Speak With A Career Counsellor: UK Career Guidance And Counselling
If you’re looking for career advice and support, career counselling may be beneficial. You may spend a considerable amount of time and energy working, so it can be important for you to develop a healthy professional life. Whether it’s improving your work-life balance, switching careers, stepping into the work industry for the first time, or maintaining a healthy working relationship with your colleagues, career counsellors can assist you in person or online.
What is career counselling?
Career counsellors generally help people maintain a healthy work-life balance, manage career changes, and choose potential career paths that fit their strengths, skills, and interests. Many people assume that career counselling is just for individuals starting a new career, but it can also help people form better relationships with their work.
Receive feedback from a career counsellor UK
Often, career counsellors have degrees in counselling or a related field. During their training, they typically learn to run various assessments that analyze your skill set, personality, and interests. Some of these include the Holland Code Test and the Myers-Briggs Test. Evidence suggests that the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can identify learning styles and suitable work specialties.
Along with actively listening during sessions, counsellors may use these test results to evaluate you as a client, preparing them to give you valuable feedback. In this way, you can receive personalized guidance, support, and insight as you navigate your professional life.
Find out what career path speaks to you
For those deciding what career path to choose or wanting to make a career change, finding a career that speaks to you can be important. Research shows a direct link between job satisfaction and subjective well-being, so finding the right career can support your health and happiness.
Gain clarity through self-reflection
Sessions with a career counsellor can be seen as opportunities for self-reflection. Counsellors can help you ask yourself the right questions before choosing a career path. They can also help you explore your skills, interests, hobbies, education, and goals. From there, you can develop a plan to make this a reality together. Often, career counsellors encourage their clients to journal as a valuable tool for self-reflection. Journaling exercises may include the following:
- Writing down your thoughts and feelings about current and past jobs
- Identifying your work priorities, such as money, creativity, or work-life balance
- Keeping track of actions taken for your career, such as submitting applications
- Research on different companies in which you’re interested
A career counsellor may use different journaling questions and prompts to get you started. If the job search or your current job is impacting your mental health, research shows that journaling can improve mental and physical health. These exercises can be opportunities to self-reflect and gain clarity on what’s important to you. Counsellors can also facilitate open discussions during sessions.
Receive career guidance and feedback
While you may have an idea of what you want to do next, a career counsellor can support you in a variety of ways as you explore what the job market has to offer. As well as assessing your skills and expertise, they can help you explore career options and prepare you for the next steps once you’ve made a decision.
Explore career path options
After spending a considerable amount of time researching and working closely with clients as they look for their dream jobs, counsellors can suggest job opportunities that may suit you. This can be especially helpful if you’re lacking inspiration.
Make job transitions easier
Applying for jobs can be overwhelming at times. Companies may not always respond, and your hard work can sometimes seem like it’s going nowhere. However, career counsellors can be a support resource, motivating you to keep going. Here are other ways they can make the job application process a little easier:
- Support with application materials: They may work with you on your resume, cover letters, and applications.
- Practice interview skills: Counselling can enable you to practice interviewing and networking in real time.
- Explore career opportunities: Counselling can help you decide which opportunities are worthwhile for you.
- Identify skills and areas for improvement: A counsellor can help you foster skills and identify areas for growth before starting a new career.
Be prepared for work after career counselling and career guidance
Being prepared and ready to start a new job isn’t always as simple as it sounds, especially if you’re a college graduate entering the job market or have had difficult experiences in the past. Career counsellors usually work with their clients to enhance work readiness and confidence before the job begins. Career guidance and counselling programs (CGCP) can be especially beneficial. In one study, nursing graduates expressed gratitude for their CGCP, expressing their beliefs that it would positively impact their future career success.
What education path should you take?
Choosing the right career path or switching majors can be a difficult decision. Teachers, friends, or parents may expect you to make a decision before you’ve determined what is best for you. Even medical students in their final phase of training experience career decision-making stress. Everybody’s timeline is different, and figuring out what you want to do may take time. Career counsellors can help you make a decision on your own terms.
Explore a volunteer or education path for switching careers
The subjects or courses you decide to focus on in school, college, online, or in apprenticeship programs can determine your future career prospects and opportunities. However, what you want for your life and career can change over time.
For people looking to switch careers and gain experience in a new field, volunteering can be beneficial, potentially enabling you to gain connections and expertise in relevant areas. You might also take online classes in your spare time. With their expertise in these areas, career counsellors can offer you great alternatives and opportunities for switching careers.
Mental health support from a career counsellor (UK)
While career counsellors can offer you career-focused guidance and support, they can also assist you in therapeutic methods, provided they’ve received the necessary qualifications and training. Many accredited professionals use their training in mental health to implement therapeutic care into career counselling sessions. This can help you better understand yourself along the way, potentially improving your mental health and well-being. The National Careers Service in the UK may be an excellent resource to explore if you’re interested in connecting with a career counsellor.
Navigate career challenges with a therapist online
Often, your career is an integral part of your life, and sometimes, it can take up a lot of your time and energy. This is where online therapy can be helpful. After a day at work, being able to discuss the highlights, challenges, and current events from the comfort of your own home can be supportive. The flexibility and affordability of online counselling can make it a convenient option for those with fast-paced lives.
Is online therapy beneficial?
Today, career counselling often takes place online, including the initial consultation and career assessment. Current research suggests that online career counselling can improve life satisfaction, self-efficacy, optimism, career adaptability, risk intelligence, and hope. It may improve psychological well-being while making a person’s professional life more enjoyable.
Takeaway
When deciding on an education pathway, navigating a career change, or trying to enhance your work life, professional counsellors can offer you career coaching, guidance, and support. Specific training also allows counsellors to teach you techniques for maintaining mental health and well-being during career challenges. They may help you write a resume for potential employers, prepare for an interview, and enhance self-awareness through journaling. Several studies show the effectiveness of career counselling for enhanced work adaptability and psychological well-being. You can find a suitable counsellor locally or online.
What is the difference between a career advisor and a career counselor?
While these two terms are often used interchangeably, a career counselor typically meets with clients only once or twice. They often help college-age clients seeking direction regarding career paths to consider after their graduation date. Meanwhile, a career advisor usually works with their clients long-term. They aim to get to know their clients in greater depth, becoming aware of the importance of their long-term goals. Both career counselors and advisors can provide notable benefits to their clients.
How do you become a career counsellor in the UK?
There are many avenues to becoming a career counsellor in the UK. Most require a qualification in career development obtained through a master’s or postgraduate program.
How can you find a good career coach in the UK?
You might begin by checking the Career Development Institute register for coaches near you. You can also seek career counselling online. Career coaching can be a very helpful service for those who are lacking professional direction or motivation, unhappy with their current employment circumstances, or unsure about how to approach retirement. A qualified career coach can help the average person address any concerns or difficulties they’re experiencing in their professional life.
When should you see a career counselor?
If you’re interested in changing careers or improving job satisfaction, speaking with a career counselor can be helpful in teaching you various strategies to change your situation. You might also contact a career counselor if you’re entering the workforce and unsure about your career path.
How do you find a career counselor?
You can find a career counselor by asking friends and family for recommendations or looking through online directories. The National Careers Service in the UK can also connect you with a career advisor if you live in England.
Can a US counselor work in the UK?
A US counselor can work in the UK in most cases. Registering with a professional body like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapists (UKCP) can be beneficial.
Do career counselors need a degree?
Most career counselors have a master’s degree. However, there isn’t a universal education requirement for these professionals.
Is there a demand for counsellors in the UK?
Counsellors are currently in high demand in the UK. Increasing awareness of mental health concerns, paired with the desire for accessible care, seems to be driving demand for psychology services.
How much does it cost to become a counsellor in the UK?
The cost to become a counsellor in the UK depends on the route one takes to get there. Different educational paths and programs have varying costs, but it’s important to note that they usually require significant financial commitments.
What qualifications do I need to be a counsellor in the UK?
To become a counsellor in the UK, it’s usually necessary to have a diploma in psychotherapy or counselling. A 12-week postgraduate counselling course through a college is typically the next step. Next, you may go through a training program to earn a certificate in counselling, followed by a core practitioner program.
- Next Article