How to Become a Career Counselor

Career counselors are trained professionals who help individuals explore different career paths through assessment, guidance, and support. They provide career aptitude testing, resume writing assistance, interview preparation, and personalized advice to help clients make informed decisions about their professional lives.

While career counselors are commonly found in high schools, colleges, and universities, they also work in many other settings, such as government agencies, companies, and private practices. Learn about a career counselor's responsibilities and what it takes to become one. Afterward, keep exploring career possibilities with a Coursera Plus subscription and gain access to over 10,000 courses.

What is a career counselor?

Career counselors help clients find and learn more about career options that fit their skills, goals, and needs. In high school, this role may address students' career needs by working with them to determine which courses to take next, offering support as they apply to college, and connecting them with various resources. A career counselor may support working professionals through a career change, a promotion, or a skills gap.

Career counselors make an average US base salary of $66,668 [1]. Learn more about the different salaries you can earn as a career counselor depending on the industry in which you're based.

Common career counselor responsibilities:

• Administer aptitude and personality tests to understand each client’s strengths, needs, and preferences. 

• Advise on available resources, resume writing, skills development, and professional development. 

• Counsel clients through transition and periods of stress and development.

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How to become a career counselor

As a career counselor, you must obtain important credentials from the state you want to practice in, especially when working in schools and colleges. You'll also need essential skills, education, and experience. 

1. Earn the required education.

Career counselors typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant major, such as psychology or sociology. Some employers may require you to have a master's degree in counseling or career services.  

2. Gain the essential skills.

As a career counselor, you must build skills related to counseling and career services. These include a combination of workplace and technical abilities you can develop while studying and through professional practice. 

Workplace skills:

• Communication

• Relationship building

• Problem-solving

• Empathy

• Compassion

• Active listening 

• Ability to motivate others

• Analysis and critical thinking

Technical skills:

• Job market knowledge

• Career development 

• Mock interviews 

• Resume drafting

• Teaching

• PowerPoint

Career coach vs. career counselor

A career coach typically works with clients to set career goals and build actionable steps to achieve them. Being a career coach also doesn't require the same type of education as a career counselor. In contrast, a career counselor works to understand more about the person, seeking to grasp deeper issues that affect career choice.

3. Accrue supervised time with clients.

Career counselors typically need to complete an internship. Doing so allows you to develop many of the skills we noted above while gaining important experience that helps you become more successful in your career. During your internship, or what’s sometimes referred to as a supervised practicum, a licensed counseling professional observes your work with clients and provides feedback about your skills, allowing you to gain valuable real-world experience.

4. Obtain licensing.

Not every state requires licensure to become a career counselor, but if you choose to practice in a state that does, you will need to obtain this credential. Getting licensed typically entails completing a set amount of fieldwork. You must renew your license through professional development, typically every two to three years. You can learn more about your specific state's licensing using this map tool from the American Counseling Association.

5. Earn optional certifications.

Earning certifications can show an employer you have the necessary experience and education to practice as a career counselor. Here are some certifications to consider:

• The National Career Development Association (NCDA) offers the Certified Career Counselor (CCC) credential, which is for master’s candidates in a relevant subject with at least 600 hours of practical, supervised experience.

• The National Certified Counselor Certificate (NCC) is awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Earning this certification shows employers that you have met the national standards for counseling.

• You may also consider certification from the International Association of Career Coaches, which offers certifications at varying levels. Career counseling and career coaching can involve similar tasks. 

6. Keep up with career trends.

Staying up-to-date with career trends is important, as this is your area of expertise as a career counselor. Professional development is required to update your license, so it is a great way to ensure your knowledge is relevant and current. You can do this through online courses, workshops, seminars, and personal research and study. 

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