Life coach
Life coaches support and encourage people to make informed decisions in their working and personal lives.
Also known as: Career coach, wellbeing coach
What you'll do
As a life coach, you could:
- work with people face to face, online or on the telephone
- discuss with clients their situation, values, attitudes and hopes
- use questioning techniques and listening skills to help people identify areas for development
- encourage people to find their own ways to overcome barriers and issues
- help clients to set and achieve goals
- support clients in dealing with setbacks
- help clients stay motivated and committed
- keep accurate records of your coaching practice
- promote your service and handle business admin if you're self-employed
Working environment
You could work from home or at a client's business.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
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
- active listening skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a life coach
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist courses offered by a professional body
University
Although not essential, you can study for a degree or postgraduate award in a subject, such as:
- psychology
- career guidance
- counselling
- psychotherapy
- education
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Coaching Professional Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship. For example, with an organisation offering life coaching, personal development or career development services.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Direct application
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.
It is often taken up as a second career. Experience in psychology, management, counselling, careers, HR or teaching could be useful.
You could also work towards accreditation from a coaching professional body to improve your job prospects.
Other routes
You may have an advantage if you've got qualifications and membership of a professional organisation. A good starting point is to choose a course that is approved by an independent life coaching body.
You could also take training through the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) , which offers courses in coaching methods.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
Career path and progression
You could specialise in a particular area of coaching like career development or health and wellbeing.
You could become self-employed and offer coaching and mentoring services to individuals and businesses.
You might also use your skills and experience to train or supervise people new to coaching.
Career tips
It's important that you gather as much information about coaching courses as you can, as costs and the way they are taught vary widely.
Courses are available through online and face-to-face learning, so you can choose one that suits you best. Apart from your studies you would need to make time for practical coaching sessions and preparation activities.
Check that a course 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
- opportunities for continuing professional development
Guides for this industry
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0