There are various reasons to seek the help of a professional Career Counselor or Coach to advance your career. If you are still in school or just starting your professional world, you may feel uncertain about which way to go.
There are so many aspects to choosing a career, including performance, financial reward, commitment to certain ideals, and work-life balance. A Career Advisor or Coach is ready to help you set your priorities. Once you have determined what you are looking for, your counselor provides you with effective steps to help you achieve your goal.
Many people believe that a career coach is profitable only after you have submitted dozens of applications and are in dire need of work. While it would be a great time to find a coach, these people can help you at many other crossroads in your career.
What exactly does a Career Counselor do?
- Help clients assess career values, interests and skills; explore career options and imagine a career path; identify and apply for a job; chain; interview; develop resumes and cover letters, as well as integrate work and personal life.
- Use a variety of tools, including assessment exercises, interest descriptions, personality tests, and customer interviews (in person or over long distances by phone, Skype, or video chat) to help identify appropriate options for consideration.
- Help clients identify barriers to progress in career development and educate clients on how to overcome these challenges.
- Seek psychologists or therapists if clients are unable to participate in the career planning process or refine their decisions due to anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.
Where can I find a Career Advisor or Coach?
- Start with questions from friends, family, colleagues, or professional acquaintances who may have a useful connection. The handshake also offers many opportunities to communicate with your schoolmates and alumni.
- Check with the National Career Development Association (NCDA) and the National Board of Certified Counselors if you are looking for someone who works privately. Note that working with a private consultant can be more expensive than in college.
- Ask at the university. Your career center may offer a service or recommend an external career counselor. If you can’t find it at your college, contact others locally. They can have their own career offices or refer you to the desired consultants.
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Career Counselor Job description
Career counselors often work in a variety of fields and with a wide range of clients. Educational institutions such as secondary schools and colleges, public institutions and private practice are just some of the main areas of employment of people working in this field.
Some counselors work in a high school setting and help students make college and career choices. Others work in higher education and advise university students who need help choosing a major and deciding what they want to do after graduation.
However, others specialize in working with adults who are already part of the workforce. These individuals can seek the help of a career counselor because they are considering a career change, want to find ways to advance in their current career, or need help finding a new job after leaving.
In some cases, career counselors may also work with people with disabilities who need help to acquire skills and employment. These professionals are often hired by private or public institutions that offer assistance to children and adults with a number of disabilities. Basic skills training, connecting clients with community resources, and communicating with potential employers are just some of the tasks that counselors can do when working in this field.
In 2018, the average annual salary for all school and career counselors was $56,310. Employees in health care and social services earned significantly less, with an average annual salary of $38,790.
Training and educational requirement for Career Counselor
Most employers prefer school counselors to have at least a master’s degree in career counseling. Career counselors usually do not need a license, although many employers prefer it and some require it.
Those who want to work in private practice usually need a license. Licensing usually involves passing a master’s program in counseling, completing up to two years of full clinical experience under supervision, passing a state licensing exam and obtaining credits for further education.
Those interested in working in primary or secondary school usually need a master’s degree in school counseling. Educational programs often have internship requirements when students gain hands-on experience while working under the supervision of a licensed professional. School counselors must also be licensed or certified to work in the state where they intend to practice.
How to Find and Choose a good Career Counselor or Coach
• Look at the qualification
Look for someone with experience in what you need. For example, if you return to the workforce after staying at home, ask a potential trainer about his experience working with similar clients. If you are nervous when you go for an interview, ask if the coach has worked with job seekers who have the same problem.
You can also look for coaches who are certified by professional organizations. The Professional Association of Resume Writers and Professional Trainers and the International Coaching Federation are just a few examples. Certification can show that the trainer has formal training, does not lag behind current trends and adheres to ethical practices.
• Ask for track record or testimonials
Most career trainers have a website and they often provide feedback. If none, ask the coach for more information; you can also request case studies or links. Feel free to contact these links and ask everyone about their experience with the coach.
• Look at the payment policy
Watch out for scammers and charlatans – there are many in this area. As a rule, the coach should not ask you for money in advance. As with most professional services, you should be able to pay after each session. Some trainers offer packages that can save you money on multiple classes. This is good, but be sure to sign the contract in writing and find out what guarantee the coach offers.
• Ask for a free consultation
Many coaches offer free 15-30 minute consultations. Write down in advance all the issues you want to resolve with the coach. This way, you will be able to ask if he or she can help solve your specific problems. Pay attention to the style of the coach. Are you comfortable with a potential coach? Does he listen carefully and react sensitively? I think the coach sincerely wants to help? If so, you’ve probably found a good match. If not, keep searching.
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Online career counselor
• Growing Self Counseling & Coaching
Growing counseling and coaching offers a variety of career guidance options. You can book a video or face-to-face meeting, as well as attend classes and problem-solving sessions. It has international geographical accessibility and provides all kinds of life training.
• Allison Task, Career and Life Coach
To get a subscription, check out the trainings from Allison Task, a certified personal trainer who uses a variety of digital platforms, such as Zoom and Skype, to work with their clients around the world. After many years of searching for her own passion, Allison is well prepared to guide her clients to achieve their career goals.
• CallTheONE, Coaching
No matter where you are in the world, you can get career coaching, life training or dating coaching using video and phone calling options on this platform. Visit the website to get in touch with a professional coach who can talk to you virtually. This service connects you with experts in this field, as well as career coaches.
• One Mind Therapy, Life Coaching
You can schedule online career counseling on the One Mind website with Elizabeth Sotskolov, LMFT. It offers help exclusively online, via video or phone call. Of course, use the free initial consultation before receiving the price at the meeting.
• Thriveworks Counseling
Thriveworks accepts insurance, making it ideal for those who have insurance coverage and want to save their personal finances. Thanks to the comprehensive price range, meetings can work within the budget from low to medium. Schedule appointments online or in person through the website. Services are also available in Spanish.
