Careers Adviser
Job Description:Careers advisers help people figure out what work or education pathway they would like to take.
Job Category:What you will do:
You may work in schools, colleges and universities. You could be employed by a careers company that place advisers in different settings, or directly by an educational institution or charity. You could also work online or in a call centre, or as a consultant in the private sector.
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- talking to people about their abilities, interests and achievements
- exploring learning and work opportunities
- helping people make decisions and plans of action
- giving support to overcome barriers
- keeping to rules on equal opportunities
- developing relationships with employers, colleges, universities and training providers
- keeping up to date with occupational and labour market information
- giving talks, updating records and meeting targets
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of psychology
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- sensitivity and understanding
- customer service skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations (adaptability skills)
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork)
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
Entry Requirements:
To become a Careers Adviser, specific qualifications are not mandatory. However, certain subjects and skills can be beneficial in preparing for a career in career advising and counselling roles. Careers Advisers primarily require strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as a solid understanding of education and employment pathways. Here are some subjects that can be helpful:
- English Language: Effective written and verbal communication skills are essential for Careers Advisers, as they provide guidance to individuals about their education and career options.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills are important for analyzing career-related data, such as salary information, job growth projections, and educational costs.
- Psychology (Optional): Courses in psychology can provide insights into human behavior, motivation, and decision-making, which are relevant in career counseling.
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Proficiency in computer applications, internet research, and career assessment tools can be valuable for providing up-to-date information to clients.
- Business Studies (Optional): Courses in business studies can introduce you to entrepreneurship, business concepts, and employment trends, which can be useful in career advising.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can take either a postgraduate diploma or master’s degree in career guidance.
These courses take one year full-time or 2 years part-time and lead to the Qualification in Career Development (QCD).
Many people apply to do a career guidance qualification after working in teaching, youth work or social services.
Apprenticeship
You could do a Career Development Professional Level 6 Higher Apprenticeship.
This takes 2 years to complete.
You may be able to do an Employability Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you’re working in careers or education, then go on to complete a career guidance qualification.
Work
You could start by working as a careers co-ordinator or youth worker and do further training on the job.
Your employer may support you to take work-based qualifications such as:
- Level 4 Diploma in Advice and Guidance
- Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice
- Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development
Volunteering
Volunteering in support, advice or mentoring could help you to gain work in this field.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may need to work occasional evenings and your job could include a lot of local travel.
In a call centre you may have to work weekends and late shifts.
Career Path & Progression:
You could specialise, for example in working with adults or people with special needs.
With experience, you could become a manager. You could also become self-employed and work as a consultant, researcher or writer.
Another option could be to move into industry and provide career management advice for employees of large companies.