What School and Career Counselors Do

School counselors help students develop social skills and succeed in school. Career counselors assist people with the process of making career decisions by helping them choose a career or educational program.

Duties

School counselors typically do the following:

• Help students understand and overcome social or behavioral problems through individual and group counseling
• Provide individual and small group counseling based on student needs
• Work with students to develop skills such as organization, time management, and effective study habits
• Help students set realistic academic and career goals and develop a plan to achieve them
• Evaluate students’ abilities and interests through aptitude assessments and interviews
• Develop strategies with teachers, administrators, and parents to help students succeed
• Teach classes on topics such as bullying, drug abuse, and planning for college or careers after graduation
• Identify and report possible cases of neglect or abuse
• Refer students and parents to resources outside the school for additional support

The specific duties of school counselors vary with the ages of the students they work with.

Elementary school counselors focus on helping students develop skills they need to be successful in their social and academic lives, such as decision-making and study skills. They also help teachers and administrators identify possible behavioral or developmental problems. They observe children in the classroom and at play activities and confer with teachers and parents about children's strengths, problems, and special needs. They work with teachers and administrators to be sure the curriculum addresses the development needs of students as well as students' academic needs.

Middle school counselors work with students and parents to develop career and academic goals and to create a plan for students to achieve them. They help students develop the skills and strategies necessary to succeed academically and socially.

High school counselors advise students making academic and career plans. Many help students with personal problems that interfere with their education. They help students choose classes and plan for their lives after graduation. Counselors provide information about choosing and applying for colleges or training programs and for financial aid or apprenticeships. They help students develop job search skills, such as writing résumés and interviewing.

Career counselors typically do the following:

• Use aptitude and achievement assessments to help clients evaluate their interests, skills, and abilities
• Evaluate clients’ background, education, and training to help them develop realistic goals
• Guide clients through making decisions about their careers, such as choosing a new profession or the type of degree to pursue
• Help clients learn job search skills, such as interviewing and networking
• Assist clients in locating or applying for jobs by teaching them strategies to find openings and how to write a résumé
• Advise clients on how to resolve problems in the workplace, such as conflicts with bosses or coworkers
• Help clients select and apply for educational programs to obtain the necessary degrees, credentials, or skills

Career counselors work with clients at various stages in their careers. Some work with college students to help choose a college major. They also help students determine what jobs they are qualified for with their degrees. With people who have already entered the workforce, counselors provide advice about entering a new profession or develop plans to improve their client’s current career. Some career counselors work in outplacement firms and assist laid-off workers to transition into a new job or career. Others work in corporate career centers to assist employees in making decisions about their career path within the company.

Some career counselors work in private practice. These counselors must spend time marketing their practice to prospective clients and working with clients to receive payments for their services.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition