Habibulla, Shameena - Career Advisor

From What can you do with a degree in psychology?

1 Job title (Shameena Habibulla)

[edit] Job title (Shameena Habibulla)

Career Counselor

[edit] General Overview

Career Counselors administer tests to clients in order to obtain a comprehensive view of their personality. This helps match them to jobs that would suit their personality. Moreover, a career counselor would help them set realistic goals for their future endeavours. For example, they would aid in planning for promotions. Information about labour market trends needs to be considered for this job.

[edit] Job duties and Responsibilities

A career counsellor interviews clients to assess their skills and abilities, and puts them in contact with the workplace. The evaluation of the client’s education and training is also an integral part of the job requirements. They also assist client’s interview skills, their resumes and cover letters. Another very important aspect of this job is the ability to research the current labour market trends and various occupations. Finally, they engage in workplace conflict resolution.

[edit] Typical Workday

A typical work week follows the 9-5 pattern of many jobs. Therefore, the average amount of work is 40 hours a week, however, in some cases counselors may be self-employed in which case these numbers can greatly fluctuate. Within this time frame a career counselor would see clients for a set amount of time, about an hour per session. On average a career counselor takes 3 weeks vacation time per year (www.payscale.com). Career counselors work in colleges, government agencies, career centers, and in private practices.

[edit] Educational Requirements and other Qualifications

In order to obtain this job you need to have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work or another related area. In addition to this, a master’s degree in counselling, psychology, or another related area is also needed. Moreover, you need to have experience working under supervision in order to learn the basics of counselling and administrative tasks in the industry. (careercruising.com)

[edit] Related Skills, Interests and Abilities

This is an interpersonal oriented job and as such extroversion is beneficial. Moreover, inherent interests in either researching or a passion for labour marketing would be useful in this context due to the nature of its relation to the job market. Another relevant skill is the ability to organize client information coherently. This can extend to being able to organize the job market information that is specific to each individual as well. Furthermore, a significant skill is the ability to make relevant decisions. There are many aspects to consider when advising someone on their careers therefore critical thinking is needed to integrate all these aspects together. Some of the aspects for consideration would be the interaction between age, culture, and ethical values. (skills.edu.gov.on.ca)

[edit] Relevance of Psychology Undergraduate Degree

A degree in psychology imparts interpersonal skills that are germane when working in a counselling position. Furthermore, despite not having labour marketing backgrounds exemplary research capabilities that have been taught can aid a career counsellor in this area. On this note data analysis is very important as well in order to take labour marketing trends and make inferences on where the job market is heading. Moreover, oral and written communication skills have been developed in psychology courses which are important in interactions with clients but also in keeping clear and concise records of each client in order to keep communicating with them effectively.

[edit] Salary Potential

There are different salaries at each level of this job. When starting out under supervision the approximate salary is $25,000-$35,000 per year. As a fully licensed career counselor you have the ability to make $35,000-$60,000 per year. After ten years of exemplary service you have the ability to become a director of counselling which is a position that earns $55,000-$80,000 per year. (payscale.com)

[edit] Job Outlook

This sector is predicted to grow about 12% from 2012-2022 (www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm). This is perceived to be because of higher enrollment in post-secondary schools across the country, entailing more students that will be moving into a tenuous job market.