Counselor

What you do

Meets with clients individually or in groups to talk through personal, academic, or career-related difficulties, and helps them work toward practical next steps. Common settings include school career counseling, academic guidance, or general life-skills counseling, each with a somewhat different focus. Keeps confidential records of sessions and refers clients to a psychologist or other specialist when concerns go beyond the counselor's scope.

Typical work environment

Office-based one-on-one or group sessions in a school, college, or community setting, with a steady, appointment-driven schedule and regular coordination with teachers, parents, or other staff.

Typical entry point

School or college counselor after completing a relevant postgraduate qualification in counseling or psychology

Relevant subjects

Relevant interests

Useful skills

These are useful, relevant skills to build over time — not a checklist you need to already have.

Common education routes

These are common routes in, not the only path — and not a university or course recommendation.