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What does a Career Counselor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A career counselor helps people choose careers and plan their work lives. They work with people of all ages, from high school students to adults who are changing careers. Career counselors use tests, interviews, and other tools to help their clients find the right career path.

Career Counselor job duties include:

  • Assist individuals with exploring and choosing careers
  • Help individuals assess their skills, interests, and values
  • Provide information about job opportunities, educational requirements, and salaries
  • Guide individuals through the process of applying to colleges or universities
  • Connect individuals with internship and job shadowing opportunities
  • Help individuals prepare for interviews by practicing questions and answers
  • Teach individuals how to write resumes and cover letters
  • Offer guidance on how to dress for success
  • Advise individuals on which career fairs to attend
  • Help individuals research graduate programs

Career Counselor Job Requirements

A career counselor typically needs a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field. Many states also require counselors to be licensed or certified. Some employers may prefer candidates who have experience working in career counseling, human resources, or a related field.

Career Counselor Skills

  • Communication
  • Listening
  • Empathy
  • Critical thinking
  • Organizational
  • Interpersonal
  • Research
  • Assessment
  • Counseling
  • Case management
  • Report writing
  • Referral

Related: Top Career Counselor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Career Counselor

A career counselor is a professional who helps people choose careers and plan their future. They work with clients of all ages, from high school students to adults who are changing careers. Career counselors use tests and assessments to help their clients find the right career path. They also help with job search strategies and interviewing skills.

If you want to become a career counselor, you will need at least a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. You will also need to complete an internship or practicum in counseling. Most states also require counselors to be licensed or certified. To get started in your career, you can contact your local school district or state department of education to inquire about open positions. You can also search for jobs on websites like Indeed.com or Monster.com.

Related: Career Counselor Resume Example

Related: Career Counselor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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