Career Counselor Training and Credentials
Professional Career Counselors are trained in a two-year graduate level Counselor Preparation Program specializing in Career Counseling. They are certified nationally by the National Board for Certified Counselors. The National Board of Certified Counselors offered the designation "National Certified Career Counselor" signifying that the Career Counselor has achieved the highest certification in the profession. Furthermore, it means that the Career Counselor has:
-
Earned a Graduate Degree in Counseling or a related professional field from a regionally accredited institution;
-
Completed supervised Counseling experience which included Career Counseling
-
Acquired a minimum of three years of full-time Career Development work experience;
-
Successfully completed a knowledge-based national Career certification examination.
NCDA offers Special Membership Categories to recognize members who hold special levels of achievement in education, training, and experience in Career Development. Three special membership categories include the Master Career Counselor (MCC), the Master Career Development Professional (MCDP) and the Career Development Fellow.
I have earned the Master Career Counselor designation. The Master Career Counselor credential is designed to recognize individuals who can provide a full range of career services, including career assessment, to consumers. They hold Master's Degrees in Counseling or related fields and also possess related credentials such as the NCCC, NCC, state LPC, RPCC or licensed psychologist. These professionals are carefully screened to ensure that their level of expertise meets (6) or more of the NCDA counseling competencies.
Your Career Counselor’s Role
Services of Career Counselors differ, depending on the Counselor's level of competence, the setting, client needs, and other factors. Master Career Counselors and other professional career counselors help people make and carry out decisions and plans related to life/career directions. Strategies and techniques of professional Career Counselors are tailored to the specific needs of the person seeking help. It is likely that the Career Counselor will do one or more of the following:
-
Conduct individual or group personal counseling sessions to help clarify life/career goals.
-
Administer and interpret career tests and inventories to assess abilities, interests, and other factors, and to identify career options.
-
Encourage exploratory activities through assignments and planning experiences.
-
Utilize career-planning systems and occupational information systems to help individuals better understand the world of work.
-
Provide opportunities for improving decision-making skills.
-
Assist in developing individualized career plans.
-
Teach job hunting strategies and skills and assist in the development of resumes.
-
Help resolve potential personal conflicts on the job through practice in human relations skills.
-
Assist in understanding the integration of work and other life roles.
Client Expectations
You may ask Career Counselors for a detailed explanation of services, fees, time commitments, and a copy of their ethical guidelines. Professional counselors are required to follow the ethical standards of professional bodies, such as the National Board for Certified Counselors, the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, or the National Career Development Association.
A link to ethical guidelines is available at NDCA.org:
http://www.ncda.org/pdf/code_of_ethicsmay-2007.pdf
Career counseling requires the expertise of a trained professional. Be wary of companies or individuals that promise you results from employers-like if you pay these companies or individuals, you will get "more money on the job, quick promotions, or guaranteed interviews for new jobs" with their resumes.
Remember, Career Counselors do not have control over employer actions. Career Counselors are not employers, are not hiring you, and therefore cannot and should not guarantee or make any employer-related claims of employment.
You are responsible for your own job search activity. Career issues are usually complex and require a multifaceted approach by a Career Counselor who has extensive education, training, and experience.
Consumer Rights
Noting the importance of consumer rights and responsibilities, the National Board for Certified Counselors and Chi Sigma Iota, an honorary counseling society, have published the following statements:
-
Be informed of the qualifications of your Career Counselor: education, experience, and professional Career Counseling certification(s)
-
Receive an explanation of services offered, your time commitments, and fee scales and billing policies prior to receipt of services.
-
Understand that everything you say is treated confidentially like a Mental Health Counseling relationship, but be informed of any state laws placing limitations on confidentiality in the Career Counseling relationship.
-
Ask questions about the Career Counseling techniques and strategies and be informed of your progress.
-
Participate in setting goals and evaluating progress toward meeting your goals.
-
Be able to access a copy of the professional Code of Ethics to which your Career Counselor adheres.
-
Be familiar with the appropriate professional organization that is regulating your Career Counselor.
-
End the career counseling relationship at any time.
Consumer Responsibilities
-
Set and keep appointments with your Career Counselor. Let her know as soon as possible if you need to reschedule an appointment.
-
Pay your fees in accordance with the schedule you pre-established with the Career Counselor so that she can deliver your services.
-
Participate as an active partner in planning your exciting goals and follow through with agreed-upon goals.
-
Keep your Career Counselor informed of your progress toward meeting your goals.
Sharon McCormick, M.S., M.C.C., N.C.C., N.C.C.C., C.P.R.W.
Career Expert / HR Consultant (919) 424-1244
careertreasure@gmail.com
What’s your treasure?
Services of Career Counselors differ, depending on the Counselor's level of competence, the setting, client needs, and other factors. Master Career Counselors and other professional career counselors help people make and carry out decisions and plans related to life/career directions. Strategies and techniques of professional Career Counselors are tailored to the specific needs of the person seeking help. It is likely that the Career Counselor will do one or more of the following:
- Conduct individual or group personal counseling sessions to help clarify life/career goals.
- Administer and interpret career tests and inventories to assess abilities, interests, and other factors, and to identify career options.
- Encourage exploratory activities through assignments and planning experiences.
- Utilize career-planning systems and occupational information systems to help individuals better understand the world of work.
- Provide opportunities for improving decision-making skills.
- Assist in developing individualized career plans.
- Teach job hunting strategies and skills and assist in the development of resumes.
- Help resolve potential personal conflicts on the job through practice in human relations skills.
- Assist in understanding the integration of work and other life roles.
You may ask Career Counselors for a detailed explanation of services, fees, time commitments, and a copy of their ethical guidelines. Professional counselors are required to follow the ethical standards of professional bodies, such as the National Board for Certified Counselors, the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, or the National Career Development Association.
A link to ethical guidelines is available at NDCA.org:
http://www.ncda.org/pdf/code_of_ethicsmay-2007.pdf
Remember, Career Counselors do not have control over employer actions. Career Counselors are not employers, are not hiring you, and therefore cannot and should not guarantee or make any employer-related claims of employment.
You are responsible for your own job search activity. Career issues are usually complex and require a multifaceted approach by a Career Counselor who has extensive education, training, and experience.
Consumer Rights