Programs
New coaching program responds to worldwide demand
By Amy Robertson
In response to an increase in global demand for coaching services, SFU Continuing Studies has launched a unique coaching program.
Developed by Kon Li, SFU Continuing Studies' Career and Life Planning program director, the Certificate in Professional Coaching is the only ICF-aligned face-to-face coaching certification program in the Lower Mainland.
Designed to train professionals to help individuals and organizations reach their maximum level of effectiveness, it is aligned with the International Coach Federation (ICF) core competencies and training requirements.
The ICF found in its 2012 Global Coaching Study that the demand for coaching services has increased worldwide. The organization has also seen its membership increase dramatically from 11,000 members in 2006 to over 21,000 members in April 2012.
The program positions graduates to pursue ICF coaching certification after graduating.
“Coaching is a profession that responds to the continuous changes in people’s lives,” says Li. “There is a push in the business world to have coaching in an organizational setting in order to deal with change and improve effectiveness and performance...
"Older methods of performance enhancement focused on past problems, while professional coaching is about maximizing strengths. The psychology is very positive, and very here-and-now.”
The part-time, seven-month program combines practical coaching theory, one-on-one mentoring from industry professionals, observation, and coaching practice with real teams, individuals and organizations. Course topics include individual and team coaching, organizational systems coaching, narrative coaching, working with feedback, resistance to change, and leadership.
Classes begin at SFU’s Vancouver campus on October 26. Interested parties can attend an information session at the campus on October 11 at 5:30 p.m.
There are several organizations that offer face to face coach training in the lower mainland, Erickson College (erickson.edu) for instance.
Also, you say this course is "aligned" with the ICF - does this mean you are ICF certified when you complete this course?
Thanks for reading. The uniqueness of our program comes from an important combination of factors, including the fact that it's ICF-aligned, it's almost entirely face-to-face, and students will finish the program with a certificate from a major university. Additionally, the content is more comprehensive than other programs: Students learn to coach at individual, group, and organizational levels.
ICF-aligned means that the program is designed in accordance with ICF requirements. Because the program is still running for the first time, it isn't yet fully accredited. We expect to have full accreditation within a few months.
If you have any other questions about the program, you're welcome to contact Kon Li, the program director, at kon_li@sfu.ca. He'll be happy to explain this to you in more detail if you wish.