Careers adviser

You can take either a postgraduate diploma or master’s degree in career guidance. These courses lead to the Qualification in Career Development.

Many people apply to do this course after working in teaching, youth and community work or social services. These courses take 1 year full time or 2 years part time.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• university courses and entry requirements

You may be able to do a career development professional higher apprenticeship.

Training providers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

• guide to apprenticeships

You could start by working as a careers support assistant or youth worker and take further training on the job.

Your employer may sponsor you to take work-based qualifications like the Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development.

Professional and industry bodies

Once you're qualified, you can apply to join the Career Development Institute’s UK register of career development professionals.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a careers adviser from the Career Development Institute.

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of English language
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• talking to people about their abilities, interests and achievements
• exploring learning and work opportunities
• helping people make decisions and plans of action
• giving support to overcome barriers
• keeping to rules on equal opportunities
• developing relationships with employers, colleges, universities and training providers
• keeping up to date with occupational and labour market information
• giving talks, updating records and meeting targets

You could work in a contact centre, at a university, at a college, at a school, at an outreach centre or from home.