Where can you work as a coach?

I remember the excitement of finishing my basic coaching course, ready to start seeing clients outside of my practicum hours. I knew that I had a lot to give to people, and with my background in education, I also knew that I wanted to combine the two worlds and give workshops and lectures. I even called my first business ‘Counselling, Coaching, and Training’ to manifest all that.

To begin with, my strategy was to try everything: from companies, volunteering in non-profit organisations and of course, working with private clients. It was amazing to see the large number of possibilities that are out there, and the coach can choose. If you don’t believe me, do a simple Google Search with the word coaching and you will see the different kinds of coaches that are out there.

What type of coaches are out there?

I can share with you that since I started training coaching courses, I have trained students who later became job coaches, parental coaches, well-being coaches, loss and bereavement coaches, ADHD coaches, executive coaches, performance coaches, and the list goes on and on.

These people tend to work in their own practice of course, but with our encouragement, they don’t stop there. And they connect themselves with organisations, companies, universities and NGO’s to offer their services, both in coaching and in giving support with training and workshops.

Let’s talk business: 

Alright, folks, we’re talking about working as a (life) coaching – the profession everyone seems to say they practise. But don’t be alarmed or discouraged. I can tell you that while many people learn coaching for themselves or for their professional development, not everyone ends up as a coach. Because even if you have learned a coaching course, this doesn’t make you a professional coach. Not until… (wait, we’ll explain).

But first, what is life coaching?

Life coaching is all about helping people find their purpose, achieve their goals, and become their best selves. It’s like being a listening ear, motivational speaker, and personal cheerleader all rolled into one. And let’s be real, who couldn’t use a personal cheerleader every once in a while?

But seriously, life coaching is no laughing matter. It is being another ‘thinking head’ for someone in need. Someone to ‘walk the walk’ with another person to a better version of themselves, or their lives.
It’s a powerful tool for personal growth and development that can transform people’s lives. And for taking the responsibility of being that person for another human being, we need to professionalise ourselves.
(Now comes the explanation from the 1st paragraph): For being able to actually practise life coaching, you’ll need to learn theory and coaching tools and skills. You’ll need to practise those in class, with other people, to get feedback on your work from trainers, and then to do a minimum of 50 supervised client hours with ‘real clients’(although this is really the minimum. You wouldn’t like someone who only did 50 hours to help you change your life, right?).

The best part is, that the journey of becoming a life coach, is a journey of self-discovery and self-growth and an inspiration in itself.

OK, I studied coaching. Now what do I do with it?

First of all, let’s say, that learning coaching tools and skills is learning to be better at listening to others, a better leader, and a better communicator.
So whether you’re interested in becoming a life coach and practise it as part of making a living out of coaching (and you should keep on reading for examples), or just want to learn some new skills to impress your friends when you next talk to them, life coaching has something for everyone. Because if all else fails, and you don’t turn out working as a coach, at least you’ll have some great one-liners to impress your friends, like “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” or “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” We mean, who needs a therapist when you have Forrest Gump?

All jokes aside, life coaching is an incredibly rewarding profession that can help you make a real difference in people’s lives. So, if you’re ready to become a personal cheerleader for others (or just for yourself), then let’s get started!

Where can people use their life coaching education?

1. Private Practice 

(OK, that’s the obvious one, but we have to start someplace): Many life coaches work in private practices, offering one-on-one coaching sessions to clients either in person or virtually. Private practice can be a great option for individuals who want to set their hours, work from home, and have complete control over their client base.

2. Corporate Settings: 

Life coaches are also in high demand in corporate settings, where they help employees develop skills such as leadership, time management, and communication. Corporate life coaches may work for a specific company or as consultants, providing training and support to multiple organisations.

3. Education: 

Life coaching can also be a valuable tool in education, helping students develop skills such as goal-setting, time management, and self-confidence. Life coaches in education may work in schools, colleges, or universities, as part of the staff or as consultants.

4. Wellness Industry: 

Life coaching can also be a great fit for individuals working in the wellness industry, such as yoga instructors, nutritionists or personal trainers. These professionals can add life coaching to their repertoire of services, offering clients a more holistic approach to wellness and personal development.

5. Non-profit Organizations (such as NGO’s): 

Finally, life coaches can also work for non-profit organisations, helping individuals in need of developing skills and achieving their goals. Non-profit life coaches may work with underserved communities, individuals in recovery, or people facing financial or personal challenges.
You can find a list of English-speaking NGOs here.

To conclude: no matter where you choose to work as a life coach, there are countless opportunities to make a real difference in people’s lives and help them achieve their dreams.
It’s an attractive skill to add to any CV, it’s going to make your life-changing for the better, and if you’re a dreamer, doer, and change-maker, that’s the path for you.

 

Let’s move your life forward!

Noa Brume, founder of The ICCI

 

 

Want to hear more?
Get more information about this topic by listening to our podcast.
It has a few episodes on the matter:
Podcast – theicci
Here it is on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and on Apple Podcasts.