Becoming a career counsellor can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice. Unlike only a generation ago, employees today change jobs frequently. In fact, many people also change their entire careers several times in their lifetimes.
This means that you will likely have a robust client list that will keep you busy and your mind sharp. There are a few things you need to know before you become a career counsellor.
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Personal attributes. As a career counsellor, you will be placed in a position of trust, leadership and authority. As a result, you will need to uphold the highest ethical standards. Patience, as well as a desire to help people become happy with their careers are also necessary. You will also need to be able to relate to other people well, including those whose personalities are vastly different than your own. You will need to be able to listen as your clients tell you the items that are important to them as well as their employment and educational histories. You will then need to communicate with your clients in an effective manner so that you can help them with searching for appropriate jobs that meet their goals.
Professional organizations. It will add to your credibility as a career counsellor if you are also a member of an organizations such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling or the National Board for Certified Counselors. These organizations also offer a number of certifications that can not only give you access to new resources and new skills but also lend you some credibility when you are first beginning to establish yourself as a career counsellor.
Employment options. After you have obtained the necessary education and certifications, you will find that your services are in demand within a variety of settings. Some examples include colleges and universities, as well as at the high school level, corporations, and the military. In addition, you can open up a group practice a solo practice. If you have a private practice, you will also need to spend some of your time marketing your business in order to ensure that you have a steady roster of clients.
