Why become a Career Adviser?

Careers Advisers work to help people find their next opportunity, be it employment, training or education. They provide information, advice and guidance to help people make realistic choices that work for them.

If you have been unsure about your future and have found yourself considering becoming a Careers Adviser, it could be the right role for you. Those who have experienced uncertainty around their career may be able to relate to those looking for advice and guidance.

Why become a Careers Adviser?

There’s a great deal of satisfaction in helping people with something as life changing as their career. Although it’s challenging and you won’t be able to help every person, for those people you succeed in helping, you know you have benefitted their life in some way.

Working as a Careers Adviser, you get the opportunity to connect with many different people from all kinds of backgrounds. You might have the opportunity to work as part of a team and share your skillsets. You learn more about yourself and how to help others.

What qualities make a good Careers Adviser?

There are all kinds of people who make good Careers Advisers. Providing information, advice and guidance, is about being prepared with the facts, listening and finding ways to relate to people on their level. You might describe yourself as:

• A good listener
• Approachable and friendly
• Flexible and adaptable
• Empathetic and non-judgemental
• Encouraging and positive attitude
• Organised and proactive
• Skilled researcher
• A problem solver
• Resilient

What are the main responsibilities of a Careers Adviser?

The role will differ depending on where you work, but it might include:

• Working with clients to discuss their options
• Leading small group discussions and talks on careers options
• Helping people identify their skills and how to address any gaps
• Listening to people’s ideas and helping them set careers aims
• Challenging the individual barriers facing those seeking education, training or employment
• Referring people to other agencies for advice where appropriate
• Helping people develop the skillsets they need to manage their careers
• Putting plans in place to help people achieve their goals

You will help clients by:

• Sharing up-to-date information on the current job market
• Researching careers, education and training options
• Providing information on relevant support organisations
• Finding suitable training courses and qualifications
• Advising on available funding
• CV writing and skills teaching
• Supporting job applications
• Training in interview techniques
• Using psychometric tests

Where can you work as a Careers Adviser?

You might work in a school or college, working with young people to plan their next steps, or perhaps support adults. You could work within a careers advice organisation, such as C+K, or another agency. Local councils and jobcentres also employ Careers Advisers.

How to become a careers adviser UK

The role of a careers adviser requires specialist training and learning. There are a few different pathways to becoming a careers adviser, including:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

The skills and knowledge required to become a careers adviser in the UK are transferable, meaning you could work in lots of different businesses and organisations.

Research by Careers England shows a current shortage of careers advisers, with 33% of employers unable to recruit careers advisers with the skills and qualifications needed.

The shortage of qualified careers advisers means there are plenty of opportunities for new starters. There will always be a need qualified careers advisers, with good progression opportunities and plenty of varied working environments to choose from.

Careers adviser courses UK

To become a careers adviser in the UK you need to achieve either a postgraduate Diploma/Masters in Career Development, or study QCF Levels 4 and 6 in Career Information and Advice. These courses enable you to become a practising careers adviser in the UK.

You have the option to study full time on these courses, complete them part-time, or study alongside working in a related position. If you are already working within a business that provides careers advice, your employer may support you to train for your qualifications on the job.

Studying on a careers adviser course allows you to develop an understanding of educational research and critical reflection. You'll learn about the policies, practices and theories that go into effective career guidance. Courses also cover equality and diversity, partnership working and research-based careers guidance practices.

What qualifications do you need to become a Careers Adviser

You can convert any degree to become a Careers Adviser by completing a postgraduate careers guidance qualification. It’s also possible to train in the workplace where this opportunity is provided by the employer.

The conversion qualification is the Postgraduate Diploma/Masters in Career Development, with the Career Development Institute (CDI)-awarded Qualification in Career Development. The course is one year full time or two years part time, and includes a mix of academic learning and work placements.

To train on the job the qualifications would be:

• QCF Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice - for those providing careers information and advice, but not guidance.
• QCF Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development - for those providing careers guidance and development.

You can also take a Career Development Professional Higher Apprenticeship, which is a Level 6, two-year apprenticeship. See the full range of training options and providers on the CDI website.

How much can you earn as a Careers Adviser?

The National Careers Service estimates between £21,000 and £35,000 per year for the role, working around 35 to 40 hours per week. Your salary is dependent on experience.

Are you interested in becoming a Careers Adviser? Get in touch with us on 01484 242000 or email enquiries@ckcareers.co.uk.