High School Counselor

High School Counselors provide academic, social, and career guidance to high school students. They assist students in developing their academic plans, setting goals, exploring career options, and preparing for college or other post-secondary education or training programs.

Nature of the Work

High School Counselors typically do the following:

• Meet with students individually or in groups to discuss academic, personal, and career issues
• Help students develop and implement academic plans and career goals
• Provide information about colleges and financial aid
• Refer students to other resources, such as mental health professionals or tutors
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to support students' academic and personal growth
• Develop and lead workshops and programs to help students with academic and career planning, financial planning, and other topics

Required Skills

High School Counselors typically need the following skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build relationships with students, parents, and other stakeholders
• Knowledge of adolescent development and learning
• Ability to provide guidance and support to students from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of college admissions and financial aid processes

Education and Training

High School Counselors typically need a master's degree in school counseling or a related field. Some states require High School Counselors to be certified or licensed. Certification or licensure requirements vary from state to state.

Advancement and Job Outlook

High School Counselors may advance to positions in school administration or counseling leadership.

Employment of High School Counselors is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by increasing demand for mental health services in schools.

Personal Preparedness

High School Counselors should be passionate about helping students succeed. They should be good listeners and communicators, and they should be able to build relationships with students, parents, and other stakeholders.

Self-Guided Projects

To better prepare for a career as a High School Counselor, students may want to complete self-guided projects that will help them develop the skills and knowledge needed for this role. Some examples of self-guided projects include:

• Volunteer or intern at a local high school counseling office
• Shadow a High School Counselor
• Conduct research on adolescent development and learning
• Develop a lesson plan for a high school guidance class
• Write a paper on a topic related to high school counseling

Effectiveness of Online Courses

Online courses can be an effective way to prepare for a career as a High School Counselor. Online courses can provide students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. They can also provide students with access to a wider range of courses than what is typically available at their local college or university.

Online courses can help students develop the skills and knowledge needed for a career as a High School Counselor in a number of ways. For example, online courses can provide students with opportunities to:

• Learn about adolescent development and learning
• Develop counseling and guidance skills
• Gain knowledge of college admissions and financial aid processes
• Prepare for certification or licensure exams

While online courses can be an effective way to prepare for a career as a High School Counselor, they are not a substitute for hands-on experience. Students who are interested in a career as a High School Counselor should consider volunteering or interning at a local high school counseling office.