Retired workers to serve as 'mental coaches' for college students

Retired workers will serve as "mental coaches" to help college students with their studies, career planning and job searches. The initiative is designed as an intergenerational model that gives experienced older workers a new professional role and career transition opportunity while supporting young students in adjusting to campus life and preparing for employment.

The Seoul branch of the Korea Labor Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday with Korea Polytechnics Seoul Gangseo Campus and the Korea Coach Association to launch the "middle-aged mental coach" program for enrolled students at the campus.

The program was created to open a new professional domain — coaching and counseling — for retired workers from the second baby boomer generation who hold advanced degrees and extensive field experience. Participants who previously held primary careers as fashion designers, office managers and similar roles will gain work experience as coaches before formally transitioning into the role, helping students avoid dropping out and guiding them through career and employment challenges.

The three organizations will provide tailored services — including one-on-one counseling and group coaching sessions — over 12 weeks during the second semester this year, targeting students enrolled across 12 departments at Korea Polytechnics Seoul Gangseo Campus, including the fashion design and digital content departments.

Each organization has a defined role. The Korea Labor Foundation will identify and operate new job functions that allow older workers to build experience as coaches. Korea Polytechnics Seoul Gangseo Campus will survey demand by department and designate faculty members to support the coaches' career guidance activities. The Korea Coach Association will recruit suitable participants, provide professional training and work alongside the designated faculty to ensure stable coaching delivery.

Hwang Geum-ju, dean of Korea Polytechnics Seoul Gangseo Campus, said the program was introduced so the school could help students build not only technical skills but also the mental resilience to overcome anxiety and move forward on their own.

Jo Hui-hyeong, head of the Korea Labor Foundation's Seoul branch, called the initiative "a new attempt to connect the career assets of older workers — who have hands-on experience in fields that young people aspire to enter — directly with the university setting." He added that the foundation would continue to expand models supporting sustainable career development for older workers while fostering mutual growth between local communities and young people.