Entry-level Positions For Aspiring Executive Coaches And Trainers
For undergraduate students interested in executive coaching and training, gaining "real life experience" is crucial before directly pursuing coaching roles; however, early career exploration through coaching or group facilitation—roles often found in HR or management—provides valuable experience in leading meetings and presentations, developing public speaking skills, which Dana highlights as essential, noting "you can't be nervous" in front of large groups.
Coaching, Group Facilitation, Public Speaking, Leadership, Experience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Dana Old
Executive Coach and Trainer
Studio DTO
University of Pennsylvania, 2005
MBA, UCLA Anderson School of Management
Communications
Coaching, Speaking & Writing
Human Resources (HR)
Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Gain real-life experience before becoming a coach.
2. Seek roles involving presentations and group facilitation to develop leadership skills.
3. Actively pursue public speaking opportunities to build confidence and skills required for this career path.
Transcript
What are some options available for an undergraduate student in your field after they graduate?
"Hmm? On the coaching and facilitation side, specifically coaching, it behooves one to get some real-life experience first before jumping in and saying, 'Hey, I want to be a coach.' I think there's a lot of tenure and experience, and those gray hairs, that can help you pass along insight to your clients.
That said, I think people can always have a coach. So, try one young in your career and see what that might do for you to open your eyes, if that's of interest. Try it to see if you believe in the product.
On the group facilitation side, I think that's a different story. Often, people who start in an HR track or even general management often lead presentations, meetings, and off-sites. You're in a position to be that orchestra leader, the conductor, putting all the pieces together.
So, I think for people who like to be in front of the room, find roles where you have that opportunity. It could be a meeting, it could be an off-site where you can play that role. I'd also say that if you're in front of the room, how do you get public speaking opportunities? Are there clubs to join, or different associations or classes where you can practice those public speaking techniques, because that is going to be a key component of this job.
I am in front of 10, 20, 50, 100 people at a time. Earlier this week, it was a 65-person Zoom meeting, and you can't be nervous. You've got to be able to do it. I didn't inherently have that confidence; it was just time and time again getting in front of an audience."
Advizer Personal Links
www.linkedin.com/in/ dana-taylor-old