The demand for professional coaching is at an all-time high due to current circumstances in the world of work. There are several different types of jobs available to career coaches, both for employed positions and for self-employment opportunities. Experts say that a committed approach like O'Donovan's is essential for effective training. Paying for a professional coach is not, in itself, a magic formula.
A good coach, says Mook, will help you identify point A, where you are now, and point B, where you want to go, and then help you find the best way to come between them. Career guidance is in high demand as more people enter the labour market and jobs remain scarce. Offering a professional vision to others as they seek to grow their personal brand and increase their career path can be a very rewarding business, both personally and financially. This rewards coaches for encouraging job seekers to accept the first available offer, even if it is a low-wage job that does not use the skills they have already developed, or when they could receive better service if they followed an education or training that would prepare them for better jobs with higher salaries over the course of his career.
For someone considering professional coaching, Mook says it's vital to “understand what coaching is and what coaching isn't. A professional coach who has published a book on his subject of specialization or is well known and respected in his field may charge more than a coach who does not consider himself an expert. While a mentor is usually someone with more experience in the same industry that a trainee can turn to for guidance, coaching is more about having the skills to guide someone along their own journey of self-discovery. But ultimately, he says, training is deeply personal, so the best career coach for one person won't be the best coach for the next person.
Twenty-five years later, in 1995, the International Federation of Coaches was formed and now stands as the largest and most recognized coaching federation in the world. Like the fees that many professionals charge, the cost of hiring a career coach varies depending on the coach's experience and credentials, the field of specialty, the success rate, and the location of their practice. When you find the right professional coach for you, your investment of a few hundred dollars will be more than profitable in the long run. But it's also important to talk to two or three coaches to see if you connect; ask for personal recommendations, say, and always, check references.
I asked Adam Grant, one of the top ten thought leaders in the world, what his desire was for the professional coaching industry, and this is what I wanted to share with you: “My wish is that everyone with a job has access to evidence-based training for learning and development. While a professional coach is beneficial for anyone seeking professional help, some people may not be able to afford it. Executive coaching and leadership development companies like Arden Coaching in New York can offer a flow of clients on their way. The best way to find a professional coach is through word of mouth and referrals from friends, but you can also find great coaches online, such as through LinkedIn.
And for people thinking about moving jobs, Mook says talking to a coach who isn't attached to their workplace can be very beneficial.
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