The idea of the career coach, also known as a life coach or executive coach, is relatively new. Young as the profession is, the results have already shown that life coaching is a serious profession; and a useful one. Chances are that you could use the help of life coaches; most of us could. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about career coaches and what they can do for you.

• What does a career coach do? Career coaching is all about helping people understand their life purpose, plan goals to get there, and implement strategies to accomplish those goals.
• Can’t I do that myself? Of course, it’s not impossible for a person to figure out their own direction in life, it can be a lot easier to have someone help. It’s easy to lose focus in all the bustle of ordinary life. A career coach helps you get back on track and stay focused.
• Is this different from counseling? If you get therapy, you’re working to get in touch with your emotions. Once you understand what you’re really feeling, you’re able to resolve emotional issues and take steps to heal old wounds. A career coach certainly cares about your feelings, but he or she has a very specific focus: help you understand who you are, identify what career direction you should go in, and help you get there.
• How long does it take to go through coaching? This varies by person and there’s no one right answer. On average, a career coach will work with a person for seven to twelve months, but some cases will be shorter and others longer.
• Are career coaches trained? Yes! A study done in 2016 found that 99% of all coaches had gotten training of some kind and nearly 90% were trained by a credentialed organization specializing in career coach preparation.
• What else can a career coach do for me? This depends on the coach and on your needs. Some may offer group coaching in addition to one-on-one services. Some will help you build your resume, and some can also offer you help with major life transitions. In fact, it never hurts to just ask! Your career coach may be able to do more for you than you imagined.
• Is it worth it? There’s no getting around it: career coaching can be expensive. Is that investment worth it? Independent studies have shown that the average return on investment for those who receive career coaching is over 500%. Almost everyone–over 98%–who hires a qualified career coach reports being satisfied with the encounter.

These are just a few questions you might have about how a career coach can help you. If you have more, don’t hesitate to contact a career coaching center near you and find out more.