How to Become a Coach with No Prior Experience

Words shape futures. A single question can reframe an entire life. Coaching exists in that space, where possibility meets presence, and growth becomes a choice.

It’s a lofty role. One steeped in responsibility. The big question, then: if you're looking to become a coach, can you do it if you have no experience? Can you really step into this profession and thrive? Can you take on that weighty responsibility, and shape lives? The answer is yes. Coaching isn’t reserved for those with advanced degrees or decades in business. It’s for anyone willing to learn, practice, and lead with curiosity. At its core, coaching is a skill set, not a credential you’re born with.

Coaching is about mindset, awareness, and communication. And those can be cultivated from day one. Let’s unpack that.

Why Experience Isn’t a Barrier to Coaching

The best coaches weren’t always the most experienced professionals. Many began with nothing more than empathy, a commitment to growth, and the courage to start.

Coaching is a learned profession. What matters isn’t your résumé but your presence. Core qualities like listening, curiosity, and compassion are the real building blocks. With training, these traits sharpen into tools that transform conversations.

History shows it clearly: some of the most impactful coaches entered the profession from unexpected paths. Marshall Goldsmith began in management, not psychology. Tony Robbins built his practice without formal counseling credentials. What they shared was not a specific degree but a willingness to learn and a deep belief in people’s potential.

Step 1: Understand What Coaching Really Is

Before you begin, it helps to understand what coaching is, and what it is not.

Mentoring is advice from someone who’s walked the path before you.
Therapy is focused on healing the past.
Coaching is different. It’s future-focused, client-driven, and rooted in discovery.

At Erickson Coaching International, we call this “solution-focused coaching”: a practical, forward-looking approach where clients uncover possibilities, build strategies, and take action. The coach is not the expert and not the source of the answers. Instead, the coach facilitates the process, trusting that the coachee already has the inner resources to find the right solutions. That’s why you can successfully coach someone even in an industry you know nothing about, because the answers come from them. Coaches don’t provide solutions. They ask the questions that unlock them.

Step 2: Start with Personal Development

You cannot guide others until you’ve explored your own growth. Coaching begins with self-awareness.

This means paying attention to how you listen, the language you use, and the mindset you carry. Practical starting points include journaling, practicing active listening in daily conversations, and reading foundational coaching books.

Personal development isn’t a warm-up. It’s the core of what you’ll offer your future coachees: presence, clarity, and the ability to model change.

Step 3: Get Professional Training and Accreditation

Coaching becomes powerful when grounded in training. Accredited programs, aligned with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), provide the frameworks and competencies that separate hobbyists from professionals.

Erickson’s The Art & Science of Coaching™ equips new coaches with globally recognized certification, structured practice, and a solution-focused methodology trusted worldwide. Training is accessible online and across international locations, making it possible to begin wherever you are.

Accreditation builds confidence. It signals credibility. And it opens doors to meaningful career opportunities.

Step 4: Practice Coaching Skills Early

Coaching mastery doesn’t arrive through theory alone. It’s developed through practice, and lots of it.

Even without paying coachees, you can be proactive in the space. Here’s how:

Practice with peers in your training cohort.
Offer volunteer or pro bono sessions.
Engage in role-play and structured case studies.

The more you practice, the more natural coaching becomes. What begins as structured questions soon transforms into fluid, intuitive conversations.

Step 5: Build Your Coaching Brand and Niche

Coaching is universal, but your story shapes your path. Some are drawn to executive coaching. Others feel called to wellness, leadership, or life transitions.

Define the audience you most want to serve. Share your journey openly, it builds trust and attracts coachees who resonate with your perspective.

Building a coaching brand doesn’t require perfection. A simple online presence, authentic storytelling, and consistent engagement with networks is enough to begin.

Step 6: Start Gaining Coachees

Coachees don’t appear overnight. They grow from relationships.

Begin with people you know: friends, colleagues, community groups.
Offer sample or introductory sessions to showcase value.
Engage with

Erickson Plus
, our exclusive alumni community, to connect with like-minded coaches, access professional development resources, and continue your coaching journey with ongoing support.

Momentum builds gradually. Start with free sessions. Transition into paid engagements. With consistency, coaching evolves into a sustainable practice.

Step 7: Continue Learning and Growing

Coaching isn’t a fixed destination. It’s a lifelong practice.

The most successful coaches invest in advanced training, mentorship, and supervision. They reflect on their sessions, refine their competencies, and remain students of the craft. Erickson offers pathways for continuous growth, ensuring that new coaches stay supported well beyond initial certification.

Common Myths About Becoming a Coach with No Experience - A Quick Overview

“You need a psychology degree.” Coaching is not therapy. It’s a distinct, forward-focused practice.
“No one will take you seriously.” Accreditation and skill-building create authority and trust.
“It’s too late to start.” Coaching can begin at any stage of life or career. Many coaches start midlife and thrive.

Coaching is not about where you’ve been. It’s about where you, and your coachees, are willing to go. With training, practice, and presence, anyone can grow into a powerful coach.

If you’re ready, Erickson Coaching International offers accredited programs that transform intention into impact. Use our Program Finder, and start your journey today. No experience required, just a little trust in yourself and the courage to begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a life coach with no experience?
Begin with personal development, then enroll in accredited training, specifically Erickson’s The Art & Science of Coaching™. Practice early and often.
Is it possible to earn a living as a life coach without a background in psychology?
Coaching is not therapy. With certification, credibility, and clear practice building, you can create a sustainable career.
What skills are most important for new coaches?
Active listening, curiosity, empathy, and the ability to ask powerful questions.
How long does it take to become a certified coach?
Programs vary, but most ICF-aligned training can be completed within several months to a year.
Can I become a coach if I live outside of Canada, where Erickson is headquartered?
Erickson’s programs are accessible globally, online and in-person.