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- Help people improve their lives by using specialist coaching techniques
- Requires the ability to inspire and motivate clients, and to quickly bond with clients from different backgrounds
- Most life coaches are self employed, so you'll need to be able to market yourself
As a life coach, you'll help your clients take control of their situation in areas like relationships, careers, fitness, work-life balance and self-confidence.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Discuss a client's situation, values, attitudes and beliefs
- Help them to set and achieve suitable goals for change
- Look at ways of overcoming barriers and setbacks
- Help them stay motivated and committed
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
Your clients could range from individuals to an entire business. You could offer either a general service or a specialism like executive, career change, or youth coaching.
You'll normally set your own working hours. You'll agree the number and length of sessions with your client (usually between 30 minutes and an hour long). You'll usually work from home if coaching online, or go to meet your client if coaching face-to-face. You'll spend some of your time preparing and reviewing sessions.
You'll need
For this role, you'll need counselling skills, knowledge of psychology, customer service skills, the ability to understand people's reactions, sensitivity and understanding, excellent verbal communication skills, patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations, and to enjoy working with other people.
For this job, you may find it useful if you have experience in psychology, management, counselling or teaching.
Life coaching is not regulated in the UK, so anyone can work as a life coach if they feel they have the necessary skills and qualities.
If you already have a degree, you could study for a postgraduate award in coaching.
You could take training through the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
You can also take a college course that offers contacts with coaching and mentoring bodies, testimonials from coaches who have attended the course, good resources for developing skills, practical training like workshops and seminars, some supervised work with a practising life coach or assessor, advice on setting up a business, and opportunities for continuing professional development.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could set up your own business and employ other coaches.