Job Description

Careers Advisers will work in schools, colleges, universities and other organisations to provide individuals with advice that will help them make a decision about their future career. They will assess their abilities, interests and achievements and find work and learning opportunities that are suited to their needs. They may create an action plan to help the individual to achieve their goals.

Entry Requirements

You can get this job through:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a career development professional higher apprenticeship.

Training providers will set their own entry requirements.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

University

You can take either a postgraduate diploma or master’s degree in career guidance. These courses lead to the Qualification in Career Development.

Many people apply to do this course after working in teaching, youth and community work or social services. These courses take 1 year full time or 2 years part time.

You'll usually need a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course.

Click here to search for a suitable course.

Work

You could start by working as a careers support assistant or youth worker and take further training on the job.

Your employer may sponsor you to take work-based qualifications like the Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development.

Career Tips

You'll need to pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults.

Once you're qualified, you can apply to join the Career Development Institute’s UK register of career development professionals.

You can find out more about becoming a careers adviser from the Career Development Institute.

Career Path and Progression

You could specialise and work with adults or people with special needs.

With experience, you could become a manager. You could also become self-employed and work as a consultant, researcher or writer.

Another option could be to move into industry and provide career management advice for employees of large companies.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Education welfare officer
• Counsellor
• Youth Worker
• Further education lecturer
• Secondary School Teacher

Required Skills

• Good listening and questioning skills
• the ability to motivate
• inspire and encourage individuals
• good research skills for finding potential opportunities
• the ability to work well under pressure and to time lines
• good IT skills with the ability to write reports and keep records
• organised
• time management skills

Salary Range

£18,000 to £35,000