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Influential Woman · Career services and career coaching
Margaret "Margie" Winter
Certified Career Coach, Career Services By Margie
Pelzer, SC 29669
1Article published
Her Story
About Margaret "Margie"
Margaret Winter is the owner of Career Services By Margie, a career coaching practice dedicated to guiding individuals in the 50-plus age bracket through some of the most pivotal transitions of their working lives. With more than thirteen years of experience in the career services field, she has built a business centered on helping clients navigate job searches, semi-retirement planning, and the shift into full retirement. Her approach blends practical coaching tools, such as resume and interview preparation, with a deep understanding of the emotional weight these transitions can carry, allowing her to support clients not just professionally but personally as well.
Academically, Winter holds a master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Capella University, which she completed with Magna Cum Laude honors, along with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Greenville University, also earned with Cum Laude distinction. Building on this foundation, she has pursued a range of professional certifications, becoming a Certified Career Coach, Certified Life Coach, and Certified Workforce Development Professional. Ever committed to growth, she is currently expanding her skill set further by working toward a certification in digital and data marketing, a pursuit that reflects her belief in lifelong learning as a means of staying relevant and continuing to serve her clients well. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she was selected to be featured among Influential Women representing Pelzer, South Carolina for 2026.
At the heart of Winter's work is a philosophy built on integrity, respect, and genuine care for others. She approaches every client relationship with the understanding that each person carries a unique story and set of values worth honoring, and she often reminds those she mentors that meaningful work is about far more than a paycheck. It is, in her view, rooted in dignity, connection, and purpose. Balancing the demands of running an independent practice while continuing to sharpen her own expertise remains an ongoing challenge for her, yet it is one she meets with the same drive and determination that has defined her career from the start.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Margaret "Margie"
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a driven person who is committed to continuous self-improvement. I believe there is always room to grow, so I make a point of learning something new regularly to stay sharp and become the best version of myself. I stay current in my field through platforms like LinkedIn, Udemy, and Coursera, and I read books in career services often so that I can better serve my clients.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was, "You can't care more than they do." I learned this while teaching pre-release inmates, and it taught me to be mindful of where I invest my emotional energy. Sometimes a client needs a job but doesn't truly want one, and it's important to recognize that their motivation has to come from within. This advice helps me protect my own energy while investing fully in clients who are ready and willing to do the work.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this field that it is an incredibly rewarding career, but it requires both passion and compassion. In my field of career services, it's extremely important to stay informed of the workforce community, who is hiring and what positions are in demand. You need to be ready to meet your client where they are, whether they were laid off, fired or looking for a new position. The next step is to gain their trust by showing them that you're a caring, honest person who believes in their success. When they succeed, you succeed as well.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is meeting my clients where they are in their journey towards employment, semi-retirement and full retirement. I inspire, innovate and brainstorm for solutions to help them with their unique journey that fits them completely. That is accomplished by asking the right questions so that the client can see a solution, an epiphany moment. It's a matter of helping the client realize which direction to choose that's right for them. It's extremely rewarding helping people in their journey through career coaching.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is at the core of who I am — I strive to follow through with what I say I will do, to be able to be counted on by others. I'm a trustworthy and honest person. I care deeply for people, and I believe everyone has their own values and gifts to offer. It's important to me to understand each person's story, to value who they are, and to show them the respect they deserve.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Margaret "Margie"
Sitting on the Riverbank
Stop watching from the sidelines—get in the boat and navigate toward your dreams.
I believe everyone has room for improvement at some point in their life. Years ago, I adopted a mindset that has made me a driven, ambitious person and a lifelong learner.
For example, I have a master's degree, and just last year, well past the age of 65, I earned three certifications: Certified Career Coach, Certified Life Coach, and Certified Workforce Development Professional. This year, I'm earning another certification, this time in Digital Marketing.
Get in the Boat
That mindset is this: I can either sit on the riverbank and watch the boats cruise by on their way to beautiful destinations, or I can get into a boat and find myself at one of those wonderful destinations. The time I spend sitting on the riverbank watching the boats go by is wasted time when I could be getting into a boat and going somewhere. Either way, time is going to move on-with or without you.
For example, it typically takes two years to earn an associate's degree. I can either keep working at a job I don't like, or I can improve myself along the way and earn the degree that will lead me to a new destination. I may still need to work that job during the two years I'm in school, but at least I'm in the boat, moving toward something better. Sitting on the riverbank isn't going to get me to that new destination or help me earn my degree or credential.
So Many Ways to Improve Ourselves
There are so many ways to improve ourselves today! You can earn certifications that qualify you for some excellent career opportunities. You can also invest in trade school and build a rewarding, well-paying career. It's not always a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree that you need to land your dream job. Do a little research, identify the qualifications your dream job requires, and then set sail.
It all starts with believing in yourself and investing the time to gain new skills that increase your value in the job market. Things may seem impossible, but if you don't try, if you don't believe in yourself, or if you feel you don't deserve to reach that destination, how will you ever know what you're capable of achieving?
Get in the boat and go places. Sitting on the riverbank is for those who have already traveled to those destinations and are now encouraging you to begin your own journey up the river.
Margie Winter, Certified Career Coach
Career Services by Margie.com
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