Career: Educational, Vocational, and School Counselors
51"What do you want to be when you grow up?" It's one of those questions we get asked repeatedly. Many of us need help finding an answer -- even people who are already grown up.
That's where educational, vocational, and school counselors come in. They know the questions to ask and the information to provide in order to help individuals arrive at the best choice. They also help students jump academic and personal hurdles in order to reach their goals.
Educational, vocational, and school counselors provide academic and career counseling. Most work in schools -- from elementary schools to universities. Those who work outside of schools are usually called career counselors.
Did You Know?
- Some school counselors use movies, from Babe to The Breakfast Club to help students talk about and overcome problems. This approach is called cinematherapy.
Are You Ready To...?
- Counsel people one-on-one and in groups
- Give tests that help people find out their strengths and interests
- Help kids facing serious problems such as child abuse
- Work as part of a team
It Helps to Be...
Someone who loves helping others. You'll want to be able to inspire others to respect and trust you, so they'll be open to receiving your help. And it's important to be equally comfortable working on your own and as part of a team.
Make High School Count
- Take psychology to learn about human development, emotion, and communication.
- Talk to your school counselor about his or her work.
- Sign up to be a peer counselor at your school.
- Volunteer or work as a tutor.
- Ask adults about their careers: what they do, how they like it, and what paths they followed to get where they are.
- Keep a diary to get to know your own inner thoughts, questions, and struggles.
- Visit the website of the American School Counselor Association.
Did You Know?
- School counselors know that many kids are more inclined to listen to other kids than to adults. That's why they set up and advise peer-counseling groups.
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for educational, vocational, and school counselors to grow as fast as the average for all careers through 2016. Plus, many school counselors are expected to retire in the coming years and they'll need to be replaced.
There should be jobs for school counselors thanks to the rising number of students and a new focus on students' mental health. However, tight budgets could limit hiring.
Career counselors will be needed to help people who are changing jobs or looking for work because of laws that limit welfare.
Compensation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, educational, vocational, and school counselors earned an average income of $53,540 in 2008.
