School and Career Counselors and Advisors

---

Duties

In most cases, school counselors conduct the following:

• Assist kids in identifying and resolving social or emotional difficulties.
• A student's academic performance can be severely impacted by a number of reasons, including low attendance.
• Counsel one-on-ones and small groups in accordance with their requirements.
• Work with students to improve their time management and study habits in order to help them learn.
• Use aptitude tests and interviews to gauge a student's skills and interests.
• Teachers and parents should work together to help kids set academic, vocational and personal objectives.
• Introduce particular issues, such as cyberbullying and drug abuse, to kids and school personnel.
• Educate high school pupils about their post-graduation possibilities for continuing their education or finding work.
• As needed, keep track of everything.
• Report incidents of probable neglect or abuse and direct students and their families to appropriate assistance.
• School counselors' responsibilities change as their kids become older.

Assisting kids with their social and intellectual development is a primary responsibility of elementary school guidance counselors. This includes a discussion of the kid's skills and limitations, as well as obstacles or special requirements that the youngster may have. Assisting teachers and administrators in identifying and addressing children' educational and emotional needs is a primary responsibility of school counselors.

As part of the school community, counselors engage with kids and their families to help them improve their decision-making, academics, and interpersonal skills. These counselors give one-on-one consultations for kids who are experiencing difficulties at school or at home. They also help kids prepare for the transition to high school, ensuring that they are ready for the next stage of their academic and social growth.

Counselors in high schools help students plan their academic and professional futures. Many of them assist students in resolving personal concerns that are getting in the way of their academic progress. They assist students in making course selections and making long-term plans for their future. 

The following is a typical list of what career counselors and advisers do:

• Help students or customers identify their interests, talents, and abilities by conducting aptitude and accomplishment evaluations.
• Evaluate pupils or customers' educational and training backgrounds to help them set attainable objectives.
• Select and apply for educational programs that will help students earn the essential degrees, qualifications and skills.
• Teach students or customers interviewing and networking skills as part of their job hunt.
• Find and apply for employment by educating clients how to search for opportunities and write a résumé that will help them get hired.

Career counselors and advisers have a wide range of responsibilities depending on the student or customer.

People who are already in the workforce might benefit from the services of a career coach. Counselors in this field create professional improvement programs for their clients that are completely unique to them. They encourage and assist their customers in achieving the goals they have set for themselves. If you're looking to change careers or settle workplace concerns, career coaches can help.

Choosing a major or figuring out what employment you can get with your degree are two of the many tasks that college counselors aid students with. They also assist people acquire employment by teaching them how to do a job search, write a resume, and conduct an interview. Admissions and financial assistance are two areas where college counselors tend to specialize in helping students.

Education

A master's degree in an area such as counseling or psychology is required by nearly all states and the District of Columbia. Graduates of degree programs learn how to nurture growth, conduct group and individual counseling, engage with support systems such as parents and school personnel; and utilize data to build and implement comprehensive counseling programs. Internships are typically required as part of these programs.

Career counselors having a master's degree in counseling with a concentration on career development are preferred by some businesses. Students in career counseling programs learn how to assess clients' abilities and interests, as well as how to assist them in finding a new job. Employers may prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree and job experience for career or academic counselors.

In most master's degree programs in counseling, students are required to complete an internship or other form of supervised practice.

Registration, Licenses, and Certifications

A state-issued certificate is required for public school counselors to practice. This credential may be referred to as a certification, a license, or an endorsement, depending on the state in which it is issued. A master's degree in school counseling, an internship or practicum under the supervision of a certified professional school counselor, and passing a test are normally required for this certification to be obtained.

Prior to getting certified, some organizations encourage or require candidates to have classroom teaching experience or to have a teaching license. As a part of the credentialing process, most states demand criminal background checks. The American School Counselor Association provides information on state-specific regulations.

Check with your state to see if there are any requirements for career counselors to hold a license. The National Board for Certified Counselors provides contact information for state licensing bodies.

Some professional groups provide optional certificates for career and academic advisers.

Qualities that are essential

Analytical abilities. Guidance counselors and career advisers use student records, statistics from the school as a whole, and assessments of talents and interests to help students choose the right career path.

Compassion. Counselors and advisers in education and the workplace typically deal with individuals who are dealing with stressful and challenging situations; therefore, they need to be able to empathize with their clients and students' experiences.

The ability to interact with others. They must be able to work effectively with individuals from different walks of life, regardless of their backgrounds or personalities. With clients, pupils, or colleagues, they need to build and sustain mutually beneficial working relationships.

Listening comprehension. Counselors and advisers in the fields of education and job development must pay close attention to their students and customers if they are to fully grasp their issues.

A good command of the English language. Clients and students must be listened to and understood by school and career counselors. As a result, they must communicate effectively with their clients and pupils.

Pay

In May 2020, the average yearly salary for school and career counselors and advisers was $58,120. An occupation's median pay is the wage at which half of the workers make more than it and half make less. The bottom 10% made less than $35,620, and the top 10% earned more than $97,910.

Job Projections

By 2030, there will be an 11% increase in the number of people working as school or career counselors and advisors.