Career counsellor
Also called: Career coach, Guidance counsellor
Helps students and adults understand themselves and choose courses, careers and next steps.
What the work is
Career counsellors guide students choosing streams, courses and colleges, and adults changing jobs or returning to work. They use conversations and assessments of interests, aptitude and personality, research options, and build plans that fit each person's strengths, family situation and budget.
India has hundreds of millions of students and very few trained counsellors. Schools increasingly appoint counsellors, the National Education Policy stresses guidance, and independent counsellors and online platforms are growing. Good counsellors combine psychology, up-to-date career knowledge and real care for the person in front of them.
A typical week
- Meet students, parents and adults one-to-one
- Use career assessments and explain reports
- Research courses, exams and colleges
- Run workshops in schools and colleges
It suits people who
- Enjoy listening and guiding people
- Keep up with courses, exams and jobs
- Are patient, warm and honest
Your path to get there
School (Class 8-10)
- Any stream worksPsychology helps if your school offers it
Class 11-12
- B.A. or B.Sc Psychology, B.Ed, or any degree
College or fresher
- Take a recognised career counselling certificate
- Practise with juniors and volunteer in schools
- An M.A. in Psychology or Counselling helps for senior roles
Working or switching
- Teachers, HR professionals and trainers move in with a certificationMany work independently or with assessment partners
- Teaching suits returners well: tutoring, part-time and online teaching are easy first steps.
- Refresh your subject with a short course and clear CTET or TET if you want a government post.
Exams and certifications
| Name | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Career counselling certifications | Training in assessments, guidance and ethics | Any time |
Exam names, eligibility and dates change. Always check the official website for this year's notice.
Job market
Job titles to search
Who hires
Where the jobs are
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Outlook
Growing as schools add counsellors and families seek guidance. Independent counsellors who partner with assessment platforms build steady practices.
Know which careers fit you
Create a free account, take the Compass career assessment for your stage, and every cluster and career here will show how well it fits you.