The road to becoming an executive coach typically begins with extensive training, as well as an outgoing personality and a strong desire to sell oneself along the way. Some people are hired as coaches right out of school, but most places require you to work your way up to a position of respect and authority, which is usually accomplished through a combination of intense networking and a willingness to start small. When you’re in the early stages of your career, thinking about the type of work you want to do can be beneficial. Some executive coaches work for large firms and are assigned to clients on a regular basis, while others work on their own, often as freelancers or as sole proprietorships. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages, but both require the same basic components to get started. It’s also important to remember that getting hired isn’t the end of the road. You’ll almost always need to keep marketing yourself and improving your own training and expertise in order to stay successful.
Getting a General Understanding of the Job
An executive coach is a person who observes organizational behaviors, recognizes individual talents, and then mentors employees on better business practices. Many different types of corporations and businesses hire people with this kind of expertise to assist with personnel issues, often on a short- or long-term basis — and occasionally even permanently, though permanent arrangements are rare. This career can be financially lucrative at the upper levels, and many coaches believe that a career focused on helping people succeed is extremely rewarding.
It can be difficult to know where to begin, as it is with so many nuanced careers. Almost all coaches have at least a bachelor’s degree, and an undergraduate degree is almost always required. Business management, human relations, and psychology are all good options, but almost any degree can get you started. Personality is usually very important in these positions, and outgoing people tend to do better than introverts. In most cases, the job is as much about self-promotion and people reading as it is about book learning.
The Importance of Consistent Training
Regular training, on the other hand, is often critical, both at the start of your career and as things progress and you advance. Many companies provide comprehensive training for those interested in becoming executive coaches. These programs teach clients not only how to coach, but also how to develop business and marketing plans, increase organizational capacity, and present a variety of new self-employment skills.
When choosing a program, make sure to inquire about the median income for coaches who complete it, what business-building skills they teach, and what kind of post-training support is available. Finding a program that covers all aspects of coaching and includes testimonials from previous students is critical. If you want to get certified, you should inquire about certification-specific training programs.
Various Work Environments
When it comes to actually settling into day-to-day work, most places will give you a few options. Some people are hired by executive consulting firms, which are generally retained by corporations; in these cases, you’ll most likely be assigned a portfolio of clients, and your success with them will be evaluated. When it comes to jobs, you won’t have much of a choice, but the security of your position and a guaranteed paycheck are popular reasons for making the sacrifice.
However, consulting firms do not always hire and may not have positions available in the locations where you want to work. Many successful coaches work for themselves as freelancers or as owners of small businesses. Marketing is often more difficult in these situations, and building up a dependable client base can take a long time, but this type of work environment usually provides a lot more flexibility in return.
Individual Motivation and Marketing
Marketing yourself is usually an important part of success, both as an executive coach and in the years afterward, regardless of your situation. It’s not always easy persuading people that they require your services, and early customers frequently do not pay the full price. Being a subject matter expert is one thing; getting paid what you’re worth is quite another.
In the beginning, marketing, contact management, and visibility relations can all be beneficial. Internet marketing can be a low-cost, high-impact tool. Article writing, social media participation, blogging, and forum posting can all help a new coach gain exposure and attract new clients.