Life Coach

Typical Salary

To

Typical Hours

30 to 32 variable

freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How To Become a Life Coach

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
applying directly
specialist courses offered by a professional body

College / University

If you already have a degree, you could study for a postgraduate award in coaching at some universities.

a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

You'll have an advantage if you've got qualifications and membership of a professional organisation. A good starting point would be to choose a course that is approved by an independent coaching body.

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
opportunities for continuing professional development

Apprenticeship

If you want to work within organisations coaching individuals and teams to improve their work performance, you could do a coaching professional higher apprenticeship.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

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.

Other Routes

You could take training through the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), which offers a range of courses in coaching methods.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
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
to enjoy working with other people
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

You could work on a one to one basis or with groups. You may work face to face or using online or telephone coaching methods. On a typical day you might:

use questioning techniques and listening skills to help people identify areas for development
discuss with clients their situation, values, attitudes and beliefs
encourage people to find their own solutions
help them to set and achieve suitable goals for change
look at ways of overcoming barriers and setbacks
help them stay motivated and committed
maintain records of your coaching practice

Working Environment

You could work from home or at a client's business.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

You may find it useful if you have experience in psychology, management, counselling or teaching.

Further information

You can get more advice on coaching and mentoring from the Coaching and Mentoring Network and the Life Coach Directory.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.