Career Counselor

What is a Career Counselor?

The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in career counselor roles:

• Work with individuals to understand career goals and interests in order to recommend educational or work-experience needs for fulfillment of career goals
• Administer aptitude, interest, or skills tests to determine appropriate career recommendations
• Train individuals in resume writing, interviewing, networking, and other job-seeking skills
• Assist individuals in finding and applying for jobs and educational programs they qualify for

A Day in the Life

Career counselors can work in a number of different institutions, and the responsibilities of the role will vary depending on the employing organization. Some career counselors choose to work for either public or private high schools. These counselors work with students to help determine career interests and recommend classes, colleges, and programs that will allow students to secure jobs later in life that match their interests and fulfill their career goals.

Other career counselors work in colleges and universities. College career counselors work with students in their early years to aid in choosing a major and program applicable to their interests and career goals. As students near graduation, career counselors provide training in resume-writing, interviewing, and networking techniques and may assist students in locating internships and summer jobs that provide relevant experience for chosen careers, and finding employment after graduation.

Outside of educational environments, career counselors may work for government or private agencies that help unemployed or underemployed individuals create a plan for securing more suitable employment. They may recommend educational programs, help individuals secure financial aid, train individuals on job application techniques, or assist individuals in finding and applying for desired positions. These individuals generally work with adults that are seeking career and life guidance.

Typical Work Schedule

Career counselors often work in academic settings and often have a full-time 40-hour working schedule that usually coincide with the school day. The work includes helping students or other people find employment and develop necessary skills for the workplace. However, different types of clients and workplaces may require different available hours. They are also commonly involved in employment events where they act to guide graduates and job seekers throughout the process. Career counselors working in schools or colleges usually get the summer off which provides good chance if you have side interests.

Projected job growth

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of career counselors is expected to increase by 8% from 2019 to 2029 which is faster than the average growth rate for other jobs. There are major and continuous changes in the economy creating completely new jobs and making other jobs obsolete. Accordingly, the demand for career counseling is also expected to increase to help school and university students get more knowledgeable insights into the job market. Employment events are also becoming more popular where career counselors play a major role.

Typical Employers

Career counselors have multiple employers, work settings and target populations. Their employers could include educational institutes like schools and colleges where their job would focus on preparing students for the workplace. Other employers include private companies and corporations, often large companies to manage the company’s employees develop necessary workplace skills. Career counseling is also offered by several online hiring platforms as Indeed, LinkedIn, SmartRecruiters and Jobvite. Some career counselors prefer working independently and privately running counseling agencies or offering services online.  The governmental agencies are also a decent employer for career counselors or in community or social services settings to assist those clients who may have problems securing a decent job. Other career counselors would focus their job on working with specific population. In addition, Career counselors may work with those people considering a career shift to guide them in gaining new skills and making important decisions. They also work in programs that help veterans find suitable jobs and reintegrate into the civilian life.