The Bridge to Industry Program is a 12–16-week career development experience for recent or upcoming STEM graduates. Designed to close the gap between academic achievement and successful job placement, the program provides a structured, high-impact approach to launching a professional career.

Through targeted personal coaching, self-paced learning with practical tools, and a test-and-learn approach, participants gain clarity, confidence, and repeatable systems to navigate the job market effectively.

All learning content, tools, and techniques have been test-driven and refined through real-world application with STEM professionals at Mohawk College and McMaster University, ensuring relevance, effectiveness, and adaptability to similar early-career transitions.

Why Choose this Program?

Led by Shauna Richter—a corporate leader turned coach and educator—the Bridge to Industry Program blends real-world hiring insight with practical, proven tools that have been tested and refined with STEM grads facing similar challenges.

 

This program was built by Shauna Richter who has hired hundreds of STEM professionals, launched technical co-op teams, and coaches students and graduates through Mohawk College and McMaster University.

 

This isn’t about “polishing” your resume and hoping for the best. You’ll build a strategic job search system—and the skills to use it confidently, again and again.

Testimonial

“Shauna is more than a few resume edits, or a simple bridge to connect to the industry. What she’s offering has more personal touch than any other career services, as she gives you advice for who you are and what you want in life, and she goes all out to help you reach it now or later. When you are frustrated on the job search journey, she reminds you of your accomplishments and successes which helps you to be confident and better prepare for seizing future opportunities.”

Karen Zhong, McMaster University, Master of Financial Mathematics (2024/25)

Who is it For?

This program is designed for recent or upcoming STEM grads who are:

  • Unsure how to bridge from academics to industry

  • Working, but not in the field they trained for

  • Applying everywhere, but not gaining traction

  • Feeling lost, stuck, or unsure of what to do next

If this is you — or someone you know — you’re in the right place.

What You’ll Get

The Bridge to Industry is a 12-16 week career development experience that helps upcoming and new grads move from “just surviving” the job search to confidently navigating their next steps.

Inside the program, you’ll:

  • Define a clear career vision aligned with your strengths and goals.

  • Build a high-impact personal brand tool kit and how to use it effectively, including resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile.

  • Learn how to AI tools to save time and strategically apply these to your data and job search.

  • Improve interview confidence with live coaching and mock interview practice for behavioural, technical, and case based interview questions.

  • Learn how to network with intention and build industry relationships using a process that you can leverage across your carrier.

  • Gain support and accountability from a seasoned professional and trained coach, and a peer cohort.

Testimonial

“I realized that the job I truly wanted was actually possible. Before, I felt limited to only the careers I had heard about. But after speaking with Shauna, I was introduced to more opportunities than I ever imagined—and learned how to pursue them.”

Rosemary Ekang, McMaster, Master Financial Mathematics (2024/25)

Program Structure - Two Options

💻 Option 1: Individual Self-Paced Program

For those who want a proven, flexible system — with expert support designed according to your needs.

✔ Duration: 12–16 weeks
✔ Format: Virtual, self-paced with personalized coaching
✔ Platform: Microsoft Teams (or client-preferred)

🔎 What’s Included:

  • Structured Video Learning System

    • 6-month access to a step-by-step, tested job search curriculum designed specifically for STEM grads.

    • You'll be guided through the entire process — from clarifying your career goals to building your toolkit, networking with purpose, and preparing for interviews.
      Each module is paired with a workbook to help you take focused action and apply what you learn immediately.

  • Downloadable tools and templates to build your resume, craft outreach messages, and accelerate applications using AI.
  • 6 x 30-minute coaching sessions (live, virtual)
    Personalized support tailored to your needs — including mock interviews, personal strategy and systems, and mindset shifts when you hit a wall.
  • Text/WhatsApp support
    Get real-time feedback between sessions when you need a quick check-in, boost, or second opinion.

🤝 Option 2: Group Cohort Program

For those who thrive in a structured community setting with live coaching and peer momentum.

✔ Duration: 12 weeks
✔ Format: Virtual, cohort-based (5–8 participants)
✔ Platform: Microsoft Teams (or client-preferred)

🔎 What’s Included:

  • Structured Video Learning System

    • 6-month access to a step-by-step, tested job search curriculum designed specifically for STEM grads.

    • You'll be guided through the entire process — from clarifying your career goals to building your toolkit, networking with purpose, and preparing for interviews.
      Each module is paired with a workbook to help you take focused action and apply what you learn immediately.

  • Downloadable tools and templates to build your resume, craft outreach messages, and accelerate applications using AI.
  • 3 x 30-minute private coaching sessions (live, virtual)
    Personalized support tailored to your needs — including mock interviews, personal strategy and systems, and mindset shifts when you hit a wall.
  • Text/WhatsApp support
    Get real-time feedback between sessions when you need a quick check-in, boost, or second opinion.
  • 6 x 60–75 minute group coaching sessions (bi-weekly, live, virtual)
    Participant-led, coach-facilitated. You’ll bring your challenges and wins to each session and leave with next steps, clarity, and support.
  • Private Teams group
    A shared space for job leads, feedback, check-ins, encouragement, and troubleshooting — especially helpful when you’re navigating tricky decisions or waiting to hear back after an interview.

What post graduate students at Mohawk College say about working with Shauna

“Shauna helped me come out of my shell. I now see how my previous work experience connects to real-world roles.”

“Her style encouraged deep understanding and helped me relate the concepts to my actual experience.”

“She brought out the best in me—this was definitely my favorite class of the semester.”

“Shauna is respectful, supportive, and helps guide you through every challenge without bias.”

“The way she connects real-world examples to the material really helped me understand how to apply what I was learning.”

“Her delivery is unique and exquisite. She really makes you think differently about your next steps.”

“Shauna’s approach helped me clarify my direction and gave me more confidence in how I present myself professionally.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Individual and Group Coaching?

Individual Coaching Sessions

These sessions are fully personalized. Each conversation starts by identifying what would be most valuable to explore. Together, coach and participant set a clear intention, dive into the discussion, and then revisit the original goal to assess the session’s value.

Participants can expect to:

  • Set the agenda based on their current needs related to job search strategy and career development
  • Explore practical strategies or mindset shifts
  • Receive focused, individualized support
  • Leave with increased clarity, confidence, or a next step

Group Coaching Sessions

Group coaching sessions are participant-driven and dynamically shaped by the needs of the group. Each session begins with a roundtable check-in, where participants share updates on the competencies they’ve been working on—what’s working, what’s challenging, and what could be even better if…

The coach facilitates the discussion and offers potential focus areas based on emerging themes. The group then decides together on the session’s topic. Before diving in, the coach asks: “How will you know you got what you needed from this session?”—and circles back at the end to measure how well the session met that goal.

Participants can expect to:

  • Reflect on progress and share insights related to leadership development
  • Co-define the session topic based on real challenges
  • Explore new strategies or perspectives in a supportive environment
  • Leave with clear takeaways or topics to explore further in 1:1 coaching

What will I learn in the self-paced video content?

What You’ll Work Through

The program is structured around six essential stages — delivered in short (~10 minutes or less), focused video lessons you can access anytime. Each theme builds your momentum and confidence and leaves you with meaningful next steps to apply a test-and-learn approach between videos.

All content is anchored by a step-by-step workbook designed to guide your thinking, capture your insights, and help you put each concept into action. It’s your roadmap for making progress — even if you’re not sure where to start.

✅ Your Vision

Define where you're going — based on your strengths, interests, and industry opportunities.

✅ Your Personal Brand

Craft your story, elevator pitch, resume, and LinkedIn to reflect who you are and where you're headed.

✅ Your Job Search Strategy

Apply smarter, not harder — with proven tactics for applications, follow-ups, and tracking.

✅ Your Networking Process

Learn how to confidently connect with the right people — even if you're starting from the beginning.

✅ Your Interview Prep

Show up ready, relaxed, and real. Includes formats, common questions, and practice tips.

✅ Your Next Steps

Negotiate offers, plan your growth, and stay resilient — even when things get tough.

💡 Why It Works

Most grads are told to “just put yourself out there.” That’s not a strategy. This program gives you structure, tools, and real-world insight — so you can move forward with confidence and direction.

Built by a leader and coach who has hired hundreds of professionals and coached upcoming grads and early stage professionals to make the leap into industry.

Are the coaching sessions conducted in person or virtually?

All coaching sessions are virtual, either via video or phone call, depending on your preference.

What is the time commitment for this program?

Time Commitment

You’ll invest about 1 to 1.5 hours per weekday on average:

  • Short learning videos (~10 min/day)

  • 50–80 targeted job applications/week (~3–6 hrs total)

  • 40+ networking reach-outs/week (~1 hr)

  • 1 networking conversation/week (~1 hr)

  • Biweekly group call

  • 3 personalized coaching calls across 12 weeks

This might look like a lot, but through this program, you will figure out how to do all of this extremely efficiently and also how to use AI to assist you! This is about building real career momentum, one small daily action at a time.

What does this program cost?

Investment

Introductory Rate: $597 CAD + HST
 (Payment due upon acceptance. Space is limited.)

The investment for either program option is the same.

Contact Shauna

Connect with me on LinkedIn!

Shauna Richter, BA. Econ, PMP, CBAP, ICF ACC-C (2025)

Shauna has over 20 years of corporate experience and is an experienced coach and educator with a background in technical team development. Shauna has hired hundreds of technical professionals, lifted off 8 technical Co-op squads, and built and led technical teams in small technology start ups to multinational financial services firms. She is a Professor at Mohawk College and is a Professional Development Coach at McMaster University. She coaches upcoming grads and early stage STEM professionals to bridge from academics to industry.