Karrie Trzcinka Schultz, MSW

Karrie Trzcinka Schultz, MSW, is the Founder and Career Consultant of Guiding Light Careers, a career coaching practice based in the Detroit Metropolitan Area dedicated to making career support more accessible, flexible, and human-centered. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a Minor in Advertising from Oakland University in 2007 and completed her Master of Social Work in Community Organizing and Health at the University of Michigan School of Social Work in 2014. Her academic and professional foundation reflects a strong blend of communication, advocacy, and systems-level thinking, which has shaped her approach to career development throughout her 13+ years in higher education.
Karrie has built a distinguished career in university career services, most recently serving as Assistant Director of Career Development at the University of Michigan. In this role, she provided high-level career advising, led program development initiatives, and supported hundreds of students annually in navigating academic-to-career transitions. Her work also included collaboration with cross-campus partners, leadership in international student career development efforts, and contributions to large-scale programming designed to expand access to career readiness resources. Across all of her roles, she has been recognized for her relational approach, strong communication skills, and ability to meet individuals where they are in their professional journey.
Her practice is grounded in empathy, individualized support, and a deep understanding of the intersection between personal well-being and professional growth. After experiencing significant personal health challenges—including frequent medical appointments and surgeries—Karrie made the intentional decision to transition away from institutional employment in order to prioritize her health and create a more sustainable, flexible way of working. This life shift became the catalyst for founding Guiding Light Careers, launched in early May, with a mission to redefine career coaching through accessibility and compassion.
Through Guiding Light Careers, Karrie offers 90-minute, a la carte coaching sessions designed to eliminate the financial and structural barriers often associated with traditional coaching models. Sessions are available during daytime hours, evenings, and weekends, allowing clients to engage in support that fits their lives rather than the other way around. Her approach integrates her social work training with practical career strategy, creating a space where clients are not only supported in their professional goals but also in their overall well-being. Karrie’s work is centered on the belief that individuals should not have to choose between caring for their health and pursuing meaningful, fulfilling careers, and she is committed to helping clients build sustainable paths forward that honor both.

• University of Michigan - MSW
• Oakland University - BA, Communication, minor in Advertising

• NACE (National Association of College and Employers)
• Michigan Career Development Association
• M-WACE (Midwest Association for College and Employers)