Understand the purpose of career counseling and whether you need one

Whenever you ask kids what they want to be when they grow up, it always seems like an easy answer. They shout, “A teacher! A Scientist! A doctor!” right on command. 

But things change as people grow up. Choosing a career path that aligns with your values, interests, and skill sets isn’t as straightforward for adults. There are considerations such as finances, education costs, and relocation — and that’s before you even start to consider job satisfaction.

Luckily, there are people you can lean on for support, and not just your friends and family. Career counselors can help you choose a profession, prepare for interviews, and more. The purpose of career counseling goes far beyond taking aptitude tests, so dive in and explore all they can do.

What’s career counseling?

Career counselors help people find satisfying professions. They support everything from career changes, a job search, and weighing your career options.

Unlike a psychologist, therapist, or other mental health professional, a career counselor doesn’t offer relationship counseling, psychological assistance, or prescriptions. Instead, their counseling career focuses on ensuring clients have the tools to be successful at work.

While counselors are similar to mentors, they typically focus more on vocational decision-making situations and planning. They teach clients strategies to successfully navigate the job market, give them resources to succeed in their current careers, and offer aptitude tests to help people understand their interests better if they’re considering a change.

Career counseling is a helpful option for people of all ages and stages of their careers. Someone still in high school may visit a career counselor (often in the form of their guidance counselor), but so could someone who’s been working for 30 years. There’s nothing wrong with changing careers later in life, and a career counselor can help with that.

How does career counseling differ from career coaching?

While both career coaches and counselors can help you make the most of your profession, the difference between these two roles lies in their scope. Each focuses on goals and obstacles on a unique time frame and scale. 

A career counselor helps with more short-term obstacles and objectives, such as learning how to build better work relationships or using a new tool. If you need help preparing for a job interview or planning your career development, a counselor can support you. They don’t need to know you as well to offer advice on a situation.

A career coach takes an in-depth look at your personal values, employee strengths, and characteristics to help you navigate workplace scenarios and set long-term goals. By forming a stronger bond, they can consider your insecurities, worries, and ambitions to best help you grow. Career coaches help you play the long game to secure promotions or level up your skills to land your dream job someday.

Career coaches are often recognized by an official organization, such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF), which offers coursework and certification. Although anyone can call themselves a coach, certified coaches are guaranteed to give you the best counseling services possible.

Career counselors often hold undergraduate or master’s degrees in a relevant field, such as psychology, business, or human resources. And they can become certified via organizations such as the National Career Development Association (NCDA). They might also choose to become a certified career coach who offers counseling services and vice versa.

13 benefits of career counseling

Everyone’s experience with a career counselor will look different. Someone who’s unemployed has unique needs from someone who’s seeking a career change. In both cases, a career counselor can offer thoughtful, beneficial guidance.

Here are 13 benefits you could experience when seeing a career counselor:

1. Discover the importance of career development and planning for future growth

2. Find the right career based on your personality type, skill set, and lifestyle goals

3. Learn if a different career path better suits your needs and desires

4. Have an expert to help you talk through your concerns, ideas, and planning

5. Create a better work-life balance

6. Enjoy more free time

7. Foster financial wellness

8. Unlock more information and resources to make informed career decisions

9. Strengthen interviewing skills to sell yourself to potential employers

10. Learn to write convincing cover letters and resumes that leverage your skills

11. Improve communication skills for more efficient workflows, better leadership habits, and closer work relationships

12. Create and carry out a plan for a career transition

13. Become a more confident and effective networker in professional environments

How can career counseling help you develop your career?

You could be happy with your job right now, but you never know when you might feel the need for a change or the desire to level up. A career counselor can lay out some common professional development goals in your industry or show you how to set goals for your career development if you’re ready for a change. Or your counselor might show you how to start networking within your industry to develop your existing career.

A career counselor is also there to help you overcome any challenges you face as you set out to achieve your goals. It’s common to feel stuck or unsure of your next steps, even if you’re sure you want a change.

Perhaps your counselor will suggest grad school or other new skills and qualifications to acquire to help your career move along. They can even help you navigate the anxiety that comes with changing jobs.

When should you hire a career counselor?

There aren’t any one-size-fits-all guidelines you have to follow when deciding whether to see a career counselor. If you need help, you need help. But here are a few specific scenarios where seeking guidance would be a good idea:

• You’re looking to make a huge career change: If you’re going to jump into a whole new field or industry, a counselor is an ideal person to ask for career advice. They’ll help you figure out how to settle into your new job and succeed from day one.

• You’ve put in the work but don’t see results: If you’ve sent resume after resume and heard nothing back, a counselor can help you make your resume pop and develop skills to supercharge your job search. They can also help if you feel like your career has stagnated and you’re gunning for a promotion.

• You feel overwhelmed and confused: Even if you spend every day working hard and putting in overtime, you aren’t guaranteed to end up with a good product. That’s where optimization comes in. Your counselor can help you focus your energy on strategies to improve your productivity and be happier with the results.

• You’re no longer happy with your employer: It can happen to anyone. You get bored with what you’re doing or find yourself at odds with the direction your company is moving. Even if it isn’t an entirely new career, you may need a change. A career counselor will help you figure out where you can go to find work-life balance and satisfy your intellectual curiosity.

What are the duties of a career counselor?

Career counselors are responsible for helping their clients make career choices that satisfy them. No matter their specialty or strategy, they want to see you succeed.

Here are a few duties most career counselors share, regardless of why you need their help:

• Teaching clients what platforms they can use to best network and search for jobs

• Working collaboratively with clients to make an actionable career plan

• Administering aptitude tests and personality evaluations to help people match their interests and values to their careers

• Offering tips on how to have successful interviews

• Editing and proofreading resumes, portfolios, and cover letters

• Helping with fellowship and program applications

• Discussing how to negotiate your salary

• Resolving any conflict or questions you have about your industry

• Mentoring you throughout your career to keep you on track

How to choose the right counselor for you: 5 tips

A career counselor’s purpose is to help you make informed decisions to develop your career into something fulfilling. Whether you’re investigating a new calling, weighing your options, or actively engaging in a job search, a counselor is there to help.

But choosing the counselor that’s right for you isn’t something you should do without careful consideration. Here are five tips for ensuring they’re the right fit for you:

1. Budget carefully, accounting for career coaching costs

2. Ensure they make you feel comfortable while talking about your needs

3. Ask questions beforehand about their experience or expertise in your field

4. Choose a certified coach or counselor to ensure they’re qualified and experienced

5. Listen to recommendations from friends, family, or coworkers

You might have to try a few different coaches before you find someone that’s the right fit for you and your career goals. 

Your next move

Now that you understand the purpose of career counseling, you might feel excited to start. Consider what you want to focus on during the coaching process, and search for a counselor with relevant experience. Then, try out a career coaching session to ensure you feel safe and comfortable chatting about your professional development goals with this person. 

In the end, your counselor’s fresh perspective and guidance will help you find a profession that lets you contribute fulfilling and meaningful work. And that’s priceless.