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Occupation AtlasEducational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

O*NET · 21-1012.00

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.

Also called Academic Advisor · Academic Counselor · Admissions Counselor · Adult School Counselor · Advisor · Articulation Officer · Assessment Specialist · Career Advisor
73 more

Career Coach · Career Consultant · Career Coordinator · Career Counselor · Career Developer · Career Development Consultant · Career Development Counselor · Career Development Facilitator · Career Development Specialist · Career Guidance Counselor · Career Services Coordinator · Career Technical Counselor · Career Transition Specialist · Child Guidance Counselor · College Counselor · Counselor · Curriculum Counselor · Disability Services Coordinator · Education Coordinator · Education Counselor · Educational Advisor · Educational Consultant · Educational Guidance Counselor · Elementary School Counselor · Employment Coach · Employment Coordinator · Employment Counselor · Employment Specialist · Employment Trainer · Employment Training Specialist · Enrollment Counselor · Enrollment Specialist · Extension Course Counselor · Financial Services Specialist · Foreign Student Advisor · Guidance Advisor · Guidance Counselor · High School Counselor · High School Guidance Counselor · International Student Counselor · Internship Coordinator · Job Coach · Life Skills Coach · OES · Offender Employment Specialist (OES) · Offender Job Retention Specialist · Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) · Outplacement Consultant · OWDS · Placement Coordinator · Pupil Personnel Worker · Residence Counselor · Resume Writer · Scheduling Specialist · School Adjustment Counselor · School Counselor · School Guidance Counselor · Student Advisor · Student Counselor · Student Development Advisor · Student Services Coordinator · Student Services Counselor · Student Success Counselor · Student Support Counselor · Study Abroad Advisor · Transition Advisor · Transition Specialist · Vocational Adviser · Vocational Counselor · Vocational Evaluator · Vocational Examiner · Vocational Rehab Counselor · Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Vocational Rehab Counselor)

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code SCE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Community Health Workers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SCESocial · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social7.00
  • C Conventional4.09
  • E Enterprising3.92
  • I Investigative3.30
  • A Artistic3.13
  • R Realistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree3%
  • Bachelor's Degree56%
  • Master's Degree41%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (38%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (53%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (41%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic4.44.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Social Perceptiveness4.14.9Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Speakingbasic4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Service Orientation4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Writingbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active Learningbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Monitoringbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Complex Problem Solving3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
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Tasks

22 core · 13 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.4.6
  2. Counsel students regarding educational issues, such as course and program selection, class scheduling and registration, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning.4.5
  3. Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools.4.4
  4. Review transcripts to ensure that students meet graduation or college entrance requirements, and write letters of recommendation.4.4
  5. Counsel individuals or groups to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations.4.4
  6. Prepare students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.4.3
  7. Refer students to outside counseling services.4.3
  8. Refer students to degree programs based on interests, aptitudes, or educational assessments.4.2
  9. Evaluate students' or individuals' abilities, interests, and personality characteristics, using tests, records, interviews, or professional sources.4.2
  10. Provide students with information on topics such as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs.4.0
  11. Conduct follow-up interviews with counselees to determine if their needs have been met.3.9
  12. Assess needs for assistance, such as rehabilitation, financial aid, or additional vocational training, and refer clients to the appropriate services.3.8
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  1. Instruct individuals in career development techniques, such as job search and application strategies, resume writing, and interview skills.3.8
  2. Teach classes and present self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning.3.7
  3. Plan and conduct orientation programs and group conferences to promote the adjustment of individuals to new life experiences, such as starting college.3.7
  4. Attend meetings, educational conferences, and training workshops, and serve on committees.3.7
  5. Plan and promote career and employment-related programs and events, such as career planning presentations, work experience programs, job fairs, and career workshops.3.7
  6. Address community groups, faculty, and staff members to explain available counseling services.3.6
  7. Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.3.5
  8. Provide information for teachers and staff members involved in helping students or graduates identify and pursue employment opportunities.3.5
  9. Collaborate with teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of school programs and in the preparation of master schedules for curriculum offerings.3.4
  10. Plan, direct, and participate in recruitment and enrollment activities.3.4
  11. Identify cases of domestic abuse or other family problems and encourage students or parents to seek additional assistance from mental health professionals.4.4
  12. Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to discuss children's progress, resolve behavioral, academic, and other problems, and to determine priorities for students and their resource needs.4.3
  13. Provide special services such as alcohol and drug prevention programs and classes that teach students to handle conflicts without resorting to violence.4.2
  14. Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.4.0
  15. Establish and enforce administration policies and rules governing student behavior.3.8
  16. Supervise, train, and direct professional staff and interns.3.6
  17. Interview clients to obtain information about employment history, educational background, and career goals, and to identify barriers to employment.3.5
  18. Compile and study occupational, educational, and economic information to assist counselees in determining and carrying out vocational and educational objectives.3.4
  19. Establish contacts with employers to create internship and employment opportunities for students.3.4
  20. Establish and supervise peer-counseling and peer-tutoring programs.3.3
  21. Refer qualified counselees to employers or employment services for job placement.3.1
  22. Observe students during classroom and play activities to evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.3.1
  23. Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.2.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Therapy and Counseling3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
  • Education and Training3.44.8Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Administrative3.14.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Psychology3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Administration and Management2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.83.6Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
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  • Computers and Electronics2.73.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Public Safety and Security2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Law and Government2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Communications and Media2.33.0Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Philosophy and Theology2.22.7
  • Mathematics2.12.4Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sales and Marketing2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Foreign Language1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • History and Archeology1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Telecommunications1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Biology1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Engineering and Technology1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Design1.3—
  • Economics and Accounting1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • Geography1.3—
  • Mechanical1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.30.5Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Production and Processing1.3—
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • Chemistry1.2—
  • Physics1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension4.34.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.34.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive Reasoning3.84.3Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Problem Sensitivity3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech Clarity3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
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  • Fluency of Ideas3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Speech Recognition3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Information Ordering3.43.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near Vision3.43.4Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Category Flexibility3.13.3Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Originality3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Selective Attention3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Flexibility of Closure2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.62.8
  • Perceptual Speed2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Far Vision2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Time Sharing2.52.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Speed of Closure2.42.5Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visualization2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Number Facility2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Auditory Attention2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Visual Color Discrimination1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk Strength1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.50.5
  • Depth Perception1.40.4
  • Manual Dexterity1.3—
  • Reaction Time1.3—
  • Response Orientation1.1—
  • Stamina1.1—
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness1.0—
  • Control Precision1.0—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Dynamic Strength1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Finger Dexterity1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Multilimb Coordination1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.85.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Getting Information4.85.7
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.75.6
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.65.6
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.45.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Working with Computers4.44.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Processing Information4.34.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others4.35.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
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  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.25.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.14.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.15.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.95.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Thinking Creatively3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing and Building Teams3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Training and Teaching Others3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.82.9
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.72.9
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.80.7Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.4—
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.2—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.0—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.0—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams5.0
  • Telephone Conversations5.0
  • Contact With Others4.9
  • E-Mail4.9
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities4.6
  • Spend Time Sitting4.3
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.2
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.2

Technology

76 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (4)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot

Hot (9; 4 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Facebook
  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
Other tools (63)
  • ACT Discover
  • ACT WorkKeys
  • Adobe ActionScript
  • Athena Software Penelope Case Management
  • Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
  • Blackboard software
  • Blackboard Wimba
  • Bloomz
  • Career Cruising
  • Career decision-making programs
  • Career Dimensions Focus 2
  • Career management systems CMS
  • Career Zone
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC WONDER
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epi Info
  • Chat software
  • Coin Educational Products Climb K-5 Online
  • Coin Educational Products Coin Jr.
  • College Central Network Career Services Central
  • Common Curriculum
  • Computer-assisted career guidance software
  • Computer-assisted live supervision
  • Computerized diagnostic programs
  • Computerized statistical packages
  • Computerized testing programs
  • Counseling software
  • Database application software
  • Database software
  • Email software
  • Ext JS
  • EZAnalyze
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Google Classroom
  • Google Drive
  • Google Meet
  • GroupMe
  • Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
  • Intrado SchoolMessenger
  • Kuder Navigator
  • LexisNexis
  • LinkedIn
  • LogMeIn GoToMeeting
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Moodle
  • Naviance Succeed
  • O*NET OnLine
  • Oracle Taleo
  • Orbius
  • Padlet
  • Palm Pal Transana
  • Prezi
  • Productivity software
  • Schoology
  • Screencastify
  • SmugMug Flickr
  • Social Solutions ETO
  • Student information systems SIS software
  • Web browser software
  • Web page design and editing software
  • Yahoo! Email
  • Zoomerang

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Rehabilitation Counselors
  2. School Psychologists
  3. Instructional Coordinators
  4. Education Teachers, Postsecondary
  5. Child, Family, and School Social Workers
  6. Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
  7. Social and Human Service Assistants
  8. Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
  9. Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
  10. Health Education Specialists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.