Become a Guidance or Career Counselor Guidance and career counselors are usually considered together, because the counseling specialties both deal with people who are seeking career, vocational and academic advice and guidance counseling in a school or career-related capacity. Guidance counselors assist students of all levels, from elementary school to college. Career counselors typically work with people who are in or have finished college, although some may advise high school students looking to start a career immediately. Guidance and career counselors both advocate for students—or other individuals and organizations, such as a state unemployment office or placement service, to promote academic, career and social development.  What Guidance and Career Counselors Do Guidance counselors help evaluate students' abilities, interests and personalities to develop realistic academic and career goals. They use interviews, counseling sessions and aptitude assessment tests to evaluate and advise students. They also operate career information centers, career day events and career education programs. These counselors also work with younger students who have academic and social development problems or other special needs. A guidance counselor will assist them in finding special education programs, agencies or organizations who can help prepare them for a future career despite their disabilities. Career counselors typically provide career advice outside the traditional school setting. Their primary focus is helping with career decisions. Career counselors explore and evaluate the client's education, work history, interests, skills and personality traits. They may arrange for aptitude and achievement tests to help assess the best career moves for a client. Career counselors work with individuals or groups to develop their job-search skills and résumés and assist clients in their job hunt. A big part of a career counselor's job is providing support and guidance to those experiencing job loss, job stress or other career transition issues. Guidance and Career Counseling Checklist Guidance counselors assist children, teens and adults with academic, vocational and personal issues, as well as providing support when students are considering and exploring career options. They focus on these broad areas of students' lives: - Academic achievement
- Personal and social development
- Career planning
Guidance counselors also work with academic boards to improve learning conditions. These are some of the areas of concern for school counselors: - Developing school counseling programs
- Improving parent / teacher relationships
- Improving school atmosphere
- Legislative advocacy
Career counselors also help adults with work, skill and professional issues: - Learning new skills
- Changing careers
- Re-entering the workforce
- Achieving higher education
- Advancing their current careers
Guidance or Career Counselor Certification and Licensure All states require certification for school guidance counselors, and some states require passing a counseling test for licensure as well. A master's degree followed by two years of practical experience is typically necessary for state licensure. Some states also require a teaching certificate. In addition to basic counseling coursework and a required internship, a candidate will have hands-on practicum in a classroom setting. Career counselors need a master's degree, and licensure is generally granted after two years of supervised clinical experience beyond the master's degree level. A state-recognized examination may also be required. It is critical to check your state's licensure requirement's because in some instances a career counselor working in private practice may need a license, while a career counselor working for a college career center may not. Career counselors, like all counselors based outside of schools, should also complete ongoing annual education requirements. Guidance/Career Counseling Home
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