http://www.schoolcounselor.org/content.asp?
pl=325&sl=133&contentid=240
check out the role description on the ASCA site through the
address above. that should give you a good idea about the
role of a school counselor.
for a masters, i don't think you would meet with a college
recruiter, but rather meet with someone from the counseling
department. they don't want people in the program who would
be better suited for another profession, so their opinions
should be unbiased. i really wouldn't worry about not
having teaching experience unless you live in one of the few
states that require teaching experience. most of the people
in my program do not have a background in education.
definitely look into the job market. some areas have a need
and some are overflooded. for example, i moved from long
island to nc for grad school because there were NO school
counseling positions to be had on LI. flexability to
relocate will help with the job search.
guidance counselor is an old term...i cringe when i hear
it. professional school counselor or school counselor is
the term to use now, however some schools still call the
position "guidance counselor".
as far as flexability of the degree, that depends on where
you live. here in NC i can earn my LPC after graduation and
be able to counsel in private practice with my MA in school
counseling---not something i would have been able to do in
NY.
good luck in your search for the right career for you! let
me know if you have any more q's!
On 4/18/08, timn420 wrote:
> Hi everyone,
> I’m thinking of trying a different career and would like
to
> get further information about school counseling. I’ve been
> reading the forums and am hoping to get a non-bias opinion
> compared to what I might hear from a college recruiter.
>
>
> 1) I’m coming from a business/developer background in
> financial services so I have limited teaching experience.
I
> have done plenty of teamwork, mentoring, and tutoring in
my
> career, but no teaching. How bad will my lack of teaching
> experience hold me back from getting a job? I’m in the
> South, so I’m not sure what the market is like around
here.
> I would hate to work hard to get a Masters, but have my
> lack of teaching experience hold me back.
>
> 2) Stupid question, but… are school counselors and
> guidance counselors the same position? I find career
> advising, counseling, and test administration/scoring
> interesting. Are these all attributes of a school
counselor?
>
> 3) My local universeity has a Masters in School
> Education as well as a Masters in Social Work. I’ve read
> that the MSW may be more flexible, but the MSE is probably
> the best way to go if I want to stick with school
> counseling?
>
> Sorry for the basic questions, but I really find
counseling
> to be a fascinating field as well as working in developing
> career paths for students. I‘m just trying to see if this
> is a valid field for me to consider. I’m a little worried
> about my lack of teaching experience though…
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