Frequently Asked Question
What Do School Counselors Do?
Educational, vocational, and school counselors-in elementary,
secondary, and postsecondary schools-help students evaluate their
abilities, interests, talents, and personality characteristics in
order to develop realistic academic and career goals.
Counselors use interviews, counseling sessions, tests, or other
methods when evaluating and advising students. They operate
career information centers and career education programs.
High school counselors advise on college majors, admission
requirements, entrance exams, and financial aid and on trade or
technical schools and apprenticeship programs. They help
students develop job search skills such as resume writing and
interviewing techniques. College career planning and
placement counselors assist alumni or students with career
development and job-hunting techniques.
Elementary school counselors observe younger children during
classroom and play activities, and confer with their teachers and
parents to evaluate their strengths, problems, or special
needs. They also help students develop good study
habits. They do less vocational and academic counseling than
do secondary school counselors.
School counselors at all levels help students understand and
deal with social, behavioral, and personal problems. These
counselors emphasize preventive and developmental counseling to
provide students with the life skills needed to deal with problems
before they occur, and to enhance personal, social, and academic
growth. Counselors provide special services, including
alcohol and drug prevention programs, and classes that teach
students to handle conflicts without resorting to violence.
Counselors also try to identify cases involving domestic abuse and
other family problems that can affect a student's
development. Counselors work with students individually, with
small groups, or with entire classes. They consult and work with
parents, teachers, school administrators, school psychologists,
school nurses, and social workers.
Taken from the Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/oco/)