According to careersinpsychology.org, life coaching is a type of coaching, or counseling, that can be used to help people who are in major transition phases in their lives. Professionals in this field often try to help people plan goals and take steps to realize those goals.”
(Photo Courtesy of Irina Baranov)
Irina Baranov, a certified life coach/executive coach, uses her knowledge and education in psychology in her every day practice.
Where did you get your degree?
“I received my psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and my coach training and certification at CTI (Coach Training Institute).”
Can you describe your duties as an executive coach?
“I get to blend my psychology and business backgrounds (I have 20 years of corporate and nonprofit marketing experience), as well as my coach training, to provide my clients with the help they need to meet their personal and professional goals. I also work with groups as a speaker/facilitator to address topics such as Resilience, Time/Energy Management, Leadership, Relationships and Personal Brand.”
How has education prepared you for your career in coaching?
“The foundation of a psychology degree has served me well in understanding various aspects of human behavior and group dynamics.”
What advice would you give someone who is pursuing a career in psychology or coaching?
“For psychology, I would recommend that people think about the commitment it requires. There are very few positions in the field of psychology for which someone with a bachelor’s degree can qualify. So, if you’re going into the field, be prepared for graduate school (master’s level at the very least, and possibly Ph.D. or Psy.D.). Also, be prepared to work for several years at a relatively low-income, while accumulating enough hours/experience to become licensed.
Coaching, on the other hand, is a less regulated field, so there are fewer barriers to entry. However, as the field grows and services become more popular, most clients are becoming savvy about asking for credentials (quality training program, certification, other degrees, other careers/experience prior to coaching, etc).
So both fields require time/effort/investment – but it’s a matter of which direction someone would like to go. Both are wonderful helping professions, with many different specialties.”
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
