Mentoring Home - Cognist

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Maria Fonseca | Founder, Certified Career Mentor & Strategy Advisor

With over 32 years of experience, I bring a rich and interdisciplinary background to my work as a mentor. I have served as a professor, supervisor, and advisor in higher education for over 25 years, while building a parallel 28-year career in the corporate world — including 15 years in management and leadership. My mission is to help professionals and students make informed, confident career decisions based on deep understanding of the labour market, organisations, and personal aspirations.

Advanced degrees in Natural, Social and Human Sciences, Education, Management, Mathematics, and Engineering.
28 years of corporate experience, with 15 years in leadership and management roles.
25+ years teaching and advising in higher education.
Career developed across 17 industries and 8 specialist domains.
Specialist in Human Resources, Work Sociology, and Labour Market Dynamics.
International experience in 6 countries across 3 continents.
Certified mentor and career coach (available in Portuguese and English).

Maria Fonseca

Certified Career Mentor & Strategy Advisor

With over 32 years of experience, I bring a rich and interdisciplinary background to my work as a mentor. I’ve served as a professor, supervisor, and advisor in higher education for over 25 years, while also building a 28-year career in the corporate world — including 15 years in management and leadership.

My mission is to help professionals and students make informed, confident career decisions based on deep understanding of the labour market, organisations, and personal aspirations.

• Advanced degrees in Natural, Social and Human Sciences, Education, Management, Mathematics, and Engineering.

• 28 years of corporate experience, with 15 years in leadership and management roles.

• 25+ years teaching and advising in higher education.

• Career developed across 17 industries and 8 specialist domains.

• Specialist in Human Resources, Work Sociology, and Labour Market Dynamics.

• International experience in 6 countries across 3 continents.

• Certified mentor and career coach (available in Portuguese and English).

Mentoring for Individuals

One-Time Services

Career Tools

Stand out and move forward with confidence. These practical services are designed to sharpen your professional presentation and prepare you for real opportunities. Whether you're updating your CV, refining your LinkedIn profile, or preparing for a key interview, these tools help you show up prepared and positioned for success.

CV Review and Rewrite

Have your CV professionally evaluated and rewritten

95€ - 185€

LinkedIn Profile Review and Rewrite

Strengthen your professional presence and online positioning

85€ - 175€

Interview Training & Preparation

Practice with expert guidance and improve your confidence

145€ - 195€

"Working with Maria gave me clarity at a time when I felt completely lost after university. Her guidance on my CV, LinkedIn, and job search strategy made a real difference. I received my first offer within weeks and finally felt confident to move forward."

Joana Silva

Marketing Graduate

One-Time Services

Career Strategy

Clarity is a career advantage. These strategic services help you assess where you are, define where you're going, and plan how to get there. Through structured reflection and personalised guidance, you’ll gain the insight needed to navigate transitions, pursue growth, or reposition your career with intention.

Personalised SWOT Analysis

Gain insight into your strengths, risks, and opportunities

110€ - 190€

Personalised Career Plan

Receive a tailored roadmap to align your goals and actions

140€ - 225€

Personalised Training & Development Plan

Identify the right skills to grow your career intentionally

140€ - 225€

"Maria’s mentoring helped me redefine my career path after more than a decade in the same company. She challenged my thinking, helped me identify my strengths, and supported me in preparing for a successful transition. I now feel much better positioned in the market."