How To Become A Life Coach

How To Become A Life Coach

Become A Life Coach: A life coach normally specializes in a particular area, thus there are life coaches from different backgrounds such as relationship or career coaches. Life coaching refers to a practice in which a person helps others to identify and attain their goals in life. However, unlike in other professions, you do not require professional certification or license in order to become a life coach.

As a result, you can easily claim to be a life coach with ease, depending on what you wish to coach people about. The only problem is that you will not be effective, particularly if you do not know what it means to coach.

At the same time, you also need to have background knowledge in the area in which you intend to focus your coaching skills. If for instance, you wish to coach people on relationships, you must have a good grasp of this subject. This is an indication that even if you are not required to be licensed or certified in order to become a life coach, you cannot just bestow this title upon yourself. As this article gives you tips on how to become a life coach, you will no doubt realize that life coaching is not as easy as it seems.

Tips on how to become a life coach

The first step towards becoming a life coach is to determine the area of life coaching in which you intend to specialize. As indicated earlier, you can coach people on different matters such as finances, careers or relationships. It would be advisable to choose an area in which you have previous experience, which will make your coaching more effective. You may need to acquire additional training, which will increase your likelihood of success. Once you have identified your area of specialization, you need training on how to become a life coach.

Currently, there are coach training certification programs, which may take one to three years to complete. The duration of the programs mainly depends on the depth and intensity of the training program you choose. Further, you may want to enrol in programs which are accredited by the ICF (International Coach Federation). In so doing, you will become a certified life coach, such that your career will be secure should a license be required in future.

If you cannot afford these programs, be sure to take introductory courses so that you can familiarize yourself with coaching. There is a lot of information on the internet regarding life coaching, which can provide you with the basics of what it means to be a coach. You can also learn from other successful life coaches, integrating their lessons into your own life.

Coaching knowledge is just as important as having a background in your area of speciality. It is therefore important to hone your skills in these two areas if you wish to be distinct. If you wish to become a career life coach, it is advisable to become certified, even though it is not a requirement. Failure to do this will limit your options, since there are clients or businesses that will not hire a life coach who is not certified, regardless of your previous experience.

Read Also: Upcoming Career Option – Cloud Computing

Profession Selection

Profession Selection

The choice of a profession is as important as the choice of a life partner. As a non compatible mate can lead to mental turmoil, so can a wrong decision about your profession. Choosing a profession or a career is not an instant decision, or one taken in haste and intuitively. It has to be a well thought about, researched and evaluated decision. 

Choosing a profession for oneself is not an ancient decision. Till some time back, there were virtually no such choice available. Our ancestors had to select between hunters, agriculturists and administrators, though even this decision depended on various parameters. It was not free will, but governed by the society and polity. 

Then came a stage where only the primary professions existed – that of doctor, lawyer, administrator, laborer and priest. Those with a religious bent of mind, sacrificed worldly pleasures and started serving divinity. The educated ones opted for medicine or law. The assertive and those with a ruling streak became the governors. The rest – unskilled and uneducated had no option but to serve the others. The economic condition played a significant role in this, so did the caste system. 

Today choosing a profession has become a tedious task. This is due to the infinite number of choices, as well as the competence required. The competition in the job market is intense and cut throat. Selecting a profession is dependent on several criteria thus – education, training, interest, and a die hard passion. Only the best survive, and succeed. So it is becoming even more difficult a task to confirm the choice. 

Traditionally, certain attributes have been attached to this activity of career choosing. Though not applicable to all professions, but it is a determinant. And should be of help to anyone who is still in the undecided phase by keeping in mind these characteristics. 

Skill based profession: 

Profession requires specific skill and extensive theoretical knowledge. Examples are doctor, engineer, lawyer, etc.

Professional association: 

Association with organizations or bodies for specific work. Examples could be NGO.

Long period of education: 

Requires long period of education and training (professor, researcher, scientist)

Competence based:

Profession is dependent on your competence and ability, like journalist, artist, writer, designer. 

Institutional and training based: 

Requires specific and specialized institutional training or practice– MBA, sports persons, hospitality management, air hostess, etc.

Licensed practitioners: 

Example could be lawyer, business man, entrepreneur, etc where your profession has to be registered as per the government rules and regulations. 

Freelancers: 

You work on your own. You sell your services at a price but not employed directly or bound to any organization. Example – writers, designers, etc, who work on their own for clients. 

Social service:

You work for a cause, and for the society at large. (social worker, activist, environmentalist)

High status and rewards: 

The profession guarantees high returns to the ones at the top. These are the most coveted and dreamt of professions – actors, MBA, celebrities.

Male dominated: 

Even today there are certain professions that are open and viable only for the men. Drivers, postal staff, and petrol pump helpers also categorized under this, but not anymore. Some of these professions include miners, priests in certain religions.

Mobile profession: 

People in such professions need to be constantly on the move, for work. They are highly mobile and may also need to relocate often. Example could be sales professional, defense personnel, development journalists, pilots, etc.

Who Is A Sous Chef

Who Is A Sous Chef

Like every other profession, hierarchy is inherent to the profession of a Chef as well. The Executive Chef, or the head chef, is the authority and the top personnel of this field. And the interns or junior chefs at the bottom of the rank. A Sous Chef is the one who is in direct association with the head chef, and may be also called his assistant. He is the second-in-command, and the boss in the absence of the head. 

A Sous Chef’s job is managerial and creative at the same time. A vital role is played by him in the kitchen. As a manager, he allocates duties to the other chefs, manages the menu and the time, handles and supervises the operations on a daily basis, and interacts with the juniors. He also discusses issues of concern with other departments of the establishment, so that work can be done in cooperation, and also decides on expenditure and budget with the authorities. He also interacts with guests for feedback and reviews. The creative element of a sous chef gets reflected at meal times, when he either supervises the meals and their presentation, or does it himself. He also designs the menu. The work also includes ensuring hygiene and superior quality. During the absence of the executive chef, he is in charge of deciding the menu, and exercising full control on the subordinates so that work gets done efficiently and on time. 

To reach this stage in his career, a desirous student should firstly do a bachelor’s in hotel management, and then if interested can go in for higher and specialized education. Only with more years added to his work and specialized training, does a junior chef get on to become a sous chef. 

As mentioned earlier, a sous chef should possess managerial or operational, and creative skills. It is a multi faceted job, and he should be willing to take up the challenges thus. He should be able to lead and command. So he has to be stern and able to handle his juniors. But he should also be diplomatic and willing to listen to the latter. It is a physically enduring job with long hours, which are quite stressful. Thus he should be ready to take the stress and handle the pressure. And in spite of it all, an ever optimistic attitude and a perpetual smile while serving, characterizes a sous chef.

The scope of this field is quite good, and even monetarily, it is a paying job. With so many large restaurants and hotels coming up, the opportunity for a trained and experienced professional is on the rise. Hard work, training, and constant effort to better oneself, guarantees rapid promotions and benefits, and the results in this industry are seen instantaneously.

What Not To Ask The Job Interviewer

what not to ask the job interviewer

It may be your first or the tenth job interview, and you may either be a fresher or an experienced professional. The selection of a candidate for a definite job, is dependent on a number of factors. Your academic qualification and work experience, your skills and aptitude. And one of the most essential areas which is intrinsic to the selection process, is how you conduct yourself at the interview, which includes your answers, knowledge based questions, and your queries. The last may not be the most important,but definitely a question that is out of context or is proof of your immaturity, will automatically dry up your opportunity, even though you may be the most eligible applicant. Sad, but true!

Tell me something about your company

A candidate is expected to find out about the company before hand. Doing so will tell the interviewer that you are keen on getting the job and also sincere and serious about it. In depth knowledge is not demanded, and you can ask about your job profile in detail and what will be expected of you. But a direct question about the company, its profile and area of function, is a deterrent. So under no circumstances should you ask this question. 

When do I get an increment?

This question is a strict no-no. You may want to know, it is natural. But letting the interviewer know, is a grave mistake. It will only prove that you are only concerned about the monetary benefits. 

When can I start?

If you are the chosen one, the company will let you know that and will also notify as to when you should start work. But till you get the offer letter, you should not ask the question. Do not show the employer that you are desperate or over excited. Some candidates believe foolishly that if they show eagerness to join and start work, the employer will get wooed and give you the job.. but this is a misconception. You will get the job only if you are suited for it. And do remember that the head of a company is an experienced person, who may have interviewed hundreds, and may misunderstand your interest as pretense and a way to pleas him. So avoid it. 

When will I get a promotion?

Instead, ask what is the potential for growth. That will include promotion, increment and other concerns. This question is appropriate and shows your interest and determination to work and succeed. A person who is keen on personal growth is sought after, but not one who is merely concerned about promotion and salary hike. 

Do you need reference about my previous performance?

If the company wants to get a feedback on your previous performance, it will call your ex- employer. And usually companies have resources to find out about a candidate. So you should not reduce your chances and give a dubious impression. Are you not sure about yourself that you need somebody else to prove it? This question may arise in the mind of the interviewer. 

How many leaves do I get?

You should not ask this question at all. If you get the job, you will come to know this from the Human Resource Department, and usually very company has the same number of holidays. 

Do you work on Saturday?

During the interview stage, you should avoid asking this. If you have a genuine reason, like a weekend course or anything else, you should let the interviewer know. But asking this question bluntly is improper, immature and non permissible.

What is the notice period in this company?

Even before you have joined, asking about how you can leave the company, is quite paradoxical. So avoid at all costs.

Guidance You Should Avoid While Making Your Career Decision

Guidance You Should Avoid While Making Your Career Decision

Most often your decision about the future is determined and influenced by factors around you. These factors may prove beneficial. But can also have a disastrous effect on your future. Even brilliant students can suffer from the ill effects of such influence. And it can be a career threatening blow that may cause a permanent dent, of which you may not be able to recuperate. 

Probably the first of such influences is parents. Parents are definitely more experienced and knowledgeable. Their suggestions help in taking the right decision. But when this suggestion turns to an autocratic dictate, and forces you to do something that you do not wish to, it is harmful. Parents who support the career choice of their children and guide them accordingly, have a favorable effect. But if they instead force their kids to take up a profession that they do not like or are not apt for, then it can lead to a life long negativity in their career. So before you decide to embark on the road shown by parents, thinking, considering and researching, and a bit of adamant streak is essential. 

Another influence is your Peer Group. As adolescents, students very easily get carried away by what their friends and elders, seniors, cousins and brothers are doing. And if they can prove the lucrative benefits of a particular career, most youngsters go for the same. It is important to realize that it may be good for the peers because they are sculpted for it or it interests them. It may be the same for you only if you are made for it. A crude example would be of a student with a bent of mind for Literature taking up Engineering. It is evident that such an individual will tend to lose in the long run. 

Same hold true for the sparkling influence of successful professionals, relatives, and individuals around you, who have gained materialistically and otherwise by a certain career choice. You should understand that it is hard work that leads to fame and money, and not a profession that sounds dazzling. An actor can be successful only if he knows to cat, and Bill Gates is rich only because he knows the art of what he is doing. If you have the quality and aptitude for anything, it will definitely prove remunerative for you. 

Advertising was not a significant factor in decision making till a few years back, especially in small cities and towns. But today students are faced with the adverse effects of advertising wherever they reside. The evils of it can be seen all around. Instant admissions, guaranteed placements, great future promises and other attractive benefits lure students to choose a course, college or stream of study. The false promises most often are harmful for you in the long run. Advertisements should thus be a mere informer, but never the guide. Attractions should not deter you from your path. The blind reliance on ads is seen increasing at an alarming rate. 

Guidance should be sought from parents who are supportive and understanding. From elders who can guide you. And from education counselors, who are experienced and aware of the job and career scenario.

Design Journalist

Design Journalist

There is an unprecedented expansion in the field of communication, and especially journalism, with the news channels and publications being introduced every other day. There is stiff competition in the market. They all provide us with news and information, but some tend to be more popular and sought after, some catch the eye , while others we detest. What attracts to one among the rest, is determined by a number of factors. And an essential determinant is the design of it. And this is where the Design Journalists become an integral essential part of the process of news production. 

A designer working in this industry is known as a design journalist or visual journalist. The work involves reading a story, understanding its focus and primary message, and then trying to say it through pictures, caricatures, images, photographs, graphs, charts etc. These should supplement and aid in clarity creation of the piece of information. In short, these images should be able to tell the story without words, and it is the job of a design journalist to make such illustrations. A visual journalist has to be able to ideate and create pleasing arrangements. Every arrangement or presentation should be unique and appealing to the masses. And definitely not offensive. 

Those with a degree or background in visual design stand a better chance to be successful design journalists. Also those with a flair for designing with a journalism background. Thus, you can opt for a program in fine arts, or visual communication, designing or visual journalism. The skill improves with experience and hard work. 

Design journalists should be able to decipher the core meaning of any news piece or article. And then assimilate the facts to create a visually appealing format. General awareness in important, and a sense of news, and ability to comprehend to present a final product. You should be able to work under tight schedules and deadlines. And know what to highlight and what to hide in a story. You should also be able to draw and illustrate. Sound knowledge in computer is essential. There is also the need to work as a team and in cooperation with other departments within the organization. You should be able to handle stress of working long hours and meeting targets. And most essential requirement is excellent creative skills. 

Considerable amount of investment is made on designing today. A dedicated team of designers is hired, and substantial time and resources spent on it. It is becoming even more necessary with the ever expanding market and struggle to survive. Because the populace or target audience has a very short attention span, so instant attractive designs has become all the more significant. Employment opportunity is increasing, but for those who are dedicated, committed and willing to work hard. 

It is a highly competitive field of operation. There will be constant comparisons with rival channels or publications. The fittest will survive and succeed. Design journalism is a great career option and provides ample scope to those passionate about designing, and with an eye for detail and information, and with a quick understanding capability.

What Is Home Science

What Is Home Science

Home Science is perhaps the only field of study that has two-fold benefits for its patrons – it prepares them for their personal as well as professional life. The study of Home Science teaches you the apt use of your resources, and manage your home, and turn your education into a viable career option. 

The study of home science includes gaining insight into the functioning of a home, be it yours or the client’s. As long as you can handle your resources efficiently, you are successful in this field. The maximum satisfaction derived is thus calculated on the basis of your performance in managing the affairs of the home, which includes not only the kitchen and laundry, but all aspects of it. 

You can take up the study of home science at plus in school. At the college level, you can continue with it. But this is not a prerequisite. You can be from any branch of study, but still enroll to a home science institute at graduate or post graduate level, or both. At the UG level, you will acquire practical training in various concerned fields like printing, tailoring, interior decoration, designing, cooking, health, etc. You can choose to specialize in any of these fields. At higher levels of study, more grave issues and topics are covered, that include, community development, health and nutrition, child care, family relations, fashion design, textile design, etc. For master’s degree in home science, however, you will need a bachelor’s in the same. 

Home science is a very good choice for those with a deep interest in home issues. And for those who are good managers, and can handle finance, resources, and issues of concern. Also you should be a planner. Creative and innovative individuals have an edge in this field. 

With a home science degree, the career options are many. You can start up your own business venture. You can also opt for a sales job, where you may be involved in promotions. Another field can be production jobs – cooking, food preservation, dress-making, etc. There is demand in the hospitality industry also. Those with a bent for education, can teach in schools, colleges or institutes, or can even be involved in research. The service sector would need professionals in house keeping, kitchen, etc. the manufacturing industries also need home science specialists in areas like research and food analysis. 

Home science is not only about cooking as is the conception of many in India. It is a managerial and creative field of work, that includes almost everything that helps in successful functioning of any home.

Top Career Options For Commerce Students

Top Career Options For Commerce Students

MBA (Business Studies)

Perhaps the first choice of all commerce students. The graduate level study includes management subjects. You are suited for this option. Some preferred branches of MBA for commerce students are Finance, HRD, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Accounting, Economics, etc. 

Banking

Another very common field. Banking aptly is the utilization of the knowledge of commerce, the principles, methodologies. 

Chartered Accountancy

This is a lucrative and much sought after option, but few are able to be one. It is difficult to complete the course. You will have to to clear the Common Proficiency Test, followed by the Integrated Professional Competence Course, and then the Final. It is time consuming too, and even if a brilliant student clears the test in the first attempt, the minimum duration is 4 years. 

Economist

You can be an Economist and resolve economic issues that concern nations, societies and the world.

Marketing

Marketing is an essential activity for the working of a company, the society and the economy. It is the basis of sale and purchase, and the mode through which products and services reach the customers. A highly complex and unpredictable field, it requires immense amount of understanding and knowledge. 

Stock Broker

Stock brokers need experience and knowledge of the market. And the ones who know the market better are mostly those with a commerce background. A grueling work mentally, but an extremely coveted choice. The profits are quite high if you are good at the stock market. 

Agriculture Economics

Agriculture is the primary sector in India. If knowledge of science is important to better production, the putting to use of economics principles into agriculture is essential to understand the dynamics, effects of produce, and other economic concerns and issues in agriculture. If you are a commerce student, and in love with economics, this is perhaps the best option for you. 

Company Secretary

‘Behind ever successful company is a dedicated company secretary’. This is a very apt portrayal of the importance of a company secretary. He corresponds with public and is the spokesperson of the organization. He should know the corporate laws, rules, about business deals, be responsible to the shareholders and directors. A very prestigious career option.

Top Highest Paying Careers In India

Top Highest Paying Careers In India

MBA

A management degree gets you a job with the top notch companies and organizations which have a high pay scale. But you should ensure for this that the course you do is from a recognized institute or university.

Information Technology

IT has come up in a big way in India. And is one of the highly paid jobs. Though a grilling and monotonous job at times, but the remuneration it grants people, is craved by all, especially engineering students. 

Medical Professional

Though doctors have existed since ages, but the growing emphasis on health and wellness, and the establishment of private hospitals and medical centers all over the country, the profession of a doctor has become highly paid. Private clinics have also sprouted everywhere. People have become more aware of illness, diseases and want o prevent and cure them. And thus the trust on modern medicine and doctors has become significant and unavoidable. 

Administrative Services

Very difficult to clear the exams, but once you qualify, it is not only a prestigious job but also paying, in kind as well. You are revered , command power and authority. 

Chartered Accountancy 

Again a tough nut to crack, taking a minimum of 4 years to complete, many dropping out, and some slogging for years. Once successful, it can earn big bucks for you. 

Offshore Drilling

This is still at its nascent stage in India as compared to other countries. The scope is thus vast and it is a very profitable industry. It employs various specialized professionals, like geologists, engineers, marine engineers, etc, thus providing opportunities to lots. 

Lawyer / Advocate

A good lawyer, civil, criminal, corporate, etc, is in great demand, and are rewarded highly by clients. And this only increases with experience and knowledge. 

Sports

Sports can be said to be the soul of India. Few opt for it, and fewer are successful. Though some games have suffered a setback, and some are not as popular and neglected by authorities, but on an average, sportspeople have a paying career. Especially with the media attention, and companies and brands making use of them for advertising, sports people have gained a certain stature in society. 

Film Industry Professional

Especially actors, directors, producers, singers, choreographers, etc earn huge sums. If the film manages to score well at the box-office, the earnings increase manifold. No wonder, the youth is always inclined towards this industry. 

Politics

Though the present generation of politicians are educated and young, but without the need for high academic qualification and requirement, politics is very paying.

Top Career Options For Women

Top Career Options For Women

Teacher

When you teach, you have to be understandable, legible, have clarity, a vision, be communicative, and reach down to the level of knowledge and understanding of the student. A woman typically has these traits, which makes learning a better experience with a lady teacher than her male counterpart. She is also more patient and empathetic. 

Doctor/ Healthcare

To care and heal is intrinsic in women; thus making good doctors, medics, and healthcare personnel.

Research

The passion to know things in depth and in detail, to tirelessly and effortlessly pursue goals, makes research a viable career option. There is a hunger for knowledge in women, and they are committed to it. They can slog to find the answers.

Lawyer

Patience, endurance, effective communication skills, ability to debate without pounding her fists or raising her voice – makes women efficient lawyers, who can tackle tricky situations, cases and crimes. 

Human Resource Manager

Handling humans, that is employees, and maintaining a cordial healthy relation between management and labor, is the work profile of an HRM. Organizations usually prefer women as part of the HR team because of their ability to do the duty well, and maintain the right balance and relationship.

Counselor

Women can listen patiently, and be empathetic. They are also better advisors of all problems, concerns and questions. This makes counseling a good career choice. They are able to build a connection with the client so as to extract all information and then provide the solution. 

Psychologist

Women are somehow geared to be good psychologists and psychiatrists. They can connect, which makes it a smooth ride. 

Computer / IT Analyst

This is a very good, paying and comfortable option. And one that women can simply take up and excel.

Social Worker

Women are generally found in more numbers as the social workers, in community services, fighting for human and animal rights, as social activists, leading protests, and being wholly dedicated to the cause for which they stand. 

Therapist

Their nurturing and healing attitude, the selfless service that they are capable of rendering, and the care that they can take, gears women towards this profession. Very few consider this as the ambition, but those who do, better themselves and are much revered for their services. 

Fine Arts

Women are highly artistic, creative, and innovative. For long this has remained a women dominated area, which has only recently inducted and drawn men. Even today, many ignorant people consider it to be a women’s field of work and dissuade men from entering. This stereotype needs to be broken. 

Design

Design is a top notch choice of female students. They naturally opt for design – any form of it – fashion, interior, jewelery, etc. 

Sales and Marketing

They can sell and market better. 

Writing

Women can express better – themselves and topics. Thus they make good writers and editors, as they have the inherent capability to put to words their thoughts, issues, and ideas. 

Customer Care

Women are better adapted to understand concerns, issues and resolve them. They know how to tactfully handle clients and diplomatically solve their problems and issues. They are courteous and patient, which makes them better suited for this profession.