Whether you’re contemplating a career switch, are struggling with lack of confidence or just feel a bit stuck in your current role, there are many moments when working with a career coach can be helpful.
Felicity Hodkinson, a leadership and workplace relationship coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), which sets the standard for coaching worldwide, says she’s worked with a wide range of professionals over the past 14 years. “Some are FTSE 100 executives or entrepreneurs but others are individuals who come to me independently [of work]. I’ve worked with people in their 20s through to those in their 60s, all of whom have been at points of transition in their lives when they felt they needed somebody alongside them.”
Research by the ICF has found that after coaching, most clients report improved work performance, more efficient time management, greater self-confidence, and a better work-life balance. While the majority (37%) of coaching clients are between 35 and 44 years of age, more than one in five (21%) are now under 35.
After the furore around “quiet quitting” in the wake of the pandemic, there’s renewed appetite for career guidance among younger workers. Influencers discussing careers on TikTok are soaring in popularity, and there is research showing gen Z are the most stressed demographic in the workplace. A study by Cigna Global, that polled 12,000 workers around the world, found 91% of 18- to 24-year-olds reported being stressed, compared with 84% on average. Almost all (98%) are dealing with symptoms of burnout.
Hodkinson puts the rising appeal of career coaches for younger clients down to three factors: more awareness of self-help; accessibility (aided by digitalisation); and affordability. “There’s also something about gen Z wanting to be self-sufficient and own their own paths, rather than being told what to do,” she adds. “For me as a coach, there’s a real joy in seeing them go forward in their lives towards a place that feels really true and grounded for them.”
For many, the benefits of coaching go beyond career progression, for instance, by giving them a greater understanding of what they want to achieve over the short- and long-term, the type of employer they want to work for and even if they want to explore an entirely different career path. Hodkinson adds: “Often with younger clients, there’s a blossoming awareness of who they are.”
Thinking of giving career coaching a try? Here are five targets to keep in mind.
1 Have a goal
Start by identifying what you’d like to get out of spending time with a coach. Hodkinson has worked with clients in their first job who are trying to make sense of where they fit in with corporate life without losing themselves. One client was the first employee at a startup and was struggling because there wasn’t a norm to follow. “What unlocked it for her was realising she could lead the way,” she says. Or perhaps it’s how to ask for a promotion or plan what the next career move might be. “There’s something about recognising you’ve come to the end of a particular role. How do I take what is transferable and find fresh ground? And where does money fit into this? It’s very easy to change career direction without monetary obligations but that’s very unusual.”
2 Make sure your coach is certified
Career coaching is a booming industry and it’s unregulated, meaning there’s no requirement to be accredited. Hodkinson would recommend always finding a certified coach if you can. The ICF, which is dedicated to professional coaching and offers accreditation at three levels that reflect the experience of the practitioner, has a free credentialed coach finder with options throughout the UK. “That’s a real no-brainer these days. Maybe not 10 years ago, but it is now,” Hodkinson says. “You may come across a coach who is looking to get certified and will offer you reduced rates. If they’re upfront about that, that’s fine. If they’re in training, they’ll also be supervised.”
3 Look for a coach you click with
Every coach is different and will work differently. “Coaching is about responding and working with somebody in the moment,” Hodkinson says. “Your coach can help you think [a situation] through, experiment with you, and give you feedback. Their job is to evoke awareness.” It’s important to meet with several coaches to find the one that best fits your needs, and who you feel like you get on best with, she adds. “Choose three who pique your interest. A coach in good standing will give you a chemistry session for free. That’s usually around 30 to 60 minutes. It’s an opportunity for you both to decide if you want to work together. Look for somebody who works in a way that excites and invigorates you.”
4 Set boundaries
The time somebody will spend with a coach depends on their goals, but Hodkinson would recommend three sessions as a good minimum. “You shouldn’t be working together forever or leave it open-ended – that would be a red flag. Three sessions allow you to get started with a coach, set out some objectives, get into the nitty gritty of the work, and then have an end session. But others will recommend longer. The frequency will also depend on whether somebody’s working on something that’s really immediate or longer term – you might meet once a week, or it might be once a fortnight or even monthly if it’s a long-term goal.”
5 Ask yourself big questions
As with many things, what you’ll get out of coaching is mostly about what you put into it. Don’t be afraid to ask yourself big questions, Hodkinson says. “Think about what you want to be different in your life. What are your long-term career aspirations? How is your current role serving your long-term career? What would you like to be happening now that isn’t happening? How willing are you to take risks and step outside your comfort zone? And finally, if there was one small first step you could take today, what would that be?”
If you want to find out more about career coaching, or are looking for a coach, visit coachingfederation.org
