Guidance

What do people think about a career as a careers guidance counsellor for young people?
Q. I'm thinking about a career in careers guidance counselling (in England) which I know now falls under the Connexions service. I was just wondering what people thought about it as a career. Is it rewarding? Having already worked in social services I am aware of the difficult people that you deal with but what I want to know do you feel as though you're making a difference and is it worthwhile?
Asked by Marianne - Fri Mar 9 14:09:55 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I have a son due to leave school in May. I worry every day about him getting off to a good start and finding a worthwhile job. He has a hip problem, he is not above average academically but he is loyal, honest and hardworking. I hope with all my heart that there is someone at Connexions who cares enough to help him make a start in life as an adult, particularly because I do not live in England so what I can do for him is very limited. I am 55 and I still remember with appreciation what the youth employment service did to find work for me when I left school. If you are the kind of person who gains satisfaction from playing a pivotal role in making a start in life for young adults then there can be few jobs more important.
Answered by Graham H - Fri Mar 9 14:24:51 2007

Should I be a teacher or guidance counselor?
Q. I am planning on going to graduate school for education. I've worked in a pre-school and a 2nd grade classroom and connect really well with younger kids and there aren't many male elementary teachers so I think that would be valuable to the students. I also work really well in one-on-one situations with the kids and think being a guidance counselor would be a good use of my skills and something I've always been interested in. Should I become an elementary school teacher or a middle school guidance counselor?
Asked by Kirby - Mon May 3 22:56:00 2010 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Kirby. Be a teacher in elementary school, its a great job. This sounds like the calling for you. I am a male student teacher in my final year here in New Zealand, and it is the best job you can ever do. You know you get on well with kids and you are right we males are in demand and are needed. For some kids, you will be their only male role models in their lifes, you can change peoples lifes. It would be great to have you down here in NZ.
Answered by alias - Thu May 6 05:43:42 2010

Is it possible to become a guidance counselor without a Masters?
Q. I have a Bachelor's in Psychology and have had 4 years experience in the pscyhology field. (about a year and a half working as a drug and alcohol counselor and HIV counselor. abuot 2 1/2 years as a TSS working with autistic and mentally challenged youth) I was wondering if it was necessary to have a masters to be able to get a job as a high school guidance counselor.
Asked by Mia - Sat Jun 28 11:47:29 2008 - - 1 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Most school counselling jobs require a Master's degree and licensure. There are even specific degrees in guidance counselling as well now which also require a license.
Answered by peash - Sat Jun 28 14:03:27 2008