In today’s volatile world, change is the only constant. It has been predicted that as many as 75 million jobs would be created worldwide before 2022, thanks to technological advancements and the fourth industrial revolution. New jobs are being created every day, and old jobs are becoming outdated. In such a scenario, professional career coaches who are skilled and trained in helping people create personalized career plans become the need of the hour.
If you are excited by the idea of helping people shape their career journey, and you think you possess great coaching and mentoring skills, then this is a profession that you might enjoy!
Most career counsellors have a bachelor’s degree in areas including psychology, counselling, and vocational psychology. Many universities also offer graduate degree programs in career counselling, leading to more job opportunities with higher salaries.
Generally, career counsellors should be licensed, particularly if they choose to open a private practice. But, unlike career counsellors, career coaches need not be licensed, and there are no particular education requirements to become a career coach. At the same time, there are various certifications available that can boost one’s credibility as a career coach. Professional coaches say that the number one obstacle to the industry is untrained individuals who call themselves “coaches.”
Getting training to become a coach will give you credibility in the industry and help you build your professional network.
The International Coach Federation, one of the main certifying bodies in coaching, sets and maintains the ethical and practice standards for its member coaches and the coaching industry. ICF accreditation provides coach-training programs with a competitive edge both in their content and stature. ICF accreditation provides credibility and the ability to expose your services to a broader network of coaches. It would be ideal to enroll in a program accredited by the Association of Coaching Teaching Organizations (ACTO) and the ICF. You can find accredited programs through the ICF at www.coachfederation.org or ACTO at www.actoonline.org. You could also explore Lifologist.com, which offers an exclusive option for Career Coach Training.
You could pursue career coaching either as a full-time job or even part-time. For many, coaching is a life-changing experience that dramatically improves their outlook on work and life while improving leadership skills. Coaching helps people tap into their potential, unlocking sources of creativity and productivity.
But, before you invest in training to be a coach, ask yourself a few questions:
Am I passionate about helping clients pursue their own solutions?
Do I have the skills and knowledge to start a coaching business?
What else do I have to offer?
