Diana Moraru - Coaching enhanced my career

What inspired you to enrol with The Coaching Academy?

Before enrolling at The Coaching Academy, I spent 10 years in various positions at different companies, where I ended up not enjoying my work anymore.
I got lost and did not know how to help myself. I tried countless times to reconnect with myself and discover my true passion, but I did not know where and how to start.
I was at a “crossroads” when I took the free two-day course with The Coaching Academy. I found the course to be very professional, interactive, inspirational and valuable, and it allowed me to see things in a much more positive light. At the end of the two-day course, I decided straightaway to study towards a Life Coaching Diploma Diploma and become qualified in this field.

What was/is your profession before becoming a coach?

I have previously worked in several roles within the field of human resources as an HR assistant, as a mentor and as an ambassador in mentoring. 

What was the most rewarding part of your training/journey?

Aside from the additional qualification that I gained, I learnt so many things about myself and I enhanced my personal skills. I know now how to build a great rapport with people from different backgrounds, and I have gained confidence in how to deal with different situations in my life.
I enjoyed the practical experience and assessments that run alongside the modules. I also made friends and built great relationships with fellow coaches from The Coaching Academy. 
After qualifying, I applied for CPD accreditation for my coaching sessions.

How did you fit coach training into your busy life?

It was a challenge to fit the coaching hours and assessments into my busy life; my first coaching assessment fell during my break while I was at work, and most of the coaching sessions were delivered during the weekends, which kept me busy. However, I had the commitment, passion and motivation to do it. 

Where are you now? How are you using your coaching skills?

Since obtaining the PPD with The Coaching Academy, I have launched my coaching business, which aims to help young people between the ages of 18 and 24, and parents and carers who are returning to work to find the right job. I coach them on CV writing, job applications, career options, mock interviews, building confidence and career changes. 

I still work full time in the HR field, which I enjoy, and I feel that having the coaching skills is a must. As an HR person, I use open questions to diagnose a particular situation and help line-managers to gain a new perspective, to gain confidence in their management abilities and to devolve day-to-day responsibilities away from the HR function.

In order to keep close to the coaching community, I attend different coaching support groups in London, where we share our experiences and we learn from each other. I also organise workshops on CV writing, deliver one-to-one career coaching sessions and sometimes publish articles on my website.

During the coaching sessions, I remain non-judgemental and I do not provide any advice. I also focus on my client’s agenda, raise their awareness, break down their goals, listen to them effectively, summarise and paraphrase, use effective open-ended questioning techniques, help clients to explore their values and beliefs, facilitate clients to understand their needs and help clients to achieve their career goals in order to move forward.

What is your coaching niche and why did you choose it? 

I am a career coach. I chose this niche because it took me eight years to understand and analyse my career path, and to get the right job which is in line with my values.  

Top tips for:
People who are looking to become qualified as a professional coach?

I would highly recommend attending the free two-day course.
It will give you a better understanding of what coaching is, how you can benefit from coaching and you will learn new skills that can immediately be put to good use.
If you are not ready to embark on a coaching journey straightaway, you can come back to The Coaching Academy whenever you are ready. 

Those currently in training with The Coaching Academy?

I would highly recommend keeping yourself organised and complete all the paperwork on time.
For example, if you attended an Accelerator Day, complete the Learning Record Sheet straightaway. Also, after each coaching session, fill in the Coach Record Sheet with key learning points, areas for development and actions to be taken. I would also recommend working with a more experienced coach, as you will learn from them and they will give you the support you need. 

If you're interested in finding out more about coaching, just like Diana did, start by joining us in our interactive live webinar. Choose from available dates here.