This article looks at the role of a careers advisor and how to become one.
What is a careers advisor?
Careers advisors provide information, support and guidance to students from the age of 13 up to further education and higher education students. They also support unemployed individuals or individuals that are looking for a career change.
A Careers advisor can work in a range of different settings providing guidance and realistic options about the next steps in your career aspirations.
What Qualifications do I need?
There are no set requirements to be a careers advisor. Most employers will request an undergraduate degree and an up to date DBS check. Topics to study at university which may benefit will be subjects such as psychology, sociology or an education-related topic.
It is also beneficial to complete either a Qualification in Careers Guidance or an NVQ in Advice and Guidance, these courses will teach you the essential skills to be an advisor.
If you are a teacher working in a school who would like you to take on a careers advisor role, they may offer you training. Relevant qualifications you can take include:
Level 2 Award in Delivering, Information, Advice and Guidance
Level 3 Award for Supporting Clients to Overcome Barriers to Learning and Work
Level 3 Certificate in Advice and Guidance
To qualify as a professional careers advisor, you’ll need to take the:
Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice
Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development
As a careers advisor, you’re essentially helping students and/or adults make a big life decision. Key skills required to do this include:
Communication and Listening skills
Experience mentoring, interviewing or coaching
Knowledge of teaching and course design
Ability to Motivate and Build a Rapport
Patience, Flexibility and Adaptability
Time-Management and Organisational Skills
Computer literate
Day-to-day tasks
Every day is different for a careers advisor as you work with so many people.
General responsibilities include:
Talk to individuals about their abilities, interests and achievements to gauge characteristics
Support individuals to achieve career goals by putting together an achievable place.
Offer advice on CV, interview techniques, job applications
Advise individuals and groups on career choices
Implement psychometric testing
Identify people’s skills gaps and how to fill them.
Advise how to source relevant training and gain qualifications
Develop relationships with employers, colleges, universities and training providers
Keep up to date on professional bodies, legislation and developments
Plan and arrange career fairs
What are my hours and how much will I get paid?
A careers advisor’s salary can all depend on what qualifications and experience you have. You can expect to start on anything from £18,000 to £22,000. However, with development and experience you can earn up to £35,000+.