Building credibility as a young professional coach

Discovering coaching and taking the first step at 22

I completed both the Coaching within Education Diploma and the Life Coaching (Personal Performance) Diploma between late 2020 and early 2021.

My coaching journey began with attending The Coaching Academy's free Introduction to Life Coaching event, just before the pandemic started. At the time, I was an international student finishing my bachelor's degree in business. I had always dreamed of becoming a coach, but many people around me believed I was too young, after all, I was just 22, and lacked the life experience needed for the role.

Realising coaching is about skill, not age

That initial training was incredibly inspiring. We engaged in numerous practical exercises, and I connected with amazing people, many of whom I’m still in touch with today.

One of the most eye-opening moments was when the coach leading the session explained that being a great coach isn’t about having extensive life experience. Rather, it's about mastering coaching techniques and tools. That insight gave me the confidence to move forward with my enrolment.

I first pursued the Life Coaching (Personal Performance) Diploma, which provided me with a strong foundation in coaching knowledge and practical application. I studied from March 2020 through the end of the year, navigating the challenges of the pandemic while completing my training.

Afterward, I continued with the Coaching within Education Diploma. This was particularly valuable for my business, as I support international students studying abroad, and I wanted to expand my expertise in the education sector.

Expanding knowledge and professional opportunities

The Coaching Academy's coaching diplomas inspired me to further my education, leading me to enrol in a Master’s program in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology at the University of East London. Thanks to my Coaching Academy coaching diplomas, I was accepted into the program, which was already proving to be a worthwhile investment.

After completing both my diploma and Master's, I began attracting new clients. Initially, I applied my coaching skills within my existing business, but I soon expanded to offering individual coaching sessions for a diverse range of clients. Many were still connected to education, but I also had the opportunity to coach people on personal matters.

Creating meaningful impact through coaching

For me, the most rewarding aspect of coaching is witnessing the tangible results of each session. By applying the coaching techniques and exercises I’ve learned, and those I've developed through my own experiences, I see real, meaningful progress in my clients. This is especially fulfilling when working with students, as I can directly contribute to their growth and success.

Some of my key highlights include:

• Coaching students through the transition from high school to higher education, both individually and in group settings. I’ve supported over 300 students in this capacity.
• Providing professional development for teachers in Italy through group and one-on-one coaching, supporting them in their teaching roles and in adopting coaching techniques.
• Working with more than 500 families preparing to send their children abroad, offering mentoring and coaching to support this significant transition.
• Collaborating with universities and associations to help students develop coaching and entrepreneurial skills, including launching businesses, fostering creativity, managing imposter syndrome, and building confidence.
• Using coaching within my own team to support employees dealing with personal and work-related challenges. Time and again, coaching has proven to be a powerful and effective tool in a variety of situations.

Overall, my coaching journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m excited about the opportunity to give back to The Coaching Academy through sharing my story to help inspire others!  

Thank you Tina for sharing your coaching journey and the impact of your work in education.