What a Health and Wellness Coach at University wishes they had known before entering the Health and Wellness industry
Jessica, a Health & Wellness Coach/Extended Learning Coordinator, advises aspiring educators to embrace a non-linear career path, urging them to "follow your bliss." Regarding the health and wellness field, Jessica stresses the importance of choosing reputable certifications, noting that "there's a lot of certifications…that are quick and easy, but they're not as reputable," and recommending a longer, board-certified program for greater credibility.
Career Development, Non-linear Career Paths, Health & Wellness Coaching, Continuing Education, Professional Certifications
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jessica Elliott
Health & Wellness Coach/Extended Learning Coordinator
Leading University
California Polytechnic State University
Dominican University of California - M.S. Education / CA BLCAD teaching credential
Medical, Sciences & Related, Psychology
Coaching, Speaking & Writing, Education
Education
First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. There is no single linear path in the education industry. It's important to follow your bliss and what inspires you, as career paths can change and shift.
2. In the health and wellness industry, choose certifications carefully. Longer, more reputable programs (like those affiliated with national boards) hold more weight than quick certifications.
3. Continuously learning, advancing, and networking (e.g., attending conferences, speaking with professionals) are crucial for growth and discovering new opportunities in both education and health & wellness fields.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
It's interesting because I'm kind of in two different industries now: education and the health and wellness industry.
In education, I want to speak to anyone curious about development and growth within the human experience as it relates to learning. There is no single linear path. If you want to be a teacher now, that can change and shift to something else.
I would encourage anyone in the realm of education to follow their bliss. Follow what is inspiring to you. I always loved working with a variety of ages of learners, and that's what led me out of the classroom to support adults still in service to children.
Now, as a coach, I work with adults, perhaps supporting them with parenting coaching. It's not linear at all.
Learning about the health and wellness industry, being that I'm newer to it, is also a bigger thing. I would say choose your certifications carefully. There are many quick and easy certifications, but they are not as reputable.
I chose a coaching program that was over two years in length. Many coaching programs are only three months long. I was able to sit for the national boards, which is affiliated with the Medical Board of Examiners. This offers more justification and understanding when hiring a board-certified coach compared to one who is not.
So, choose your certifications carefully. Definitely stay on the path of what interests you most, continue to learn, advance, and grow. Attend conferences or have conversations that might open your eyes to another opportunity.