Careers adviser
Careers advisers help people make decisions about their education, training and work options.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a careers adviser, you could:
- work with people individually or in groups
- plan careers programmes for school, college and university students
- offer advice and guidance face-to-face, online, or by telephone
- explore how skills, abilities and interests relate to potential careers
- encourage clients to develop their career decision-making skills
- build links between employers, schools, universities and training providers
- research and provide careers and labour market information
- give support to make decisions, overcome barriers and plan next steps
Working environment
You could work in a contact centre, at a university, at a college, at a school, at an outreach centre or from home.
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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You can do a postgraduate diploma, or master's degree, in career guidance after completing an undergraduate degree in any subject.
Postgraduate courses take 1 year full time or 2 years part time and lead to the Qualification in Career Development (QCD).
People often apply to do a postgraduate career guidance qualification after working in teaching, youth work or social services.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
More Information
You could apply to do a Career Development Professional Level 6 (non-degree) Apprenticeship.
This takes 2 years to complete.
You may be able to do an Employability Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you're working in careers or education, then go on to complete a level 6 career guidance qualification.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
You could start by working as a careers co-ordinator, employment support adviser or youth worker and do further training on the job.
Your employer may support you to take work-based qualifications, such as:
- Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice
- Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development
Volunteering with job support, advice or mentoring organisations could give you an advantage when applying for training or jobs.
Find out about local opportunities for voluntary work through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations or Do IT.
Professional and industry bodies
Once you're qualified, you can apply to join the Career Development Institute's UK register of career development professionals.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a careers adviser from the Career Development Institute.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.