Careers adviser

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You can take either a postgraduate diploma or master's degree in career guidance.

These courses take one year full-time or 2 years part-time and lead to the Qualification in Career Development (QCD).

Many people apply to do a career guidance qualification after working in teaching, youth work or social services.

Entry requirements:

• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a Career Development Professional Level 6 Higher Apprenticeship.

This takes 2 years to complete.

You may be able to do an Employability Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you're working in careers or education, then go on to complete a career guidance qualification.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

Work

You could start by working as a careers co-ordinator or youth worker and do further training on the job.

Your employer may support you to take work-based qualifications such as:

• Level 4 Diploma in Advice and Guidance
• Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice
• Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development

Volunteering

Volunteering in support, advice or mentoring could help you to gain work in this field.

Find out about local opportunities for voluntary work through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations or Do IT .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• sensitivity and understanding
• active listening skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• knowledge of English language
• to be flexible and open to change
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• maths skills

What you'll do:

Careers advisers help people make decisions about their education, training and work options.

As a careers adviser, you could:

• work with people individually or in groups
• offer advice and guidance face-to-face, online, or by telephone
• explore how skills, abilities and interests relate to potential careers
• work with employers, schools, universities and training providers
• research and provide careers and labour market information
• give support to make decisions, overcome barriers and plan next steps

Location : You could work in a contact centre, at a university, at a college, at a school, at an outreach centre or from home.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £35,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• work with specific groups like adults, graduates or young people with special needs
• become a careers leader in school or college
• co-ordinate careers services and manage a team of advisers
• go into careers coaching, resettlement or work-placement services
• be self-employed as a consultant or freelance adviser