A guidance counselor works with various individuals, particularly students, to help guide their behavioral, social and academic development. People in guidance and counseling work in different settings, such as elementary schools, universities and high schools. This post will shed more light on how to become an expert in this field.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Employers require applicants who have at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution when hiring guidance counselors. The typical degrees required include bachelor’s degree in education and bachelor’s of science in psychology. A bachelor’s of science in psychology trains you on how to counsel students struggling with social and psychological problems. A bachelor’s degree in education allows you to focus on the education system as a whole. Most people prefer bachelor’s degree in education because it helps them gain a deeper understanding of the external factors that affect the social and behavioral development of students.
Enroll in a Postgraduate Program
Individuals who graduate with bachelors’ degrees often have a hard time getting a job in guidance counseling. This is because a majority of employers prefer applicants with master’s degrees over those with bachelor’s degrees when shortlisting candidates. You can choose a master’s degree in education with a concentration in counseling or master’s in school and counseling. These programs focus on nurturing the skills you need to help your clients identify the source of their problems and find the right coping mechanisms. The courses cover topics ranging from cultural diversity to child development and family therapy.
When enrolling for your masters, make sure you select an institution that is approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP).
Complete an Internship Program
One requires some years of work experience in order to qualify for a position as a guidance counselor. An internship program will help you gain work experience as well as attain the minimum practicum hours needed for credentialing.
Get the Right Credentials
Those who want to become guidance counselors must obtain credentialing from the state where they plan to work. Credentialing, which is sometimes referred to as certification, endorsement or license, shows that you have mastered all the principles of guidance counseling and promised to observe ethical standards throughout your career. In order to qualify for credentialing, you must complete your master’s program, have practicum experience and pass the examination administered by the credentialing body.
Acquire Essential Skills
You will need certain skills set to succeed in your career. You will need to be a good listener so that you can get what people are saying and reflect what they are thinking back to them. You will need strong social and communication skills to make your clients comfortable and open to talk to you. You will also need to be a critical thinker and be able to show empathy.
Continue Learning
Guidance counselors are sometimes required to renew their license by enrolling in continuing education programs. You can pursue these programs online or via physical classrooms.
Guidance counseling is a perfect career for someone who wants to interact with people at a personal level, share in their experiences and feelings and help them develop socially, mentally and academically. If you want to become a guidance counselor, then you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in education or psychology, get some work experience and receive a practice license from the state government.
