Skip to main content
Discover Diplomacy
Discover Diplomacy
Coaches/Apply

Coach application

Discover Diplomacy is building a network of vetted insiders who help early-career professionals navigate internationally-focused careers. We're selective about coaches for one reason: the trust is real. People book time with coaches because they trust that person has walked the path and earned the right to guide others.

This application vets for expertise, generosity, and alignment with our mission. Answer thoughtfully. There are no "correct" answers — we're looking for authenticity and clarity.

Basics

Section 1 — Your background & expertise

1.In three sentences, describe your current or most recent role and why you left it (or why you're still there).

We want to understand your career arc and what drew you to this work. This helps us position you accurately to candidates.

2.What field would you describe your expertise in?

Select all that apply.

3.How did you break into your field?

Walk us through your entry point — the fellowship, the job, the connection, the mentor. This story helps candidates see a path, and it shows us whether your advice is rooted in real experience.

4.How many years have you worked in internationally-focused roles?
5.Geographic or thematic focus?

What region(s), organization types, or specialties do you know best? (E.g., "West Africa, emerging market finance"; "UN system, conflict resolution"; "Latin America NGO management")

Section 2 — Coaching experience & philosophy

6.Have you coached, mentored, or helped junior professionals before this?

Describe 2–3 examples. What was the context, how long did you work with them, and what was the outcome? (E.g., "helped my direct report prep for a Foreign Service exam," "mentored a fellowship cohort on proposal writing," "advised a friend on a career pivot.")

7.Why do people ask you for advice?

Be honest. Are you the person they call before a big interview? The one who knows the system? The person who's been through it? The connective type?

8.What's your coaching philosophy?

In 3–4 sentences: What do you believe makes mentoring effective? Do you coach by asking questions, by sharing war stories, by making introductions, by being a sounding board, or something else?

9.How do you handle disagreement or feedback?

If someone pushed back on your advice or said "that didn't work for me," how would you respond? This tells us if you're coachable and collaborative.

10.What are your non-negotiables as a coach?

Are there things you won't do (e.g., pull strings unfairly, oversell connections, misrepresent the field)? What matters to you ethically?

Section 3 — Discover Diplomacy fit & mission

11.What draws you to Discover Diplomacy?

Have you used the platform? Do you know someone who has? What problem do you think we're solving? Why does it matter to you?

12.What kind of coaches would you want to learn from as a candidate?

If you were an early-career person navigating this field right now, what would you want from a mentor? This tells us what standard you'll hold yourself to.

13.How would you describe "the trust wall"?

We believe genuine referrals and vouches are earned, never for sale. Paid time is sold (coaching, review, expertise). Earned trust is not. How does this land for you? Do you agree? Would you be able to operate inside it?

14.What's one thing you wish you'd known earlier in your career?

This reveals what you'd most want to pass on. Real answer matters here.

15.Network & community

Name 3–5 people (no pressure to list everyone) who could vouch for your work as a mentor or colleague. Include their role/organization and a sentence on how they know you. We may reach out — and we're explicit about this.

Section 4 — Video responses

2–3 minutes each. Use your phone, Zoom, or any recorder. Be yourself — authenticity matters more than production quality. Paste a shareable link (Loom, Google Drive, Dropbox, YouTube unlisted), or email files to hello@discoverdiplomacy.org.

V1.Why do you want to coach, and why should you coach?

Tell us why coaching appeals to you now, why you're the right person to do it (don't be modest), and what you hope coaching will do for you and the people you work with. We're listening for clarity, generosity, and realism.

V2.What is your vision for Discover Diplomacy, and how do you want to contribute to that mission?

How you see Discover Diplomacy evolving over the next 2–3 years, the role you'd play in that vision, what you'd build or change, and why this matters to you personally. We're listening for understanding of the trust-wall principle and a vision that's both ambitious and grounded.

We review on a rolling basis and read every application ourselves.