Academic and Career Counselor

Career Guide

Academic and Career Counselors support students and job seekers with educational planning, career exploration, and decision-making. They help people set goals, choose courses or programs, build job search materials, and connect to resources that improve outcomes in school and work.

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Key Responsibilities

Meet with individuals to understand goals, interests, strengths, and barriers
Support course selection and academic planning
Guide career exploration and career decision-making
Teach job search skills such as resume writing and interviewing
Coach clients on applications for colleges, training programs, and jobs
Coordinate referrals to support services such as tutoring and financial aid
Deliver workshops on study skills and career readiness
Track progress and document advising notes in student systems
Partner with teachers, families, employers, and community organizations
Use outcome data to improve counseling programs and services

Top Skills for Success

Active Listening

Empathy

Written Communication

Public Speaking

Time Management

Conflict Resolution

Coaching

Motivational Interviewing

Career Advising

Academic Advising

Case Management

Assessment Interpretation

Student Information Systems

Program Planning

Data Tracking

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Academic and Career Counselor

Lead Counselor

Career Services Manager

Academic Advising Manager

Student Success Manager

College and Career Readiness Coordinator

Transition Opportunities

School Counselor Admissions Counselor Workforce Development Specialist Talent Development Specialist Program Manager Learning and Development Specialist Human Resources Generalist

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Outcome MeasurementWorkshop FacilitationEmployer OutreachScholarship AdvisingCrisis ResponseCareer Labor Market ResearchRecord KeepingTechnology Adoption

Development SuggestionsBuild a simple outcomes dashboard, practice facilitating short workshops, and schedule regular employer conversations to learn hiring needs. Seek training in crisis response, strengthen documentation habits, and stay current on advising tools used by your organization.

Market Intelligence Report

Academic and Career Counselor is part of the Education, Instruction & Training Roles - Other category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$45,000 to $60,000

Mid Level$60,000 to $80,000

Senior Level$80,000 to $105,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring is supported by continued focus on college access, career readiness, mental health awareness, and workforce development. Demand varies by school funding, enrollment trends, and local labor markets.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Public school districtsCommunity collegesUniversitiesTechnical and trade schoolsNonprofit youth organizationsWorkforce development agenciesGovernment employment centersEdtech companiesPrivate career coaching firmsStaffing and outplacement firms

Industry Sectors

K to 12 EducationHigher EducationWorkforce DevelopmentNonprofitGovernmentEdtechHuman Resources Services

Recommended Next Steps

Review job postings in your region and note the most common requirements

Build a portfolio with a sample academic plan, a resume guide, and a workshop outline

Refresh your resume with measurable outcomes such as retention improvements and placement results

Practice advising conversations using role-play and structured coaching questions

Learn one student system used in your target setting and document your proficiency

Expand your network by joining local counseling or career development associations

Request informational interviews with counselors in schools, colleges, and workforce programs

Create a repeatable process for intakes, goal setting, follow-ups, and documentation