Career counselors advise clients about career decisions by assessing the individual's abilities, interests and personality. Clients may include individuals making a career change or those first choosing a career.

Career counselors, also known as vocational counselors or employment counselors, help individuals decide on a career path. Career counselors offer advice after examining the client's interests, personality traits, education and skills. They also help clients find jobs, apply for jobs and deal with career-related issues like job loss or stress.

• Most career counselors have a master's degree in counseling or a related field.

1. Before you get a master's degree you will need to graduate from a four-year university.
2. When choosing a master's program, make sure the school is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
3. Master's programs usually require students to have a certain amount of supervised clinical counseling experience.

• In addition to earning your master's degree, before you become a career counselor you will need at least two years of counseling or professional experience in addition to the clinical hours required by your master's program. Relevant experience includes:

1. Participating in graduate studies.
2. Social work.
3. Prior professional work in another discipline, such as law.

• Career counselors are licensed by the state. Depending on where you work as a career counselor you may or may not need a license. While requirements differ from state to state, general requirements include:

1. A master's degree in counseling.
2. Supervised clinical experience.
3. Passing an exam.

• Make sure to research the licensing requirements for your state.

• Career counselors may work in private practices, career centers, schools or even the military. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for career counselors is expected to have grown by 13 percent between 2006 and 2016, and the average salary was $47,530 as of May 2006. When searching for a position, you may want to contact the National Career Development Association (NCDA) or the American Counseling Association (ACA).

• Whether you want to work with individuals in career centers or start your own private practice, as a career counselor you will have the opportunity to help people find fulfilling, productive careers.

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