How to Become a Life Skills Coach

A life skills coach can work in a variety of settings. Some coaches speak to high school students about the importance of staying in school, while others may be contracted to help develop communication skills within a large company. Whatever your focus will be, you'll need some general training to become a life skills coach.

Instructions

1. Look for volunteer opportunities to be a child's mentor. You'll first need to prove to yourself that you're able to direct someone else's life towards better opportunities. A mentoring program is a good way to get your feet wet and see the results of your efforts firsthand.

2. Follow a college course of study that focuses on helping other people. You may find it useful to take some nursing classes, since some life skills coaches care for their clients. Sociology courses can help you understand the negative effects that some parts of society have on the development and growth of careers.

3. Ask to shadow a guidance counselor at a high school. Most of these counselors use the same motivational methods that you'll follow when you become a life skills coach. Pay particular attention to how the counselor convinces students to stay in school and work towards getting into college.

4. Look for a life skills coaching job at an assisted living facility. In many cities, there are complexes that hire live-in life skills coaches. You might be a mentor to a group of teenagers who need help transitioning into adulthood because of poor education or mental and physical disabilities.

5. Stay up-to-date on life skills coaching certification. At the moment, most states do not require any kind of certification, and it's up to employers to screen potential coaches. The Department of Education in your state will be able to tell you what is required for you to work as a life skills coach in a public school.

Tips & Warnings

• The term "life skills coach" can refer to many different positions. Sometimes it's just a personal aid to help an elderly person with daily tasks.

• The requirements to become a life skills coach vary by position. If you coach privately, you may only need a GED or high school diploma, but some live-in facilities require a master's degree in social work or a related field.

• Be sure to get liability insurance if you become a life skills coach. Many employers will even require that you have it before they hire you.