Career Counseling: How To Get A Job You Love
Finding a career can be a difficult and intimidating task, as it is wrought with high-impact decisions. Luckily, it is not something that has to be navigated alone.
Below is a brief guide to the concept of career counseling and how you can make the most of it.
What are career counseling services?
In sum, career counseling matches you with a career counselor, who offers guidance related to one’s career. This includes career selection, job application, career coaching, resume development, networking assistance, and anything in between.
Generally, they will be employed by a consulting firm, counseling agency, or institution of higher learning.
Essentially, the mission of career counseling services is to do their absolute best to help people find their dream careers. This career coaching could involve general career guidance for people who do not know what to do next or more specific help with job opportunities.
A career counseling coach can help you determine the following items:
- Career planning and what your hopes are for the coming years.
- Your career goals, both long-term and short-term.
- Carving out your career path, even if the future looks very hazy and intimidating right now.
- Career coaching for people who already have their desired job but are not satisfied with the direction in which it is advancing.
- Career advancement for people who have already started down a certain career path but want to do well going forward.
- Choosing a career or job, even if it is your first one, or making a major career change.
- Career assessment for people who doubt whether or not they are making the right moves.
- Career counseling career services and career connections might help you reach out to and meet people in your desired field.
- Address career concerns and general worries for people who are dealing with career anxiety.
Overall, career counseling services can be extremely beneficial to your career development. Career counseling can even help you find a job that you are really excited about. At the very least, career counseling might help you avoid making majorly wrong decisions, like going into a certain career or line of study for the wrong reasons.
When Should I Go to Career Counseling?
There are multiple situations in which you should seek out career counseling.
College students will frequently seek career counseling at their university if they are getting ready to graduate or looking for an internship.
In the professional world, people who seek career counseling do so when transitioning from one career to another and need to evaluate their options and determine what they can do to expand them.
If you are really stuck, career counseling services can be a great way to talk out your concerns and talk to someone who can provide a professional, third-party opinion. It is an excellent way to clear your mind and get your options straight.
While career job counseling will not necessarily solve all your problems, it will at the very least put you in touch with someone who has spoken with many people like you and has learned from all their clients’ experiences. It is like the knowledge of hundreds of careers, in one person.
Overall, career counseling is an excellent resource for anyone who feels overwhelmed by major decisions and wants to talk to someone with a clear head and maybe even get a job out of it!
What should I do before starting career counseling?
While going through the steps with career counseling may help you make good career decisions, a career counselor does not simply wave a wand and place you in your dream career. Rather, the best that they can do is help guide you in the right direction.
Naturally, aiding your choices will be made much easier for them if you come to their consultation with an idea of what you want with your potential career and what you need help with.
However, even if you have no idea what you want to do next, career counseling can help you address career concerns and career uncertainty and leave you with some peace of mind.
One concept that is very worth exploring when starting career counseling is a Japanese theory called Ikigai.
Ikigai
Ikigai, which translates to “a reason for being,” is a framework that can be utilized for finding your ideal career. When thinking about your potential career, there are various factors to consider, and it helps to sit down and organize those factors into specific questions.
According to Ikigai, the four questions that one must ask when considering which career to pursue are as follows:
· What am I good at?
· What do I love doing?
· What does the world need?
· What can I get paid for?
These questions can be fleshed out in multiple ways, and for the concept to have any real promise, it is crucial to examine each one thoroughly and pay mind to any existing sub-questions.
What am I good at?
While this question may seem very straightforward, there is more to it than one might think. That is, in most economies, it is not as simple as what you can do well, but rather can be boiled down to “What am I qualified to do?”.
When considering a job or career, it is important to ask yourself:
- What careers will accept an individual with my education level?
- Within my education, did I have any specialty?
- What careers are suitable for someone with my work experience?
- Can I get the best compensation for online counseling jobs?
- What skills do I have that are generally understood to make an individual like me more hire-able?
- Do I have a criminal or professional record that might make it difficult for me to get certain jobs?
- How are my references?
Career counseling cannot simply be a fantasy. With a career counseling coach, you can look realistically at your options and find a job that fits your qualifications.
What do I love doing?
This question is likely the most subjective of all the questions to ask yourself and maybe the most difficult to answer. It is often underplayed in certain societies, as there is such a strong push to do what makes money and is within your grasp.
Granted, these things are both very important (they are both parts of Ikigai) but do not account for the whole of one’s well-being.
Furthermore, studies show that job performance is directly correlated with career satisfaction.
So, at the end of the day, loving your career or job, all else equal, will likely be good for your pockets and overall career development. Therefore, when considering a career, you should try your best to answer the questions:
- Do I like working outside or inside?
- Do I want a job where I can be social, or would I prefer some degree of isolation?
- Am I comfortable doing the same thing for long periods of time, or do I need things to be mixed up now and again?
- Do I want a job that is physically or mentally challenging?
- How often and at what hours am I willing and able to work?
Also, do not get stuck on the idea of a traditional office. Many wanderlusts careers available through the internet are great for people who want to travel or break free from those classic office confines.
Remember, it is a myth that you can’t make a living doing what you love!
What does the world need?
Your career goals do not just have to do with you. Your decision will also affect, at the very least, a small community of people.
Asking what the world needs are another question that is difficult to answer and requires an understanding of what you stand for as an individual. Essentially, this is a question of ethics and how they play into your career choice.
This one is tempting to ignore, but much like enjoying your career, believing in your career has proven to bolster performance.
Remember, how you spend your days is how you spend your life. You will inevitably be spending a lot of time working in this career or job, and you want it to be something that you can feel good about.
Some things to consider when pondering this include:
- What is an issue you are passionate about?
- How do you think it could be solved?
- What can you, specifically, contribute to solving certain issues?
- What values do you want your job to play into?
- Are there any companies or industries that you would like to avoid?
What can I get paid for?
In a capitalist country, this often ends up being the most important question. Especially when thought of as “What do I want to be given in exchange for my work” rather than “What can I get paid for?”. A career counseling coach will have insider knowledge of the most lucrative careers that you can find for your skillset.
If you are not sure, then some questions that you may want to ask yourself are:
- Do you need insurance benefits, or would you prefer to take out a insurance plan?
- Are you living on your own, or do you have dependents?
- Is traveling very important to you? Would you like to look into wanderlust careers to be able to maintain location freedom?
- How does your savings account look right now?
- Am I in any debt?
If you decide to start career counseling, a professional assigned to your case will help you wade through all these difficult questions and do their homework, and keep an eye open for career opportunities that you may be interested in.
What do I do next?
If you thoroughly consider the different aspects of Ikigai, you will be very well prepared to have a meaningful, high-payoff consultation with career counseling services.
However, before starting career counseling, it would behoove you to have absolutely every possible bit of information for them. Make sure that you have a resume fired up, and it would not hurt to come in with an awareness of current job listings.
Conclusion
Career counseling is an excellent option for anyone looking to get more answers and guidance about their career.
You have many options for career counseling, such as:
- Career counseling online
- Career counseling specific to your career or area of expertise
- Career counseling for professional looking to advance in their career
- Career counseling for students, whether they know what to study or are still unclear
- Career counseling for people who have had a recent career upheaval, such as losing a job or switching careers
Most importantly, remember that you are not alone in major life decisions. Career counseling is available and , and it could change your life for the better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of background do I need if I want to become a career counselor?
To go into career counseling, one would need at least a bachelor’s degree (but would benefit from a master’s) in counseling, psychology, labor and employment relations, or social work. There are also programs and certifications specifically on how to become a counselor.
How much does career counseling cost?
Generally, career counseling will cost $75-$150 per hour, depending on their experience level, reputation, and practice location.
How much do career counselors make?
With an average salary of around $40,000, the average person working in career counseling should expect to make around $30,000-$50,000 a year. The salary will depend on whether they own a career counseling practice or work in career counseling for a university or school.
Is it normal to change careers as an adult?
Absolutely. In the industrialized world, the average person can expect 5-7 career changes during their working life.
Some people believe that a true career includes obtaining a job then climbing the ladder in the same company for the rest of your life. But that idea is slowly disappearing, and many people explore many options throughout their lifetime. Career counseling services recognize this and provide you with traditional office work or more modern, digital options.
Finding a new career can be intimidating, but it can also be thrilling, as it is a new chance to explore different facets of yourself and take on new challenges. A career transition might be the best thing for you in your life right now.
It is normal to get bored with one career, especially if you feel that you are no longer challenged, and a career transition could certainly be worth the stress that might come along with it. Career counseling services can help make your transition as seamless as possible.
How do I know which jobs are in demand?
This is an important question with lots of possible answers. Look into websites with job postings in your area because the jobs that are in demand will depend heavily on your location.
Career counseling services are also a great place to find out what type of workers people need.
You may also want to look into wanderlust careers or jobs that you can do online. Look into freelance jobs such as online teaching, freelance work websites, or you could even learn how to make money from YouTube, social media, or affiliate marketing. Career counseling can help you figure out if you want to find an open position in an office or if you want to build your own career and be your own boss.
A career coach or career center can help you learn more about available work. You can find an online career counselor or a counselor in a career center near your home.
Can career counseling help me with my resume/ cover letter?
Definitely! A career counselor’s job is to do everything they can to help their clients flesh out the little details, such as resume and cover letter formatting. Career counseling is designed to aid you in the application process.
Career job counseling does not just aid with career advancement but also with getting started, or just with getting some guidance and answers. Career job advice can be very useful, especially for people who have an eclectic array of interests and passions and do not know where to start.
Career counseling does not just focus on advice, but it will also guide you through career management and career change. They often have connections and insider knowledge that will help you explore some great options.
Try speaking with someone who can specialize in career counseling, resume, or cover letter help.
Will I get my dream job if I get career counseling?
Finding one true career is never guaranteed but consulting career professionals is certainly a great place to start!
A career counseling coach will take career satisfaction into account when helping you make the decision. They will consider the career satisfaction rates of people in the careers you are looking into, and they will also ask about your passions and interests. Career job counselors will recognize the importance of finding a job that you enjoy.
You may find career counselors and career counseling centers, have knowledge of your field and the job search that you might not otherwise have to. It is, after all, their job to help you with the search and with career management.
Can a regular one-on-one or marriage counselor help me with career counseling?
In most cases, no. While the skillset and required background are similar, different counselors tend to have very different knowledge bases. It’s better to speak with a career counselor coach specializing in career counseling your specific needs. This ensures that they have training and experience and can aid you in finding the perfect career.
However, it is important to note that counseling services are a great way to air your grievances and get all your feelings out. If you are unsatisfied with your career, that will inevitably affect other aspects of your life as well, and you will find that speaking with any professional might be helpful.
Can I get career counseling for a specific field?
In many cases, yes. You can especially find career counseling for specialized, professional fields, such as pharmacy, law, and engineering. These professionals will provide career counseling specific to your needs and interests, and they will probably have connections and insider knowledge in that area. Career counseling specific to your field can be extremely beneficial to your career development.
A career counselor coach specialized in your field might be your best career planning choice because they can utilize their knowledge of the field and get you in touch with workers in jobs related to you and your interests.
If you do not have a specific field, you could also speak with a career transition counselor accustomed to cases like yours.
What does a career counselor do?
A career counselor is responsible for providing career advice and career guidance for anyone choosing a career, changing a career path, or reassessing their career goals. They might also refer to themselves as a career coach or a career counselor.
Career counselors will sometimes have different styles or career counseling methods, but there are a few commonplace things that most career counselors will do.
For example, a professional will talk you through what you like to do with career counseling, what you hope to do, and discuss your skills, values, and career goals.
Career counselors will typically help evaluate your career options, whether you are looking for a new career or career development advice, and will then help you prepare for interviews when the time comes.
Even if you don’t think you need the help of a career counselor, their guidance can help you become the most desirable candidate for any given job. Career counseling can be an excellent option for all ages, whether you are trying to find a career, just starting in your career, or are looking to pivot out of your current career later in life.
How do I find a career advisor?
Finding a career counselor is easier than you might think. While finding a career counselor you love might be more difficult, career counseling services are abundant nowadays, especially thanks to technology.
Career services are available for both online and in-person career counseling.
If you are no longer in school, you might think that career guidance and career counselors are no longer available to you. Fortunately, that’s not true.
Adults in all stages of professional development frequently need assistance with starting a new career, evaluating their career path, and enlisting a career coach as a result.
Some career counselors will even specialize in different industries and professional areas, so you can begin by looking within the field you are choosing a career in and contact a career coach for more details about their style of career counseling.
Who needs career counseling?
Almost anyone can benefit from career counseling. Career counselors can help choose a career, brainstorm career goals, and prepare for a professional pivot.
If you are anxious about interviewing, starting a job, or any other part of the employment process, you can likely benefit from the help of a career counselor.
Career counselors will often read over your cover letter, help with resume writing, and interview prep. If you want career services specific to your current career, you can find assistance within your industry.
Choosing a career, finding a new job, and attempting career development can all be equally challenging to navigate alone. A career counselor can benefit any person in any of those situations.
How can I get a high-paying job with no experience?
Starting in a new career will oftentimes not be indicative of a high salary. Without prior experience, many employers will start you out on something lower.
That said, there are plenty of entry-level jobs that do pay well. Even if you have no experience in that particular field, a career counselor can help you evaluate your skill sets and provide career guidance for spinning the experience you do have in a way applicable to that job.
When applying for jobs, especially when choosing a career, you will need to get good at marketing yourself - that’s what a career coach can help you achieve. In many cases, when you can sell yourself well and essentially offer your skills as though they are a sales pitch, you will be considered a more valuable candidate.
A career coach will help you feel confident in your abilities and work with you to develop a narrative for your career goals, thereby enhancing your career options.
When should I see a career counselor?
Career counseling can be appropriate for several different circumstances. Career counselors can help with every step of the search process, the application process, and the interview process.
If you need to find a career or wish to change careers, a career counselor can help. If you are nervous about the concept of career counseling, or if you don’t know whether or not career counseling is right for you, contact a career counselor directly.
Career counselors will often offer consultations to ensure that you are getting the right fit before committing to a career coach. If you choose a career or hope to pivot careers, career counselors will help you get the job done - literally!
Career counseling is an excellent option for just about anyone looking to get more answers and guidance about their career.
You have many options for career counseling, such as:
- Career counseling online
- Career counseling specific to your career or area of expertise
- Career counseling for professional looking to advance in their career
- Career counseling for students, whether they know what to study or are still unclear
- Career counseling for people who have had a recent career upheaval, such as losing a job or switching careers
Most importantly, remember that you are not alone insignificant life decisions. Career counseling is available and , and it could change your life for the better.
What is the role of career counseling?
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