Career Counseling Job Profile

Career Counseling Job Profile Student Resources Careers Print Career Counseling Job Profile By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Updated on October 06, 2019 Odilon Dimier / PhotoAlto Agency RF Collections / Getty Images More in Student Resources Careers APA Style and Writing Study Guides and Tips Choosing a career can be a real challenge. How do you know what type of jobs are right for you? Is a particular profession suited to your personality, interests, and goals? High school students, college graduates, and adults interested in a career change have to face these difficult questions, and this is where a career counselor can help. What Is a Career Counselor? Career counselors work with people who have questions about different careers and educational paths. If youre a job seeker, working with a career counselor  can help you make the most of the planning and decision-making process and hopefully find you a job path thats perfect for your needs. Job Duties Career counselors perform a range of duties, including: Administer personality and interest inventoriesUse achievement and aptitude tests to help clients get a better idea of what theyre good atCounsel clients who are considering a career changeEvaluate clients educational and work backgrounds in order to help them determine what they need to do next to achieve their goalsAdvise students about what courses and educational programs they need for particular careersHelp clients select the right schools or programs for their needsHelp students locate sources of financial support to pay for school and other training programsTeach and practice jobs skills such as interviewing, resume writing, and networkingAid clients in the job search process by teaching them where to look for open positions and connecting them with job search resources Work Environments Career counselors often work in a variety of areas and with a broad range of clients. Educational settings such as high schools and college, government agencies, and private practices are just a few of the major areas of employment for people working in this field. Some counselors work in high school settings and help students make college and career choices. Others work in higher-education settings and counsel university students who need help picking a major and deciding what they want to do when they graduate. Still, others specialize in working with adults who are already a part of the workforce. These individuals might seek out the assistance of a career counselor because they are considering a career change, want to find ways to advance in their current careers, or need assistance finding new work after being laid off. In some cases, career  counselors might also work with disabled individuals who need assistance to acquire job skills and find employment. These professionals are often employed by private or government agencies that offer assistance to children and adults suffering from a range of disabilities. Teaching basic job skills, connecting clients with resources in the community, and communicating with potential employers are just a few of the tasks counselors might perform when working in this area. Where Career Counselors Work According to the  Occupational Outlook Handbook, there were approximately 291,700 jobs in school and career  counseling  in 2016.Forty-four percent of these jobs were in elementary and secondary schools.Thirty-four percent worked at  junior  college, colleges, professional schools, and universities.Ten percent worked in healthcare and social assistance.Three percent were self-employed. Wages In 2016, the median annual salary for all school and career counselors was $54,560. Those employed by healthcare and social service organizations earned considerably less, with a median annual wage of $37,080. Training and Educational Requirements The majority of employers prefer school counselors to hold at least a masters degree in counseling with a specialization in career development. Career counselors generally do not need to be licensed, although many employers prefer it and some require it. Those who want to work in private practice usually do need to be licensed. Licensure typically involves completing a masters program in counseling, performing an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, the  passage of a state licensing exam, and continuing education credits. Those who are interested in working in elementary or secondary school settings generally need a masters degree in school counseling. Educational programs often have internship requirements where students gain hands-on experience by working under the supervision of a licensed professional. Counselors in school settings must also be licensed to work in the state where they intend to practice. In some cases, individuals with a bachelors degree in psychology can find entry-level positions in career counseling. Job Outlook The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the job demand is projected to grow by approximately 11 percent between the years 2016 and 2026, which is faster than average. Most of this growth will be fueled by the increase in students enrolled in colleges and universities. Recent economic challenges and a slow job market might also spur the demand for career counseling services. Displaced workers seeking new employment opportunities and recent college graduates faced with a sluggish hiring market might be particularly in need of the services of trained career counselors. Starting a Career in Counseling