Career counseling: what it is and whether you need it?

When kids are asked what they want to be when they grow up, they often have a quick and easy answers like “a teacher,” “a scientist,” or “a doctor.”

However, as people get older, figuring out the right career isn’t as simple. Adults have to think about things like money, education costs, and moving to a new place – and that’s not even considering if the job will make them happy.

The good news is, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Career counselors are there to help you choose a job, get ready for interviews, and more. Career counseling is about more than just taking tests – it’s about exploring all the ways they can support you in finding the right path for you.

What’s career counseling?

Career counselors assist people in finding jobs that make them happy. They help with things like changing careers, searching for a job, and deciding on what career to pursue.

Unlike psychologists or therapists, career counselors don’t advise on relationships, mental health, or prescriptions. Instead, they focus on giving their clients the tools they need to succeed at work.

While mentors are similar to counselors, counselors mainly help with career decisions and planning. They teach clients how to navigate the job market, provide resources for success in current careers, and offer tests to help people understand their interests if they’re thinking about a change.

Career counseling is useful for people of all ages and career stages. It’s not just for high school students – someone who has been working for many years can benefit too. Changing careers later in life is okay, and a career counselor can help with that.

How does career counseling differ from career coaching?

Career coaches and counselors both assist with your job, but they have some differences. It’s about what they focus on and for how long.

A career counselor, such as Dr. Elizabeth Joy Fazio, a career counselor in Homer Glen, deals with short-term matters like improving work relationships or learning a new tool. If you’re getting ready for a job interview or planning your career, a counselor, especially like Dr. Elizabeth Joy Fazio, is there to help. They can provide guidance even without knowing you extremely well.

On the flip side, a career coach delves into your values, strengths, and traits to guide you in the workplace and set long-term goals. They build a stronger connection with you, considering your worries, insecurities, and dreams to help you grow. Coaches play the long game, assisting you in getting promotions or enhancing your skills for that dream job.

Certified career coaches often have recognition from organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF), ensuring quality services. Anyone can claim to be a coach, but certified ones are the real deal.

Career counselors typically have degrees in fields like psychology, business, or human resources. They can also get certified by groups like the National Career Development Association (NCDA). Some may even become certified career coaches, offering both types of support.

13 benefits of career counseling

When you meet with a career counselor, your experience will be different from others. If you’re without a job or looking to switch careers, a career counselor can give you helpful advice.

Here are 13 good things that might happen when you see a career counselor:

• Learn why planning your career is important for the future.
• Discover the right job for you based on your personality, skills, and goals.
• Figure out if a different career could be a better fit for you.
• Have an expert to talk through your worries, ideas, and plans.
• Improve your work-life balance.
• Get more free time.
• Work towards financial wellness.
• Get more info and resources to make smart career choices.
• Boost your interview skills to impress potential employers.
• Learn how to write great cover letters and resumes that show off your skills.
• Improve communication skills for better work habits and relationships.
• Make and follow a plan for changing careers.
• Become a more confident and effective networker in professional settings.

How can career counseling help you develop your career?

You might be happy with your job now, but you never know when you might want a change or to move up. A career counselor can help you with common goals in your industry or guide you in setting new ones if you’re ready for a switch. They can also teach you how to network in your field to boost your current career.

If you face challenges in reaching your goals or feel stuck, a career counselor is there to assist. Even if you’re sure you want a change, it’s normal to be unsure of the next steps.

Your counselor might suggest going to grad school or gaining new skills to advance your career. They can also help you handle the stress that comes with changing jobs.

When should you hire a career counselor?

Deciding to see a career counselor isn’t about following strict rules – if you need help, it’s okay to seek it. Here are a few situations where getting guidance is a good idea:

• Big Career Change: If you’re jumping into a completely new field or industry, a counselor can give you great career advice. They’ll help you settle into your new job and succeed from the start.
• No Results Despite Effort: If you’ve sent lots of resumes but heard nothing back, a counselor can make your resume stand out and boost your job search. They’re also helpful if you feel stuck in your career and want a promotion.
• Feeling Overwhelmed: Working hard doesn’t always guarantee good results. Your counselor can help you focus on strategies to be more productive and happier with your work.
• Unhappy with Your Employer: It can happen to anyone – you get bored or don’t like where your company is heading. Even if it’s not a whole new career, you might need a change. A career counselor can help you find a job that gives you a work-life balance and satisfies your curiosity.

What are the duties of a career counselor?

Career counselors are here to help you choose a job that makes you happy. No matter what they specialize in, their goal is to see you succeed.

Here are some things most career counselors do, whether you need help for any reason:

• Teach you which platforms are best for networking and job searching.
• Work with you to create a plan for your career.
• Use tests and evaluations to match your interests and values with suitable careers.
• Give tips on how to have successful interviews.
• Edit and proofread your resumes, portfolios, and cover letters.
• Assist with fellowship and program applications.
• Discuss how to negotiate your salary.
• Solve any conflicts or questions you have about your industry.
• Mentor you throughout your career to keep you on the right path.

How to choose the right counselor for you: 5 tips

A career counselor is there to help you make smart decisions for a fulfilling career. Whether you’re exploring new paths, considering options, or actively job hunting, they’ve got your back.

However, picking the right counselor needs careful thought. Here are five tips to make sure they’re the perfect match for you:

• Plan your budget carefully, considering career coaching costs.
• Make sure you feel comfortable talking about your needs with them.
• Ask about their experience or expertise in your field before getting started.
• Choose a certified coach or counselor to ensure they’re qualified and experienced.
• Listen to recommendations from friends, family, or coworkers.

You might need to try a few different counselors before finding the one that fits you and your career goals.

Now that you know why career counseling is helpful, you might be eager to begin. Think about what you want to work on in the coaching process and find a counselor with the right experience. Give a career coaching session a try to make sure you feel safe and comfortable discussing your professional goals with them.

In the end, your counselor’s advice and fresh outlook will help you discover a job where you can do fulfilling and meaningful work. And that’s truly valuable.

Remember, you don’t have to handle this by yourself. Think about reaching out to a nearby career counselor for the help you need to manage this significant life change effectively.