Today we’d like to introduce you to Elle Overholt
Hi Elle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
During my time as an undergraduate at Georgia Tech, I juggled being a student athlete, managing a full course load, working part-time, and completing internships each summer—all while funding my education and dreaming about the future. When I finally secured my first job after graduation, it was a wake-up call; I quickly discovered that the role didn’t align with my skills and experience. This experience ignited a passion in me to help other students avoid similar pitfalls.
Thus, Forth was born from my commitment to ease the transition from college to career.
In 2018, I embarked on a mission to empower talented students to identify their unique skill sets, advocate for themselves in the job market, and embark on careers that truly reflect their strengths. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of students, serving as a keynote speaker, facilitating workshops, coaching corporate professionals on resumes and interviews, and more.
At Forth, we believe in helping you *shake hands* with your future career!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like all entrepreneurial journeys, “smooth” isn’t quite the right word!
Launching a career readiness consulting company during the pandemic might sound like hitting the jackpot, but it was a challenging process to navigate the online landscape. We developed an online course to reach more students, only to discover that many people prefer personalized support in their career journeys.
Over the years, we’ve pivoted multiple times to better understand and meet our customers’ needs.
The best advice I’ve received is to “fail fast.” This approach encourages quick action and iterative improvements, allowing us to refine our services without wasting time figuring out the best way to support our clients!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a career strategist focused on helping clients navigate the “how do I get there” aspect of their job searches. What I aspire to be known for is the meticulous attention to detail I bring to each individual I work with. I genuinely care about their careers and the paths that lie ahead. Many clients approach me during challenging times, seeking a way out of their current situations and yearning for a better life. I understand that pressure deeply, having felt it myself.
I take immense pride in watching my clients apply for and interview for roles that resonate with them, armed with newfound confidence. Often, it’s the small adjustments that can make a significant difference in how we present ourselves during the job search.
What sets me apart from other career coaches or strategists is my background in corporate environments rather than academia. I’ve experienced both sides of the hiring process and understand what hiring managers are truly looking for. I approach the job search with a “people hire people” mentality, which helps cut through the noise and brings clarity to the process.
How do you think about luck?
I truly believe that luck is the intersection of preparation and opportunity!
Preparation is absolutely crucial; it’s where the hard work comes into play. Success is impossible if opportunity knocks and you haven’t put in the necessary effort to seize it.
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve encountered remarkable opportunities—like the surge in demand for job search support during COVID, or being invited to speak on career strategies by former colleagues. These experiences have felt like incredible “luck,” and I am deeply grateful for the timing and circumstances that have come my way.
On a personal note, I feel incredibly fortunate to have a loving and supportive husband, parents, and friends who stand by me in everything I pursue. Not everyone is blessed with such a strong support network, and I cherish it deeply.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goforthllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forth_career_strategy/
Image Credits
Olivia Gulino