Student Success Advisor
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Onboard new students and explain program expectations
- Build individualized academic and time management plans
- Monitor attendance, grades, and participation to spot risk early
- Proactively reach out to students who are falling behind
- Coach students on goal setting and study routines
- Coordinate with faculty to address academic concerns
- Connect students to tutoring, accommodations, and support services
- Document student interactions and update advising notes
- Run workshops on study skills and career readiness basics
- Escalate urgent situations to the right campus or program team
- Collect student feedback and share themes with leadership
Top Skills for Success
Empathy
Active Listening
Clear Writing
Verbal Communication
Time Management
Coaching
Conflict De-escalation
Organization
Student Advising
Academic Planning
Progress Monitoring
Case Management
Resource Navigation
Student Information Systems
Customer Relationship Management Tools
Data Tracking
Student Retention Strategy
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Student Success Specialist
Academic Advisor
Retention Specialist
Student Services Coordinator
Transition Opportunities
Senior Student Success Advisor
Student Success Manager
Advising Team Lead
Program Manager
Career Services Advisor
Enrollment Counselor
Learning Support Manager
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Student Information SystemsCustomer Relationship Management ToolsData TrackingBoundary SettingCrisis Response AwarenessDocumentation Quality
Development SuggestionsBuild comfort with the tools used to track student progress, strengthen documentation habits, and practice setting clear boundaries while staying supportive. Use simple metrics to prioritize outreach and measure impact.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 40,000 to 50,000
Mid LevelUSD 50,000 to 65,000
Senior LevelUSD 65,000 to 85,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand. Hiring is strongest at online universities, community colleges, bootcamps, and education technology providers focused on retention and completion.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Community collegesPublic universitiesPrivate universitiesOnline universitiesEducation technology companiesCoding bootcampsWorkforce training providers
Industry Sectors
Higher educationOnline learningEducation technologyWorkforce developmentProfessional training
Recommended Next Steps
1
Review job postings and list the top five tools and responsibilities that appear most often2
Create a simple advising portfolio with an outreach email sample and a student success plan template3
Take a short course on academic advising basics and student support practices4
Practice using a spreadsheet to track student status and outreach outcomes5
Prepare examples using the STAR method focused on retention wins, difficult conversations, and follow through6
Network with advisors or student success teams at local colleges and online programs