Now that you know what career counselors do, you may be wondering how to become a career counselor yourself. Before you begin working toward this career, it is always a good idea to check whether the state in which you plan to work has any specific requirements. Some states do have licensing requirements for career counselors in private practice, and all states require that counselors in public schools obtain a state-mandated credential.
After evaluating the requirements for your state and considering whether you would like to become a counselor in a public school, the next step is to plan your academic track. If you are still in high school, visit your school counselor to discuss your career plans and find out whether you can add relevant coursework (such as psychology classes) to your schedule. Since your school counselor is doing the kind of work you are interested in, you may also wish to ask them some questions about your intended career path.
The next step is to choose an undergraduate degree program. There is no single designated major for aspiring career counselors. People come to this profession from many different backgrounds and areas of specialization.
In general, however, a psychology major is a smart choice. Students earning a psychology degree explore cognitive and behavioral patterns, socio-emotional influences and similar matters. In-depth knowledge in these areas is helpful for career counselors as they assist clients in navigating important life choices.
In the course of your studies, you will take a detailed look at pediatric and adult development, societal influences on human behavior and behavioral theories of personality. You will also explore cognitive neuroscience, including the neural processes that affect decision making. During your senior year, you may have the opportunity to complete a professional capstone course, which will involve a major research project that ideally focuses on a topic related to your career aspirations.
Upon graduating, you will need to earn a master’s degree if you intend to become a public-school counselor or if your state requires all career counselors to hold a graduate-level degree. It is a good idea to stay with your chosen course of study and earn a master’s degree in psychology.
If your interest is in becoming a school counselor, you should look for a master’s degree program that focuses on school counseling and leads to initial licensure. An example would be a Master of Education in School Counseling (MEd degree). Another option is to choose a psychology degree with an emphasis in life coaching, as this relates closely to career counseling.
The program you choose may require you to complete an internship or a certain number of supervised practicum hours. These will help you meet any work experience requirements established by your state.
The next step is to complete any other state requirements and apply for certification or licensure, which may involve passing a test. Aspiring school counselors are also typically required to undergo a criminal background check.
