Career counselors: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

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 and the type of degree to pursue
• Help clients learn job search skills, such as interviewing and networking
• Assist clients in locating and applying for jobs, by teaching them strategies that will be helpful in finding openings and writing a rsum
• 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, and skills

Career counselors work with clients at various stages of their careers. Some work in colleges, helping students choose a major or determine the jobs they are qualified for with their degrees. Career counselors also help people find and get jobs by teaching them job search, rsum writing, and interviewing techniques.

Career counselors also work with people who have already entered the workforce. These counselors develop plans to improve their clients current careers. They also provide advice about entering a new profession or helping to resolve workplace issues.

Some career counselors work in outplacement firms and assist laid-off workers with transitioning into new jobs or careers.