Hi, I’m Misty Start.
I believe most people already have what they need to do great work. They need clarity about their strengths and a practical plan to act on them.
That belief has shaped my career. With more than a decade of experience in career development, organizational leadership, and higher education, I've led teams at nationally recognized business schools and universities, designed career development programs reaching thousands of students annually, and coached individuals at every career stage, from emerging professionals to experienced leaders.
I founded Start Now Services to bring that experience beyond campus: helping individuals approach their careers with confidence, and helping organizations develop the people who drive their success. Whether we work one-on-one or with your whole team, the approach is the same: understand your strengths, find the opportunities to leverage them, and take action today.
My Approach
“I believe the best coaching conversations balance reflection with action. I bring curiosity, candor, and strategic thinking to every engagement, helping clients recognize their strengths, challenge assumptions, and identify practical opportunities for growth. Whether we’re exploring a career decision or addressing an organizational challenge, my goal is to make our work together both meaningful and actionable.”
Experience
Executive Director, Career Services & Strategy Boston University, Questrom School of Business
Director, UG Center for Career Development Babson College
Director, Undergraduate Career Management
Boston University, Questrom School of Business
Lecturer, Management & Organizations Boston University Questrom School of Business
Director of Career Services and Experiential Learning Franklin Pierce University
Education
Regis College | Weston, Massachusetts Doctor of Education
Franklin Pierce University | Manchester, New Hampshire Master of Education
Franklin Pierce University | Rindge, New Hampshire Bachelor of Arts
Hellenic American University | Athens, Greece Study Abroad
Credentials
Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
SkillScan Drive and Express
AAUW Salary Negotiation Facilitator
CITI Social and Behavioral Research
Memberships
National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
National Career Development Association (NCDA)
Professional Association of Resume Writers (PARW)
Career Counselors Consortium (CCC)
MBA Career Services and Employer Association (MBACSEA)