Becoming a Coach: What It Takes, How to Get Started

Becoming a Coach: What It Takes, How to Get Started

Passionate about helping others? Good at listening? Want to make a difference in people's lives? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then coaching might be the perfect career for you! Coaching is a rewarding and demanding career that helps people achieve their goals and reach their full potential. If you're thinking about becoming a coach, there are some things you should know.

First of all, coaching is an unregulated profession. This means that there are no pre-requisites or licenses required to become a coach. However, this doesn't mean that anyone can be a coach. Some skills and traits are essential for success as a coach. In this blog post, we will discuss what it takes to become a successful coach and how to get started in this exciting career!

Next, it's important to have a passion for coaching and helping others. Coaching is all about empowering people to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. If you don't have a genuine interest in helping others, coaching probably isn't the right career for you. In addition, successful coaches need to be good listeners and be able to build trust with their clients. They must also be able to effectively communicate with their clients and help them set both realistic and aspirational goals.

Another essential skill for coaches is the ability to motivate people. People often seek out coaching because they want help getting motivated and staying on track. Coaches need to be able to inspire their clients and give them the tools they need to succeed. 

Finally, coaches must be able to stay organized and learn to manage a business if they are planning to be self-employed (work 'on' the business, not just 'in' it as a Coach). This means you need to start thinking early about who you want to help with what so you can niche (specialize).

If you're interested in becoming a coach, there are several ways to get started. The most common way to become a coach is to complete a coaching certification program. These programs typically last for around three months and provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to start coaching professionally.  You can check our Professional Coaching Certificate if you are interested to join in a coaching qualification. This will already allow you to work professionally as a Coach and would also provide a pathway to ACC Recognition by the International Coach Federation (ICF). Our program already includes a Profiling Tool for your Coaching Toolkit: The iWAM Consultant Accreditation and so graduates of this program will receive an additional certificate as  'iWAM Consultant' that is also recognised globally.

If you have a passion for helping others and want to make a difference in their lives, coaching might be the right career for you. Join us on our Free Introduction to Coaching Training online to learn more.

About the Author

I am a qualified Coach (ICF PCC level) with over 17 years of professional experience as a Coach working in both organisational and personal development. I am also a Coach Trainer, the only person able to deliver the practical units of the Master of Arts Neuro Coaching in Australia.