Should I be a career counsellor?

Planning out your career path and getting a job can be a full-time job in and of itself!

That's where a career counsellor comes in.

Their actual full-time job is to help others discover their passion and make it a reality!

A career counsellor is a combination of:

• Counsellor — career path planning and mental wellness development

• Coach — job search, resume writing, and interview prep

• Cheerleader — words of encouragement to keep clients on track

A career counsellor is there as a guide: the client still needs to put in the work!

On any given day, you might:

• Administer an aptitude test to a client and discuss the results

• Counsel a client about their fear of failure and offer encouragement

• Provide a client with a writing exercise to try before their next session

• Assist a client with overcoming their greatest weakness

• Provide feedback on a client's resume layout or interview style

• Suggest that a client take a public speaking course

Exact requirements will vary between countries, regions, and jobs, but you can expect to obtain at minimum a bachelor's degree (or post-graduate certificate) in one of the following fields:

• behavioural science

• social science

• human resources

Practical experience is also essential, either through an academic program, a volunteer opportunity, or an internship.

Depending on the specific job and location, other requirements may include:

• a Master's degree in counselling

• passing a licensing exam

• additional certifications to stay up-to-date in the field

• In a school setting (secondary or post-secondary). Clients will be students looking for career search guidance as they get closer to graduation.

• For a private company. Clients will generally seek out your services because they're looking to shift gears in their careers.

• At a not-for-profit. Clients will be connected with your services or seek you out because they are unemployed or searching for a low-cost counselling option

• As a private practitioner. You get to choose your target client demographic. You'd likely have to work for an employer to gain experience and credibility before pursuing an independent path.

• The annual salary for a career counsellor in Canada ranges from $38,000 to $79,000 (CAD).

• Average: $51,000

• The annual salary for a career counsellor in the USA ranges from $40,000 to $73,000 (USD).

• Average: $53,000

• Enjoy working one-on-one with clients.

• Are a creative problem solver. Every client is unique!

• Are ok with an open-ended workflow. Some clients will see you once, others for many sessions

• Prefer to work on your own.

• Can't stand it if there isn't a clear right or wrong approach.

• Operate best under specific timelines.

Career counselling might be the right path for you! But first, ask yourself some key questions before you decide to go down this path.

Do you: