High School

A well-rounded education is a solid foundation for future life coaching work. Take classes in math, science, history, social studies, and computer science. The job requires the ability to listen carefully and work closely with people to help them achieve their goals. Classes in English, speech, and psychology are beneficial. Knowledge of a foreign language can also be useful in coaching people from other countries.

Postsecondary Training

Many people prefer to hire life coaches who have at least a bachelor's degree. The area of study may vary, but many life coaches have a degree in psychology or a related field, or have taken undergraduate classes in psychology. Courses in business and management are also helpful for running one's own business and managing a client base. Computer classes are also useful, particularly in creating presentations and webinars for clients.

Certification or Licensing

Life coaches pursue voluntary certification to enhance their skills and knowledge, as well as to demonstrate to prospective clients and employers that they have achieved a high level of recognition in their field. The International Association of Coaching offers a certification process that leads to the designation of Certified Masteries Coach. The first step requires passing an online test and successfully completing a masteries practitioner review. The second step requires submitting two recorded coaching sessions for the IAC to review. Certification information can be found at https://certifiedcoach.org/certification.

 

Life coaches typically have a bachelor's degree and at least 10 or more years of prior work experience. They may have worked in a corporate office or in fields related to those of their clients.

People seek out life coaches for various reasons, but predominantly it's to help them identify and achieve goals in their work and in their life. Successful life coaches are organized and have strong business management skills. They are excellent communicators, able to listen closely to people, gather information, and discuss their findings and recommendations in clear, constructive ways. Diplomacy and tact are essential in this field. Life coaches are also empathetic and positive, always focused on the strategies and tactics that will best help their clients reach their goals. They are also skilled in computer software programs, to create educational and promotional materials, and in video conferencing, for consulting with clients who may be located out of state or in other countries.