In order to get started as a coach, you need a combination of a solid background in coaching, practice with clients and development in line with international standards such as EMCC or the International Coach Federation. The path to the coaching profession is a process, not a one-off course or a quick certification.
Table of contents
- What is the work of a coach and what is coaching about?
- What does a coach do?
- Is coaching a profession? A realistic view of the market
- Types of coaching - career coaching, business coaching, etc.
- Where do you start if you want to become a coach?
- Coaching versus psychology, counselling and mentoring - key differences
- The EMCC coaching development path - a European quality standard
- EMCC vs International Coach Federation - what's worth knowing?
- Practice, supervision and mentor - pillars of coach development
- Coaching as a business - what do you need to think about from the start?
- Expert advice - Group Meeting
- Are you interested in coaching practice? Take advantage of the Encounter Group's training courses and get certified
Main conclusions
- To become a certified coach, intuition is not enough - specific skills and accreditation are needed.
- Wanting become a career coach or specialise in another area, it is worth identifying your target group and market needs.
- Labour market for coaches is growing, but requires a clear differentiator and high quality service.
- The key to success in coaching work is the connection practical skills with solid the basics of coaching and self-reflection.
- Anyone who wants to be a coach, should build its brand - from internal consistency to creation of a professional website.
What is the work of a coach and what is coaching about?
Coaching is a partnership-based, developmental process of working with clients to support them in achieving specific goals, realising their potential and building their own solutions. A coach's work is not about counselling, therapy or training - a coach does not give ready-made answers, but guides the client through questions, reflection and process structure.
A professional coach works on the basis of contract, ethics and clearly defined boundaries. Coaching can be developmental, business, leadership or personal, but it is always based on the premise that the client has the resources needed to change and the coach's role is to put them in motion.
Looking for individual coaching for yourself or your employees? Check out our individual training.
Remember that in the Meeting Group you can benefit from programmes and Trainingwhich offer the required number of hours of personal development in line with the EMCC certification pathway
What does a coach do?
The coach supports the client in the process of personal or professional development, helping them to discover their own resources, goals and strategies for action. Professional coaching is not about giving ready-made solutions, but about building a partnership between coach and client, based on trust and open questions. The work of a coach requires high standards, empathy and knowledge of effective coaching tools.
Is coaching a profession? A realistic view of the market
Coaching is now a fully-fledged profession, but it is not a „shortcut” profession. The market has matured and there is an increasingly clear distinction between those who have taken weekend courses and those who build competence over the long term. Clients - both individual and business - expect quality, standards and proven preparation.
Therefore, if your goal is to become a coach professionally, you need to think about:
- a coherent development path,
- practice with real clients,
- supervision and reflection,
- a recognised accreditation (EMCC or ICF).
Types of coaching - career coaching, business coaching, etc.
Within coaching, there are many specialisations: life coaching, career coaching, business coaching, executive coaching and even health coaching. Each of these responds to different market needs and requires a different approach to working with the client. Przyszły coach should choose a path in line with his/her competences and preferred target group in order to become an effective and certified coach.
Where do you start if you want to become a coach?
The first step is not to choose a certificate, but to decide: whether coaching is a working method for you and not just an interesting development technique. Coaching requires personal maturity, a willingness to work on the relationship and continuous self-reflection.
Only the next step is to choose a coaching course. Good courses:
- teach coaching thinking, not just tools,
- are based on EMCC or ICF standards,
- include a large number of exercises and practice,
- introduce supervision and mentoring.
If you are interested in business coaching, it makes sense to choose courses that take into account organisational realities, working with managers and teams and the context of psychology and management.
Coaching versus psychology, counselling and mentoring - key differences
One of the most common mistakes beginners make is mixing coaching with other forms of work.
- Psychology / psychotherapy - focuses on treatment and mental health.
- Advice - is to propose solutions and recommendations.
- Mentoring - is based on the transfer of knowledge and experience of the mentor.
- Coaching - focuses on the process, questions and responsibilities of the client.
A professional coach knows these boundaries and can communicate them clearly, which is of great ethical and business importance.
The EMCC coaching development path - a European quality standard
One of the most structured and professional development paths is the EMCC (European Mentoring & Coaching Council) accreditation path. The EIA (European Individual Accreditation) system is not based on a knowledge test, but on real practice and reflection.
EMCC accreditation levels (EIA)
| Level | For whom | Practice with clients | Characteristics |
| Foundation | Beginner coach | min. 50 h | First steps, working under supervision |
| Practitioner | Independent coach | min. 100 h | Stable coaching practice |
| Senior Practitioner | Experienced coach | min. 250 h | Complex processes, system work |
| Master Practitioner | Expert | min. 500 h | Contribution to the development of the profession |
EMCC accreditation requires:
- regular supervision,
- development hours (CPD),
- reflection on their own practice,
- customer feedback.
This makes the coach develop in a continuous and structured way, rather than a one-off.
EMCC vs International Coach Federation - what's worth knowing?
Both European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC), as well as International Coach Federation (ICF) are internationally recognised organisations. They differ in their approach, but share an emphasis on ethics, quality and development.
- The ICF is mainly based on the number of hours and competency examinations.
- The EMCC places a strong emphasis on reflection, dialogue with the assessor and professional maturity.
The path you choose depends on your goals, the market you want to work in and your development style.
Practice, supervision and mentor - pillars of coach development
It is impossible to become a professional coach without practice. Many experienced coaches emphasise that the first 200-300 hours of working with clients is a stage of intensive learning of oneself as a coach.
Equally important is supervision - working regularly with a more experienced professional to help:
- analyse difficult processes,
- recognise their own patterns,
- care about ethics and boundaries.
A coaching mentor, on the other hand, supports the development of competences and working styles, especially at an early stage of the career path.
Coaching as a business - what do you need to think about from the start?
If coaching is to be your profession and not just an adjunct to personal development, you need to think business as well. This includes:
- identifying the client group,
- clear offer,
- communication of the values of coaching,
- building confidence and personal brand.
Business clients particularly look out for accreditation, experience and professional development facilities.
Expert advice - Group Meeting
Group Meeting - a company that has been supporting coaches and mentors in EMCC-compliant development for years," he emphasises:
„The most common mistake novice coaches make is to rush. Coaching is a profession that matures with practice, supervision and reflection. A well-planned EMCC path allows you to build competence step by step, without pressure or shortcuts.”
This approach shows that coaching is not about „quick entry”, but about consciously building quality.
Are you interested in coaching practice? Take advantage of the Encounter Group's training courses and get certified
If you want to become a coach and start a coaching practice by choosing the right training is a key step. The Encounter Group offers coaching courses in line with international standards European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), which allow you to gain a coaching certificate and the required development hours. This allows you to start your own business or work as a coach in the professional market.
Check our offer Training and webinars including training in transactional analysis.
Summary - how to get started as a coach wisely?
If you want to become a coach:
- treat coaching as a profession, not just a method,
- Choose courses based on EMCC or ICF standards,
- Invest in practice, supervision and mentoring,
- build competence in stages, not shortcuts,
- take care to be ethical and reflective about your work.
Coaching is a long-term development path - both for the client and the coach himself. A well-planned path makes it a stable, rewarding and professional one.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
What is coaching?
It is a process of supporting the client to achieve their goals by asking questions and building their own solutions.
Who is the coach?
He is a professional who helps others to develop personally or professionally, based on the coaching method.
Do I need to complete a postgraduate degree in coaching to work in this profession?
Not always, but good studies or accredited training improve quality and compliance with high standards of work.
How do you become a motivational or business coach?
Through specialisation, courses and practice according to the requirements of a particular stream, e.g. business coaching or life coaching.
Is coaching a field only for psychologists?
No, although psychological knowledge helps, coaches also become people from business, education or HR - it's the knowledge and skills that count.
How do you stand out in the world of coaching?
Ensure you are accredited, experienced and build an authentic relationship as a good coach, such as a business coach and trainer in one person.
