Counselors run career centers and provide information about colleges. Counselors also work with students who do not plan to go to college. They advise these students about technical school or apprenticeship programs. In addition, they provide information about joining the armed forces. Counselors teach all students job search skills. In career guidance classes, they teach students how to fill out job applications and write resumes. They also teach job interview skills.

Job counselors work with adults who have been out of the workforce and those who want to advance or switch careers. They also work with people who have lost their jobs and need help perusing job ads, re-writing resumes, interviewing, and negotiating a salary. When clients need additional support, such as housing or food assistance, counselors help them find social services. Job counselors advise job hunters about how to update their skills. They may help locate financial aid and other services. Counselors may work with people until they have successfully located a job. They conduct follow-up interviews and maintain case records.

Most career counselors work in career services departments in colleges and universities. Others work in a wide variety of social service agencies and programs. Some also work for human resources departments in companies and government agencies. Finally, some career counselors work in private practice, though frequently career counseling is simply one part of a larger practice.  

OUTLOOK: Employment opportunities for secondary school career counselors are expected to be quite favorable during the next ten years because of increasing enrollments and a growing need for students to become more career focused. Opportunities in state college and university counseling centers will grow more slowly. Jobs can also be found in state and community career services agencies and private counseling firms.

EARNINGS: The average annual starting salary with a master's degree is about $35,000, and with a Ph.D. $45,000. With promotions to a director's position, salaries can range from $46,000 to $78,000 per year.

JOB ADVANCEMENT: Career counselors who work in college and university career services departments can rise to become heads of administrative sections. Successful section heads can become department heads, and may go on to head sections or departments in larger or better-paying schools. Counselors working for other types of employers can also rise into managerial positions. Counselors in private practice usually get ahead by attracting more clients and developing a reputation that lets them charge higher fees. Some career counselors have also boosted their careers by writing books offering career advice or running seminars for those searching for new careers.