About Us

Wise to Work is a Chicago-based career coaching practice that helps new college graduates and early-career professionals gain clarity, build real connections, and take confident steps forward into work where they can grow and contribute.

Our work is entirely one-on-one. There are no webinars, group classes, or recorded courses. Every client works directly with a coach who learns their story, their goals, and what is standing in their way, and then builds a plan with them, session by session. Between sessions, our clients stay in touch with their coach by email and text, so questions get answered and momentum never stalls.

Our Story

Wise to Work was founded by Megan Burke, a native Californian who now lives in Chicago, where she returned after attending New Trier High School. Megan's experience spans partnerships with start-ups and Fortune 500 companies across the country and internationally. Through her work in consultative sales, executive leadership, outplacement, and career coaching, she has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and thoughtful partner to clients navigating important professional decisions.

Over the years, Megan has coached, mentored, inspired, and helped thousands of people find greater clarity, confidence, and meaning in their work: from young people preparing to launch, to early-career professionals learning how to navigate the workplace, to experienced leaders and senior executives considering a transition or working through a career dilemma or crisis.

Wise to Work brings that experience to the people who need it most right now: those entering the workforce and those looking for their second or third job.

Our Approach

Our coaching style is collaborative, inclusive, and deeply human. We help clients identify what may be holding them back, reframe challenges, and build the clarity and confidence to move forward. We believe that uncertainty, transition, and even career setbacks can become powerful moments of growth when people have the right support and strategy.

Every engagement follows three steps:

• Get Clear — Know your path. We explore your strengths, values, and interests, define the roles and companies worth targeting, and develop the brand statement you will use everywhere.
• Get Connected — Build your network. We create your résumé and LinkedIn profile, then teach you how to find the right people, reach out with confidence, and turn contacts into genuine professional relationships.
• Get Hired — Land your next role. We prepare you for recruiter screens and interviews through mock interviews and honest feedback, and we support you through offers and negotiation.

What We Believe

• Talent is not the problem. Most graduates have ability and ambition. What they are missing is practical knowledge, relationships, and a way to communicate their value.
• Connection opens doors. Most opportunities come through people. Knowing how to build and nurture professional relationships is the most important career skill no one teaches in school.
• Networking is a skill, not a personality trait. It can be taught, practiced, and made authentic, even for people who feel shy or unsure where to start.
• One-on-one coaching builds skills that last. Our clients leave with the documents they need and the confidence to use them on every future job search.
• Your story matters. We help you tell it clearly, in writing, online, and in person.