5 Things You Need to Become a Career Coach
Coaching, and in particular, Career Coaching has been trending in the past few years – and for good reason. Following the worldwide pandemic in 2020, we first saw an increase in redundancies across Australia in most industries. Then in 2021, recruitment and hiring professionals reported a 'talent shortage' and unemployment is now lower than it has been in years.
Life-altering events and uncertainty often stimulate internal reflection for people to really consider what is important to them and what matters most when it comes to their career. Reaching out for support from a Career Coach is often the boost people need when they are at a crossroad or stagnant in their work. They are better able to confidently move into a position that excites, stimulates, and is in alignment with a focused career pathway.
If you have been thinking about becoming a Career Coach, Adviser, or a Guidance Counsellor, we can help you make this a reality. In this article, we have stepped out the 5 ‘must have’s to becoming a successful Career professional.
1. Passion
A large part of the role of a career coach is to help people to find their passion, their purpose and help guide them in mapping out their career pathway. To do this with any ‘street cred’, you need to be enthusiastic about your own career and be ‘walking your talk’. You may have just started exploring your own options and that's ok. As long as the passion and desire are there, the rest can be learned.
2. Purpose
Having clarity on your purpose will help you to connect emotionally to this career (or any career for that matter). This will help you to keep going when you face any setbacks or when times get tough (which will happen in any career). Ask yourself – “What are your purpose and your why for wanting to become a career coach”? “What is your long-term vision”?
3. Positioning
There are many different types of career coaching professionals working in government, private, employment and education sectors. There are just as many titles and role specialties for these professionals, including Career Advisors, Transition, Empowerment, Success and Confidence coaches, and Guidance Counselors. All of them focus on supporting clients to progress and manage their careers, build a personal brand and develop flexibility and resilience.
Having clarity in the type of career professional you want to be, will help you immensely in transitioning to this type of career. It is ok if this changes. It is even likely to evolve as you discover your own passions and talents. Start considering:
- Where will you position yourself in the market?
- What type of career professional do you desire to be?
- Who is your ideal audience / who will you serve?
4. Perspective / Past Experience
Having your own 'real world' life and career experiences will serve you with being able to draw on these to help your clients. It's less about telling people what to do, and more about sharing examples, different perspectives, and insights that will enable you to serve your clients in an authentic and credible way.
5. Practice / Education in coaching or career development
You will need the technical skills and knowledge in coaching, advising, and counselling to help your clients and the people you are serving. These skills can be learned and practiced to develop and refine your expertise.
Of course, we have you covered here at Blueprint Career Development. You can learn more about our Certificate IV in Career Development here https://www.blueprintcd.com.au/course/education-and-careers/certificate-iv-career-development
Regards,
Sally Watson
Sally Watson – Career Creators
Life & Career Transformation Coach