Experiential learning allows students to take theoretical concepts and apply them to challenging simulated or real-world situations. This process of ‘learning by doing’ allows students to develop work-ready skills so that they can make a seamless transition into their careers. It’s why top life coach training programs integrate hands-on work experience right into the curriculum.
At Rhodes Wellness College, each of our diploma programs includes a practicum component, including the life coach diploma program. Not only does a practicum placement provide students with the opportunity to feel comfortable offering life coaching services to real clients, but it also helps students make beneficial connections with other professionals in the industry. Some students are even hired by their practicum hosts! Therefore, when students take full advantage of the wonderful opportunities that the practicum experience provides, they can take their careers to even greater heights.
If you’re considering enrolling in a life coach training program, read on for strategies that will help you excel during your practicum.
Do Some Research Before Beginning Your Practicum
One important way to design a good practicum experience is to do some research about the organization or company where you will be completing your practicum (Loretto, 2017). Start by learning about the organizations’ mission, vision, and values, as well as their history or initiatives they may have planned for the next few years. In the past, students have worked at the Aboriginal Front Door Society, Saje Natural Wellness, YMCA, and Belkin House, just to name a few. Each organization is unique and has its own culture.
Knowing the company’s core philosophy and strategic direction will help you choose a practicum placement that is well suited to your aspirations. In addition, this knowledge may help you understand the organization’s unique approach to providing coaching services to clients. The more you know about your practicum host, the better you can perform your role (Loretto, 2017).
Getting to know your practicum host isn’t the only research you can do. Your host will use an evaluation form to assess your understanding of the company’s expectation and goals, ability to get along with co-workers, willingness to accept constructive criticism, reliability, and more. This evaluation will help guide your progress during your certified life coach training, and so being familiar with what you will be evaluated on can help you shine.
Make Meaningful Connections with Other Professionals Who Have Certified Life Coach Training
During your practicum, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside established life coaches and learn from their experiences, mistakes, and triumphs. Capitalize on the opportunity by making a point of connecting with the individuals you meet throughout your practicum (Loretto, 2017).
There are plenty of ways you can go the extra mile to make connections during your practicum; ask a senior colleague to lunch or coffee to gather insight into how they started their career, or strike up conversations with your colleagues to get to know them. By forming meaningful connections, you’ll not only get to meet wonderful and caring people, but you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the life coach profession (Loretto, 2017).
Use Your Certified Life Coach Training to Go the Extra Mile
During your practicum, you’ll be able to take the skills you developed at life coach training, like asking powerful questions and using active listening, and put them to the test in a real-world scenario. To make sure you get as diverse an experience as possible, try to explore the many different facets of your training (Lepore, 2014).
Don’t hesitate to offer a helping hand if a colleague needs assistance with a task. You can also try reaching out to the individual who is coordinating your practicum and let them know about specific skills you would like to work on (Lepore, 2014). They may be able to arrange a sit in on important meetings, a job shadow, or the opportunity to work alongside another experienced colleague in addition to your other practicum duties.
When it comes to making your practicum a success, you are in charge. Don’t be afraid to speak up and offer your insights. Always remember that you’re there to learn, so don’t worry about asking plenty of questions. And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback on your performance; both constructive criticism and praise will help you learn and grow, and better prepare you for your career (Smith, 2014).
Did you know that after you study life coaching you can begin a range of exciting and rewarding careers?
Contact Rhodes Wellness College to learn more about becoming a professional life coach!
Works Cited
Lepore, M. (2014, May 29). The Intern Queen Tells Us How To Be The Best Intern Ever. Retrieved from https://www.levo.com/posts/the-intern-queen-tells-us-how-to-be-the-best-intern-ever
Loretto, P. (2017, May 4). The Perfect Intern. Retrieved from https://www.thebalance.com/the-perfect-intern-1986756
Smith, J. (2014, May 29). 15 Ways To Stand Out As An Intern. Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/15-things-interns-do-to-stand-out-2014-5
