person that works in primary schools and/or secondary schools to provide academic, career, college access/affordability/admission, and social-emotional competencies to all students through a school counseling program
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
bls.gov › ooh › community-and-social-service › school-and-career-counselors.htm
School and Career Counselors and Advisors : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
High school counselors advise students in making academic and career plans. Many help students overcome personal issues that interfere with their academic development. They help students choose classes and plan for their lives after graduation. Counselors provide information about choosing and applying for colleges, training programs, financial aid, and internships and apprenticeships.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/schoolcounseling › alternative careers for school counselors
r/schoolcounseling on Reddit: Alternative Careers for School Counselors
November 15, 2022 -
I feel like a need a school counselor to help me!
I'm trying to determine what else I can do with my Master's in Guidance and Counseling aside from school counselor (because where I am in Florida the pay is a huge drop from my current salary).
Background: I was a school counselor for 8 years (mostly middle school in Oklahoma and Florida) — left 9 years ago for a digital marketing position that allowed me to work from home (I had little kids at the time and the marketing job was a bit of a passion type thing). I'm pretty burnt out with this job that feels like it adds no value to people or my community.
I have a BS in Exercise Science, MS in Guidance and just trying to figure out what I could possibly do that pays better than the current school system in Florida and provides satisfaction that I'm adding value to society.
It doesn't seem like our degree lends itself well to things that require certification, but I think it gives us tons of soft skills that are valuable but hard to figure out how to position myself for positions other than school counseling.
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I recently left the school counseling profession and now work as a mental health consultant for my state's department of education. I get to work from home except 2-3 days a month when I'm presenting at conferences/leading workshops in person. I provide support to schools on topics like school mental health systems, bullying prevention, and trauma sensitive work. It's been a wonderful change!
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I just left the profession and now work in graduate medical education at a local hospital as an instructional design consultant. You'd be surprised what careers you qualify for with a masters.
Is it incredibly difficult to get a job in school counseling?
It depends. Virginia just passed a huge school counselor budget so there are jobs every where in my district. I do have experience as a kindergarten teacher so I know I will have a upper hand when it comes to getting a job. But you still have about 3 years of graduate school ahead of you. Start looking into getting a job in a school system. Start as a sub. Work your way up and around. By the time you graduate with your masters you’ll have 3 years of experience working with school children. That’s what I’m doing :) I have recommendations from principals, teaching assistants, etc. More on reddit.com
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May 30, 2019How hard is it to find a job with a School Counselor MS in California?
O*net has a wonderful tool that shows you up to date stats on how much people with these degrees make in California (based on zip code). I’m currently attending a CSU in a counseling program and it’s taking my class mates awhile to find jobs/internships. Luckily for me I had 2+ years of full time experience in the field and found a full time job at the csu I’m attending for school
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May 20, 2024Alternative Careers for School Counselors
I recently left the school counseling profession and now work as a mental health consultant for my state's department of education. I get to work from home except 2-3 days a month when I'm presenting at conferences/leading workshops in person. I provide support to schools on topics like school mental health systems, bullying prevention, and trauma sensitive work. It's been a wonderful change! More on reddit.com
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November 15, 2022Are jobs hard to acquire?
In MA, maybe. Districts that pay higher will always be more competitive.
That being said, in the district I work for, 5 years ago there’d maybe be 3-5 openings for school counselors a year (by the way, my district has over 100 schools). We just started this school year with 20 positions still not filled. The educator shortage is leaving no stone unturned.
So, you may not get a job in your desired district immediately, but you will get a job SOMEWHERE after graduation.
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September 17, 2023What degree do most school counselors have?
Most school counselors hold a master's degree. In particular, school counselors working at public K-12 schools typically need a master's degree to meet the educational requirements for licensure.
psychology.org
psychology.org › counseling › school-counseling › career-overview
School Counselor Career Overview | Psychology.org
Is school counseling a good career choice?
School counselors are in demand and can be a good career choice if you're interested in working with children and helping them succeed. School counseling offers opportunities to make meaningful and positive changes in students' academic and social experiences.
psychology.org
psychology.org › counseling › school-counseling
What Is School Counseling? Roles, Careers & Program Info
How do I become a school counselor?
Most states require public school counselors to be licensed. State licensing boards typically require a master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program, supervised training hours, a passing score on a national or state exam, and a criminal background check.
psychology.org
psychology.org › counseling › school-counseling
What Is School Counseling? Roles, Careers & Program Info
Merrimack College |
merrimack.edu › content
What Types of School Counseling Careers Can I Pursue? | Merrimack College
September 29, 2023 - School counselors are commonly called upon to provide various kinds of support, including: Help students develop problem-solving, conflict-resolution and self-advocacy skills ... Make referrals to professionals in special education, mental health, family counseling and other adjacent fields · Promote time management, self-discipline and self-advocacy ... School counseling careers at all levels involve the same essential skills, including sensitive listening, cultural competence, interdisciplinary collaboration and a strong grasp of pedagogy.
Free Republic
freerepublic.com › focus › f-chat › 4287119 › posts
What careers do school counselors recommend the most to students? [Brave search response (as with Google and Bing, one their AI actually answers the question; DDG was worse)]
Guidance Counselors: Students who are interested in working in education and helping students navigate their academic and personal lives may be encouraged to pursue a career as a guidance counselor. College Advisors: School counselors may recommend this career path to students who are interested ...
William & Mary
counseling.education.wm.edu › blog › masters-in-counseling-jobs-exploring-career-paths-for-school-counselors
Master’s in Counseling Jobs: Exploring Career Paths for School Counselors
April 11, 2024 - Serving as a guide in identifying student interests, career clusters and postsecondary plans · Assisting in transitioning to postsecondary education or employment · Advising on diverse postsecondary pathways, including apprenticeships, military programs and college options · Collaborating with administrators, teachers and other stakeholders to create a college-going culture · School counselors address students’ social and emotional needs through counseling services, crisis intervention, mental health support and referrals when needed.
TheBestSchools.org
thebestschools.org › careers › career-guide › school-counselor-overview
School Counselors Careers
September 26, 2024 - Many school professionals provide career, health, and life guidance all at once. These counselors work with students, families, teachers, and staff to ensure each child receives the individualized support and education they need to succeed. School counselors help students manage and overcome issues by developing academic improvement plans and assisting with social or behavioral problems.
Psychology.org
psychology.org › counseling › school-counseling › career-overview
School Counselor Career Overview | Psychology.org
January 28, 2025 - The work setting shapes their duties, with elementary school counselors emphasizing social and emotional skills, and high school counselors advising students on their post-graduation plans. A similar number of counselors work at public and private colleges. These counselors may hold titles such as career counselor or academic advisor.
Zippia
zippia.com › colleges and majors › majors
What Can You Do With a School Counseling Degree In School Counseling? - Zippia
November 17, 2023 - Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists help people manage and overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with family and other relationships. They listen to clients and ask questions to help the clients understand their problems and develop strategies to improve their lives. ... Kindergarten and elementary school teachers prepare younger students for future schooling by teaching them basic subjects such as math and reading.
Psychology.org
psychology.org › counseling › school-counseling
What Is School Counseling? Roles, Careers & Program Info
July 25, 2025 - High school counselors advise students on formulating career goals, choosing a college or training program, and accessing funding to pay for higher education. They also offer information on securing internships or apprenticeships and how to search and apply for jobs.
AllPsychologySchools.com
allpsychologyschools.com › home › school counseling › duties
What Does a School Counselor Do? (Job Description)
January 21, 2026 - You can refer them to a psychologist or mental health counselor for further treatment if necessary. In addition, you’ll evaluate students’ abilities, interests and personalities to help them develop realistic academic and career goals.
Teacher Career Coach
teachercareercoach.com › home › blog › what can a school counselor do? alternative career options
What Can A School Counselor Do? Alternative Career Options
June 28, 2024 - Therefore, school counselors and social workers can apply for the same types of roles we recommend for classroom teachers. As a school counselor, however, you have an additional set of skills to bring to a new position as well.
Mega Career Guides
megacareerguides.com › home › career options for school counselors in california
Career Options for School Counselors in California - Mega Career Guides
June 5, 2023 - Individual and Group Counseling: Counselors provide one-on-one and group counseling sessions to help students navigate personal and social issues, manage stress, build problem-solving skills, and enhance their overall well-being. Academic and Career Planning: Public school counselors support students in establishing academic and career objectives, improving study skills, and making informed decisions about course selection, higher education, and career paths.
American School Counselor Association
schoolcounselor.org › Standards-Positions › Position-Statements › ASCA-Position-Statements › The-School-Counselor-and-Career-Development
The School Counselor and Career Development - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
By including culturally responsive practices within career development strategies, school counselors help historically marginalized populations create pathways for their future (Chan, 2019). Collaborating with students, families, educational staff and the community, school counselors work to ensure each and every student selects select a postsecondary path to productive citizenry (e.g., military, career technical certificate or two-/four-year degree program) appropriate for the student.
American School Counselor Association
schoolcounselor.org › About-School-Counseling › Careers-in-School-Counseling
Become a School Counselor - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
Starting as vocation guidance in ... outcomes for each and every student. Today, school counselors are highly educated, professionally certified individuals who help students succeed in school and plan their career....
Gwynedd Mercy University
gmercyu.edu › academics › learn › school-counselor-career-info
School Counselor Careers: Education Requirements, Role, Salary Info
School counselors (once called "school guidance counselors") are one of the most important members of the educational team and are essential to the academic and emotional success of many students. With this guide you will learn what a school counselor is, the different types of school counseling degrees (including a master's in school counseling), the careers that can be obtained, the roles and responsibilities that they take on, as well as tips on how to become a school counselor.
UniversityHQ
universityhq.org › home › what career or job are you interested in? › become a school counselor – careers & outlook
How to Become a School Counselor - Career Path and Job Description | UniversityHQ
January 30, 2025 - Counselors have responsibilities for important social policies such as those aimed at bullying, detecting neglect, and identifying potential physical and emotional abuse in student populations. As society opens to more effective action on gender equity, diversity, and inclusion, the roles of school counselors expand to meet these new priorities. Salary estimates show increased pay for school counselors as they gain experience and seniority. Mid-career, late career, and experienced counselors show significantly higher income that entry-level and early-career levels.
Teacher Certification Degrees
teachercertificationdegrees.com › home › teaching career center › school counselor career guide
How to Become a School Counselor: Career and Salary Information
March 26, 2024 - In middle schools and high schools, the school counselor introduces students to possible colleges and universities, career opportunities, and scholarships and grants that may be available to them. They also might counsel students on choosing classes that will support their long-term goals.
College Consensus
collegeconsensus.com › careers › alternative-careers-for-school-counselors
Alternative Careers for School Counselors
April 15, 2025 - If you’re working as a school counselor, now is a good time to explore your options. Although being a school counselor is a rewarding profession, you may…
Resume Worded
resumeworded.com › career-profiles › school-counselor-career-profile
School Counselor - Alternative Careers and Similar Jobs (Updated for 2026)
The most in-demand skills you need to become a Director Of Counseling are: ... Job titles that are especially common for a School Counselor to move into include Teacher, Psychologist, Director Of Counseling, Behavior Specialist, Dean Of Students and Educational Consultant.
Bradley University
onlinedegrees.bradley.edu › blog › guidance-counselor-jobs-and-salary-potential
Guidance Counselor Jobs and Salary Potential
While the job varies day to day, guidance counselors and professional school counselors help students tackle many aspects of student life, including: ... Let’s explore the career possibilities, salary expectations and job outlook for school ...