Careers adviser

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

• work with specific groups like adults, graduates or young people with special needs
• become a careers leader in school or college
• co-ordinate careers services and manage a team of advisers
• go into careers coaching, resettlement or work-placement services
• be self-employed as a consultant or freelance adviser

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• sensitivity and understanding
• active listening skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Psychology - Careers advisers use psychological principles to understand people's motivations, interests, and abilities, and to help them make decisions about their futures. They draw on counselling techniques like active listening and non-judgemental approaches to support clients who may be anxious or uncertain about their options.
• Sociology - Careers advisers need to understand how social factors like class, gender, ethnicity, and economic background can shape people's career opportunities and aspirations. This awareness helps them support clients in overcoming barriers and understanding the wider labour market.
• English Language - Careers advisers communicate constantly – whether explaining options clearly in one-to-one sessions, writing guidance materials, or presenting careers programmes to groups of students. Strong skills in speaking, listening, and writing are essential for making complex information accessible to different audiences.

Also relevant

• Business - Careers advisers need to understand how industries and organisations work so they can give informed advice about different career paths. Knowledge of business concepts like employment trends, entrepreneurship, and organisational structures helps them connect clients with realistic opportunities.
• Economics - Careers advisers research and interpret labour market information, including employment trends, skills shortages, and salary data. Understanding how the economy works helps them advise clients on which sectors are growing and where future job opportunities are likely to be.
• Mathematics - Careers advisers work with labour market data, employment statistics, and survey results to inform their guidance. Being comfortable interpreting numbers and trends helps them give evidence-based advice about career prospects and opportunities.
• Politics - Careers advisers work within education and government policy frameworks that shape how careers services are delivered. Understanding how government decisions on education, training, and employment policy affect people's options helps them give up-to-date and relevant advice.