Your future career starts here: The path to becoming a Careers Adviser
It’s that time of year again—National Careers Week! This year, the theme encourages young people like you to start thinking about your future career now. While there are endless avenues you could explore, today, we’re focusing on the role of a Careers Adviser. Of course, we’re slightly biased, but it really is a fantastic job that allows you to make a significant impact on the lives of others by guiding them through their career choices.
So, if you’ve not yet decided on your future path, let’s take a closer look at what a Careers Adviser does and the steps you can take to pursue this rewarding career.
What does a Careers Adviser do?
You’re probably wondering what exactly a Careers Adviser does. Well, these professionals serve as guiding lights for individuals navigating the complex world of career decisions. They offer impartial Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) services to help young people make informed decisions about their futures. Whether it’s providing one-on-one guidance sessions, assessing skills and interests, or offering expert advice on educational pathways and career options, they play a crucial role in empowering individuals to make the right choices for their futures.
How to become a Careers Adviser
If becoming a Careers Adviser sounds like it could be for you, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several pathways you can take, including:
Apprenticeship:
If you’re a practical person, why not consider an apprenticeship? Many companies will offer apprenticeships, allowing you to work and gain qualifications at the same time. It’s worth knowing that you’ll eventually need to work towards your Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development. This qualification covers all aspects of career advising, including understanding the labour market, developing career education programmes, and providing one-on-one and group guidance sessions.
University:
The pathway to becoming a Careers Adviser often begins with a degree in a relevant field, such as education, counselling, or psychology. From there, you can take your journey one step further by completing a postgraduate diploma or master’s degree in career guidance. These advanced courses pave the way to obtaining the Qualification in Career Development, equipping you with the expertise needed for this rewarding profession.
Work:
If you’re eager to dive right into the world of work, there are several roles that can provide valuable experience and serve as stepping stones towards a career as a Careers Adviser. Positions such as a careers support assistant or youth worker offer opportunities to gain hands-on experience and insights into career guidance. As you build up your experience in these roles, you’ll be better equipped to pursue additional qualifications needed for a successful career in this field.
Skills and qualities needed to be a Careers Adviser
Becoming a Careers Adviser calls for a special mix of skills and qualities. It’s about genuinely caring for others and understanding their aspirations, but wait, there’s more! Let’s explore some of the additional skills and qualities required for this rewarding role:
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Active listening skills
- Empathy, patience, and adaptability
- Passion for helping others
Is a Careers Adviser a good job?
Now, you might be thinking, “Of course, they’re going to say it’s a great job!” And yes, we love what we do and would recommend it to anyone. But honestly, can you think of a more fulfilling role than helping to shape people’s futures? Being a career adviser isn’t just a job but a calling. It’s about making a real difference, offering guidance and support that can change lives.
We hope we’ve sparked your interest in considering this as your future role. However, if it doesn’t tick all of your boxes, remember there are plenty of other roles out there that might. This National Careers Week, take the opportunity to explore various paths and discover what truly excites you. For more resources and information, check out the National Careers Week website. Your future career starts here!
