How to Get Career Counseling

People don't keep their jobs as long as they used to. Companies lay off and terminate employees every day. Employees decide to change careers and start over on their own. And high school teens must decide about their future careers. For all of these reasons, one may need assistance choosing a career. These tips will help you get constuctive career counseling.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Think about your interests, skills, likes and dislikes. Make a preliminary list of careers that interest you.

2. Check with your high school career coach, if applicable. He or she can help you determine which career is best suited to you. Career coaches can match you to the right job.

3. Talk to a college career counselor. He or she is trained to target the jobs where you're sure to excel. They can also help you determine whether you need more education for your chosen career.

4. Look in your local phone directory's yellow pages. Look for "Career Counselors," "Employment Counseling," and "Vocational Counseling." The best-qualified counselors have a master's degree in counseling. Ask about their credentials when you contact them.

5. Ask family members, neighbors and friends about the kind of career counseling that they have received. Ask for the names and contact information of the references that they give you.

6. Visit your local library and search for career counseling services that are offered by state, city or local governments and public organizations.

7. Log onto the National Career Development Association (NCDA) website (www.ncda.org). The NCDA maintains a list of "Master Career Counselors" and "Master Career Development Professionals" for every state.

8. Log onto the Institute for Career Certification International website (www.careercertification.org). This Institute keeps a database of certified professionals who practice career counseling.

9. Check out the National Board for Certified Counselors website (www.nbcc.org). You can find professional career counselors who are licensed to practice in your area.

10. Talk to military recruiters to get free career counseling.

11. Contact distance learning institutions for advice on your career choices. They can also provide you with free career counseling.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for a career counselor who is completely objective.
• Compare at least three career counselors before you hire one.
• Don't be afraid to ask for client references.
• At the Career Change Network (CCN) (www.careerchangenetwork.com), people network and share their knowledge and experience about careers in many industries.
• Career counselors don't have to be certified to practice. Anyone can become a career coach. Make sure the one you hire has the appropriate education and experience.
• Stay away from career counselors who promise you "instant success" in any employment field.