Frequently asked questions

Most people can benefit from coaching. Whether in a professional or personal context, individuals often hire a coach to help them see and manifest next steps in their life or career. A coaching relationship requires a real commitment and determination to change. Timing and readiness to change are key factors in a successful coaching relationship.

Some common themes in coaching include:

·       Defining a vision or direction for change

·       Starting a new career or changing jobs

·       Setting and pursuing goals

·       Planning strategically for the future

·       Building self-confidence

·       Balancing work, family, and personal life

·       Navigating current life and career challenges

·       Negotiating decision making

·       Identifying life purpose and priorities

·       Setting professional goals and / or leadership and management objectives

The answer to this question varies depending on your background. However, it is expected that participants will dedicate a minimum of 30 hours on program-related assignments outside the classroom. Journaling, reflecting and engaging in coaching sessions are activities that each student will have to undertake as part of the program.

Over the course of the nine-month program, and up to 3 months after the final training date, participants will have to complete the requirements of the program. These are:

a. A minimum of 30 documented coaching sessions with non-paying clients;

b. A minimum of 10 documented mentor coaching hours with a certified mentor coach (MCC or PCC credentials). This includes audit of and feedback on 3 coaching sessions as part of the mentoring.

c. Various assignments, including:

- Personalized coaching documents
- Book reports on at least two different books
- An in-class review of your personal change journey during the program
- A written report detailing the coaching process and your development as a coach
- A written examination (completed after the final weekend);

d. An in-class assessment of coaching skills demonstrating PCC level of competency as determined by the ICF.

Mentor Coaching: There are 10 required coaching hours with a mentor coach (PCC or MCC level credentials from ICF). You will have an opportunity to personally select a mentor coach to suit your learning preferences, though all mentor coaches must be pre-approved by faculty prior to your contacting them. Mentor coaches are external to the program and costs for their services need to be negotiated. These costs are not included in the program tuition and can range upwards from $1500 for a package of 10 mentoring hours.

Books: Two required textbooks. These are:

1.     Gavin, J. (2021). Foundations of Professional Coaching: Models, Methods and Core Competencies (Fourth Edition). Human Kinetics.

2.     Van Nieuwerburgh, C. (2020). An introduction to coaching skills: A practical guide (Third Edition). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

Please note: When you buy the book, you will get an access code for all the videos listed in the book.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, you will be a certified coach from Concordia University, through the John Molson Executive Centre. Once certified you can use the PGCC designation.

Please note: You will NOT be issued an ICF certificate. Depending on the number of coaching hours you have accumulated when you apply for ICF certification, you will qualify for either an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) or a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation through the ACTP application type (see the ICF website for required number of coaching hours for each level of certification).

Please answer the following questions in your letter (max 2 pages):

·       What draws you to coaching?

·       What do you believe makes someone a great coach?

·       What are some of the unique qualities that you can bring to the program?

·       How do your past experiences complement coaching?

·       What skills do you wish to develop through this program?

·       What do you believe the PGCC program can offer you?

Coaching is a relational field, so it is important to look at your interpersonal and communication skills in addition to your experience and education. The purpose of the interview is to get additional information about your experiences and interests related to coaching. The interview will help us to determine if the PGCC program is a good fit and relevant for your needs and skills; the interview is a way for us to get to know you a bit more.

Even though a Bachelor’s degree is a stated requirement for this professional program, we also believe that work experience can provide you with the necessary skills and principles. If you lack a formal post-secondary degree, please include an additional paragraph in your letter of intent telling us how your work experience has given you a foundation for learning, theoretical knowledge, and team work. Applicants must illustrate their ability to think critically and to grasp learning concepts.