Is career coaching the niche for you?

So, you’ve trained as a coach, you’re excited to get started, but then comes the big question: What kind of coach am I going to be? The world of coaching offers endless opportunities, and choosing a niche can feel uncertain when you’re not sure where to start.

Career coaching helps people find clarity, confidence, and purpose in their working lives. Whether clients feel stuck, seek greater meaning, or struggle with self-doubt, career coaching supports them to move forward with intention.

If you’re looking for a niche that is rewarding, impactful, and full of possibilities, career coaching offers a brilliant blend of deep coaching work and practical strategy.

Why Career Coaching is a Great Choice

If you’re wondering whether career coaching is for you, here’s why it’s a fantastic path for new and aspiring coaches:

1. Career Crises Are Everywhere (Good News for Coaches!)

With workplace changes, redundancies, and career pivots, more people are re-evaluating what they do and why they do it. Some feel lost, while others know they need change but don’t know where to start. As a career coach, your role is to support them in exploring what’s next with clarity and confidence.

2. You Get to Witness Huge Transformations

There’s nothing quite like seeing a client go from feeling stuck to thriving in a career they love. Sometimes, they need permission to dream bigger. Other times, they need help realising they do have the skills, they can change paths, and they’re never "too late" to make a move.

3. A Mix of Coaching Depth and Practical Tools

Career coaching blends self-reflection with actionable planning. You’ll support clients with:

• Gaining clarity on their career direction
• Identifying mindset blocks like imposter syndrome
• Building confidence in interviews and networking
• Creating a realistic plan for career transitions

How Does Career Coaching Differ from Career Advising?

This is a common question, and it’s easy to see why. Career advising (like what you might find via the National Careers Service or university career centres) typically involves giving information, direction, and advice based on a client’s CV or experience.

Career coaching, however, is a different approach. As a coach, you won’t tell clients what to do. Instead, you’ll help them reflect deeply, identify their values, clarify what they want, and build a strategy that feels authentic to them. It’s future-focused, empowering, and driven by the client’s agenda.

Clients often say that career coaching helps them connect with what really matters to them—and that’s what makes it powerful.

Is Career Coaching Right For You?

You might be wondering: Do I need to have a background in HR or recruitment to be a career coach? The short answer is: not at all.

Of course, experience in talent, hiring, or leadership can add depth, but it’s not a requirement. What matters most is that you are trained in coaching and committed to helping others grow.

If you’re already a qualified coach (or training to be), learning the frameworks, tools, and strategies that sit within career coaching will give you the confidence to step into this niche. With structured training, you can build your expertise and support clients across industries and career stages.

In conclusion, career coaching is an incredibly fulfilling and flexible niche. It offers you the chance to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while building a sustainable coaching practice. If you’re excited by the idea of helping others navigate their careers and create work that feels purposeful, career coaching might just be the perfect fit.

About the Author:

Sarah Bramall is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and EMCC Senior Practitioner, specialising in Executive and Leadership Coaching, Career Coaching, and Confidence Coaching. She is also a qualified and experienced Coach Supervisor, supporting the development of professional coaches across sectors. Sarah is a Lead Associate Trainer for The Coaching Academy and serves on the ICF UK Board under the Professional Development Directorate. She is co-founder of The Coaching Catalysts and co-host of The Coaching Catalysts Podcast.

Ready to Build Your Career Coaching Confidence?

If career coaching sounds like the right next step for you, then The Coaching Academy’s certified Career Coaching Niche Training 1-Day Workshop is a brilliant way to get started.    Led by Sarah Bramall, this CPD day will equip you with practical tools, mindset strategies, and the confidence to support clients through career change and progression.

Here’s what past attendees had to say:

• "Sarah’s warm, nurturing manner was brilliant. She answered all my questions, and I left feeling much more confident in approaching clients." – Olufemi Xavier
• "Sarah was very knowledgeable and provided great tools to support clients. She also made the learning experience very enjoyable." – Atuora
• "This workshop exceeded my expectations. It was packed with insights and practical exercises for a client coaching toolkit or workplace." – Jules Harrower
• "It was a worthwhile experience with great content, useful tools, and techniques to take away. Sarah’s positive style made the day really enjoyable." – Cressida Hamilton

For more information and to book your place, visit Niche Coaching Workshop Career Coaching.