Academic / Guidance Counselor
Quick Facts
What They Do
An Academic or Guidance Counselor provides guidance to students in elementary, middle and high schools to help them succeed academically and socially. Works with school teachers and administrators to address problems that affect student performance, and identifies resources for students and families. Helps high school students to plan academic course work and advises on the college search and application process.
Core Tasks:
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
- Counsel students regarding educational issues, such as course and program selection, class scheduling and registration, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning.
- Counsel individuals or groups to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations.
- Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools.
- Review transcripts to ensure that students meet graduation or college entrance requirements, and write letters of recommendation.
- Refer students to outside counseling services.
- Prepare students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
- Refer students to degree programs based on interests, aptitudes, or educational assessments.
- Evaluate students' or individuals' abilities, interests, and personality characteristics, using tests, records, interviews, or professional sources.
- Provide students with information on topics such as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs.
- Conduct follow-up interviews with counselees to determine if their needs have been met.
- Assess needs for assistance, such as rehabilitation, financial aid, or additional vocational training, and refer clients to the appropriate services.
- Instruct individuals in career development techniques, such as job search and application strategies, resume writing, and interview skills.
- Attend meetings, educational conferences, and training workshops, and serve on committees.
- Plan and promote career and employment-related programs and events, such as career planning presentations, work experience programs, job fairs, and career workshops.
- Teach classes and present self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning.
- Plan and conduct orientation programs and group conferences to promote the adjustment of individuals to new life experiences, such as starting college.
- Address community groups, faculty, and staff members to explain available counseling services.
- Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.
- Provide information for teachers and staff members involved in helping students or graduates identify and pursue employment opportunities.
- Collaborate with teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of school programs and in the preparation of master schedules for curriculum offerings.
- Plan, direct, and participate in recruitment and enrollment activities.
What to expect as an Academic / Guidance Counselor
54% of people achieve this level of education.
See Academic / Guidance Counselor related courses on Tallo
2857 openings for Academic / Guidance Counselors
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Academic / Guidance Counselor. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.