Aperture Careers
Portrait of Makena, career coach at Aperture Careers

Hi! I'm Makena

They say your career doesn't need to be your everything — I beg to differ. We spend one-third of our life at work; 5 out of 7 days a week for decades on end. You deserve to like what you do, or at least not feel sick on Sunday nights.

My practice has helped half a dozen professionals land roles they love through a practical, strategic approach that takes heed of today's market and cuts through the fluff. Together, we'll navigate your next steps with clarity and confidence, honing in on a path that genuinely fits.

About me: Graduate of NYU Stern (Data Science & Marketing major). ~5 years working at frog Design and the Emerging Tech team at Capgemini. I use my app oyster as a tool in our sessions.

Which of my 4 offerings feels right for you?

No. 1

"No clue what to do"

A practical approach to figuring out what to do next

There are a million directions you could go, but where is the right stop for you? Through a process called "Gameboarding," we'll narrow down the professional landscape to 3–5 high-potential areas — whether that's biotech, wellness, gaming, or beyond. We'll pinpoint organizations and roles at the intersection of what you're good at, what genuinely excites you, and where the market is headed.

No. 2

"Applied to 100 jobs"

Strategies to get the job without playing the numbers game

In a world where your resume is just food for applicant-tracking bots, standard applications rarely cut it. If you're tired of shouting into the void, this offering gives you a brand-new toolkit to bypass the black hole. Together, we'll implement unconventional strategies designed to help you stand out in a crowded market and successfully land your dream opportunity.

No. 3

"Should I pivot?"

A framework for making a career decision you won't regret

Deciding whether or not to change teams, organizations, industries, or cities can feel overwhelming. I'll work with you to systematically weigh the advantages and disadvantages of staying versus going, helping you find clarity no matter which path you choose. Leveraging market insights, we'll strip away the fear, so you can know you're stepping into a future-proof role with confidence.

No. 4

"Career anxiety"

Tactical tips for gaining stability in your present day and future career

Even when you love what you do, the constant hum of industry layoffs and restructurings can feel like a cloud hanging overhead. As someone who has survived numerous rounds of corporate restructuring, I get it. This offering provides practical, grounded strategies to help you make yourself an indispensable asset, so you can stop worrying about the headlines, sleep soundly at night, and take control of your trajectory.

Why Aperture Careers

01

Practical

A lot of career advice feels pie-in-the-sky. My approach takes into account what you're interested in but is grounded in reality, tailored to where the market is headed and how people operate.

02

Fresh POV

It's hard to think big for yourself when you're feeling stuck in the weeds. My job is to widen your career aperture, and uncover the aligned paths you didn't know were actually possible.

03

Proven

My approach works, and is an incredibly efficient process. I respect your time and your money, cutting straight to the chase so you can see real, positive changes in your career without a drawn-out timeline.

Who this is for

Built for people who have never tried career coaching and want an unconventional, tactical approach from someone who actually gets it. While most of my clients are corporate professionals navigating the fast-paced markets of LA and NYC, I work with all career types and support non-linear journeys.

Testimonials

I got a job! I'm working as a Producer in the AI Department at a major media company. I'm really excited about the opportunity and everything I'm learning so far. I want to thank you again for all your help, support, and encouragement throughout my job search. You truly have no idea how much it meant to me. Your guidance made such a difference, and I'm incredibly grateful.

My first day was so. good. Literally so happy about the switch.

Okay day two update (on the new job)! I am so, so impressed by everyone. Actually enjoying and excited to learn more!

Makena — amazing speaking with you last week, it was the highlight of my week. Seriously, thank you for taking the time to hear me out and work through my ideas. The portfolio approach is a really great idea to familiarize myself with past projects/deals and how I approached them. I also love the website idea, really creative and reads well (kudos!).