Life coach

You could work on a one to one basis or with groups. You could:

• work with people face to face, online or on the telephone
•  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
•  if you are self-employed, promote your work and do business admin tasks

• 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

You can get into this job through:

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

You could specialise in a particular type of life coaching like business executive, spiritual or health and wellbeing coaching.

Many life coaches begin work part-time, sometimes alongside another job, building their hours as they grow their caseload of clients.

You could set up your own business and employ other coaches.

You could use your skills and experience to train or supervise people new to coaching.