search more effective.  My coaching gave them practical skills resulting in easier and more strategic job searches.

I started  KickStart Career in 2017 to provide personalized career coaching for young professionals with a talent insider.  As a parent of one college graduate and one college student, I was deeply aware of the limitations of college career centers in providing personalized support for all students.

My services are tailored to your specific needs. You will learn the skills needed for every transition during your professional life.  The job search process will be less stressful.

I am your search partner.