ABOUT LEWIS
Experience You Can Draw On. Advice You Can Trust.
I am Lewis Coughlin. I founded Coughlin International Career Advisory to help university students and other job seekers to land their ideal job or career path, with a particular focus on government (especially international affairs and intelligence).
Throughout my career, I have coached and mentored students, public servants, entrepreneurs, and mid-career professionals. I now bring that breadth of experience directly to clients looking for practical, personalized guidance to navigate their own career paths.
After more than 30 years with the Government of Canada and several years in the private sector in Canada and abroad, I have built a career spanning international affairs, diplomacy, foreign intelligence, trade and investment, innovation, business development, and government relations.
I have served in senior leadership roles abroad—including as Consul, Head of Office, and Senior Trade Commissioner, as well as Chargé d’affaires (Acting Ambassador)—leading diplomatic missions and representing Canada’s commercial, political and consular interests. At Global Affairs Canada headquarters, I held senior management roles at the Deputy Director and Acting Director levels. At Communications Security Establishment Canada, I served in an Intelligence role involving analysis and reporting on issues related to international affairs, security and defence.
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Government of Canada careers, competitions, and workplace culture
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International affairs, commercial diplomacy, and cross-border partnerships
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Foreign intelligence analysis and reporting
My career gives you direct access to firsthand experience in:
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Executive leadership, operations management, and crisis leadership
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Career transitions, professional positioning, and strategic networking
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Over 10 years of mentoring, coaching, and developing professionals
My approach is...
Practical:
Focused on real-world opportunities and concrete actions.
Personalized:
Tailored to your specific experience, strengths, and objectives.
Honest:
Provides a candid assessment rather than just telling you what you want to hear.
Strategic:
Helping position yourself for long-term career growth, not just your next job.
Testimonials
“Lewis Coughlin helped me prepare for the job market and ultimately helped me get my current job at the Department of Justice. He began by polishing my resume and cover letters, as well as my LinkedIn profile. He ensured I focused on illustrating the skills and competencies I had developed through law school and previous jobs in my resume. The cover letter and LinkedIn profiles must tell a story and that’s what he helped me convey to the job market. Government job applications are different. This is where Lewis has over three decades of experience, having competed for various roles throughout the public service, primarily in international relations and security departments. We practiced by doing mock interviews. He prepared me for how to respond effectively to competency-based questions that are often part of the government selection process using the STAR method. This practice did not make me a perfect interviewer, but I was eons ahead of where I was before and I successfully entered the selection pool and landed my first professional job shortly thereafter. I would highly recommend Lewis to anyone looking for a job, whether senior or a recent grad. Lewis has experience in public service, international organizations, government relations, security / defence, and start-ups. He is kind, honest, dedicated and has a wealth of experience that he genuinely enjoys sharing.”
— Tristan Lee | Tax Litigation Counsel, DOJ
"I have been lucky to be mentored by Lewis in my professional career as I pivot towards a new field of expertise. His encouragement, advice, careful follow-up, connections, and positive energy have really helped me to grow professionally and personally! I would highly recommend Lewis as a mentor/coach to anyone looking to stretch beyond their existing capacity and to achieve their highest career or business goals."
— Magdalena Contreras | Fundraising & Non-Profit Consultant
"Lewis met with me to discuss my career path and avenues I could take to further my prospects. He gave me a wealth of information and contacts that have been extremely useful, and he was down-to-earth and approachable. I highly recommend Lewis as a mentor who is always ready to lend a hand."
— Patrick Gallant | Federal Government Analyst
"With a keen interest in seeing people succeed, Lewis goes out of his way to help connect people with others, grow professionally, and advance their careers. An incredible mentor with invaluable insights!"
— Rachel Pagdin | Product Marketing Professional
Ready to take the next step? Book a complimentary 30-minute Discovery Call.
Please refer to the Testimonials page for additional testimonials.