ACADEMIC ADVISOR SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Apr 08, 2026. The Academic Advisor offers expertise in student counseling, degree planning, and data-driven advising across higher education settings. This role focuses on improving retention, engagement, and academic success through effective systems, policy compliance, and personalized support. The position also emphasizes collaboration and guiding diverse learners toward successful outcomes.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Academic Advisor Resume
  • Academic Advising
  • Degree Planning
  • Degree Auditing
  • Transfer Evaluation
  • Policy Compliance
  • Enrollment Systems
  • Data Analysis
  • Student Analytics
  • Curriculum Planning
  • Records Management
  • Student Counseling
  • Communication Skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Mentoring
  • Time Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Empathy

Summary of Academic Advisor Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Psychology with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience in academic advising, higher education counseling, or a closely related field.
  • Strong technology skills, including online course management software, web-enabled student success resources, and student information systems.
  • Experience counseling/advising both traditional and non-traditional learners in a face-to-face and virtual environment.
  • Ability to assess student needs and make referrals to external resources.
  • Ability to evaluate disability documentation and apply information to determine appropriate accommodations and services
  • Ability to effectively engage with college students with disabilities.
  • Knowledge of disabilities, as well as Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), and FERPA laws.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills to interact with diverse students, faculty, and administration.
  • Professional demeanor and strong commitment to excellent customer service.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including some evening and weekend hours, consistent with student needs

2. BA in Education with 5 years of Experience

  • Excellent public speaking and writing skills, networking abilities, and experience giving public presentations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with flexibility for some evening and/or weekend work. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, evolving environment.
  • Experience using computer programs such as MS Word, Access, and Excel. 
  • Must be comfortable with data and have an intermediate level of proficiency with computer technology.
  • Experience in or formal knowledge of urban studies-related fields.
  • Experience in marketing or public relations.
  • Experience using UW administrative systems.
  • Strong storytelling skills and experience in public speaking
  • Experience with higher education or a deep understanding of the college application process

3. BA in Sociology with 3 years of Experience

  • Professional work or internship/practicum experience in a higher education setting, working directly with students.   
  • Experience advising students in a college/university setting
  • Experience building relationships with diverse populations.
  • Educational background in the liberal arts and sciences.
  • Previous experience in an educational setting performing academic advising or student support activities.
  • Evidence of effective relationship-building, team-building, and oral/written communication skills
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering student learning and applying organizational/student development theory to work with students
  • Previous academic advising experience
  • Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities of working with STEM students
  • Knowledge of assessment best practices

4. BA in Communication with 6 years of Experience

  • Ability to articulate components of effective academic advising practices.
  • Demonstrated use of proactive and/or innovative approaches to working with college students, which resulted in positive outcomes in persistence and retention.
  • Experience with PeopleSoft Campus Solutions and Salesforce or other advising tools.
  • Experience with university computer systems or similar computer technologies, i.e., BANNER Admin, DARS, EAB-SSC Campus. 
  • Experience working with diverse student populations, experience working collaboratively with large groups.
  • Knowledge of academic advising, counseling, or closely related areas through work experience or an educational setting
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Experience working as part of a team in a collaborative work environment
  • Evidence of ability to exercise sound judgment
  • Demonstrated experience and understanding of customer service

5. BA in Human Resources with 2 years of Experience

  • Demonstrated competence in online advising and enrollment systems
  • Possess extensive knowledge about university academic programs, policies, procedures, and student support services
  • Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in working with diverse people in a variety of situations
  • Ability to meet deadlines, be detail-oriented, and prioritize tasks
  • Experience with webinar presentation and video capture
  • A positive attitude about and commitment to outstanding customer service
  • Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Comfort with public speaking and presentations

6. BA in Higher Education Administration with 1 year of Experience

  • Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
  • Must be committed to the delivery of high-quality academic advising to a diverse college student population.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, learn, and communicate with continually changing and detailed information.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Experience working with a diverse population of college students in a student-centered environment.
  • Experience working in higher education. 
  • Teaching or training experience.
  • Knowledge of student development theory.  
  • Experience advising non-traditional students in online programs.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills

7. BA in Liberal Arts with 5 years of Experience

  • Work experience with academic advising, student services, student affairs, career development, counseling, and/or related field
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills, and professionalism in dealing with external business partners, students, faculty, and staff
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build working relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to effectively collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and parents
  • Ability to identify and determine problems, analyze information, and implement solutions
  • Must possess a learning orientation to changing technology, with the ability and willingness to work in a changing environment
  • Capable of taking initiative, assuming responsibility, and handling confidential information with discretion 
  • Ability to work independently and contribute to a team environment
  • Basic proficiency in software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook (Electronic email/Calendaring)

8. BA in Social Work with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience in student advising, counseling, or educational programming.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 
  • Ability to advise, counsel, and guide students toward academic success and graduation. 
  • Ability to function well in a diverse work and service environment with an underrepresented student population with a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. 
  • Excellent planning and organizing skills, sound judgment, and decision-making abilities. 
  • Ability to solve a variety of problems, whether academic, project management, programming, training, counseling, advising, personal or health issues, or other related student concerns. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively and build excellent rapport among colleagues and others. 
  • Practical application and experience with database, spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software, as well as other applications required for data organization and analysis.

9. BA in Business Administration with 6 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of advising practices and student success initiatives.
  • Experience with student success technology.
  • Strong organizational skills and fastidious attention to detail.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work with students with diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to exercise high levels of confidentiality and independent initiative and judgment.
  • Proven commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion
  • Success in working with students from diverse backgrounds and within a multicultural environment
  • Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and within a collaborative work environment
  • Exceptional organizational, planning, analytical, and technical skills
  • Experience, background, or demonstrated interest in working with STEM students
  • Experience counseling, coaching, advising, and/or mentoring college students

10. BS in Student Affairs Administration with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience assisting students in developing student success plans, including curricular and co-curricular goals
  • Ability to accurately and appropriately document student meetings with high accuracy
  • Ability to work with diverse personalities under pressure and meet competing deadlines
  • Strong communication skills, including oral, written, and presentation skills
  • Knowledge of principles, practices, and ethics of undergraduate advising as recommended by NACADA
  • Ability to interact with students at varying developmental stages in a confidential environment
  • Proven commitment to increasing students’ inclusive mindsets
  • Excellent interpersonal and counseling skills, and comfortable speaking to large groups
  • Proven commitment to professional development training and workshops to remain up to date regarding degree requirements and academic policies
  • Must be committed to working in a team environment and supporting departmental and college initiatives
  • Experience in academic advising at the college level
  • Experience teaching courses to college students
  • Evidence of effective presentations delivered in a large group environment

11. BS in Information Systems with 2 years of Experience

  • Experience in advising and counseling students in higher education or a related field, including identifying students who are struggling academically
  • Knowledge of teaching study skills and time management techniques
  • Knowledge of customer service techniques
  • Knowledge of establishing and maintaining databases
  • Skill in using Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Skill in using PeopleSoft or equivalent data records systems
  • Skill in effective written and verbal communication
  • Ability to interact with students
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
  • Ability to work collaboratively with team members

12. BA in Educational Leadership with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience in student counselling, development, education, or a related field in a fast-paced environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Administrative experience in a post-secondary educational setting
  • Experience in office practices, customer service, and communication
  • Strong service orientation and organizational skills
  • High level of ethics, discretion, tact, and diplomacy
  • Adaptability and change management skills
  • Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and precision
  • Advanced oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to positively engage with students, faculty, and staff and problem-solve
  • Proficiency in Microsoft applications
  • Ability to quickly assimilate and use diverse IT modules
  • Proficiency with Moodle or similar student learning platforms

13. BA in Urban Studies with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in social sciences, built environments, business, or related fields, or equivalent
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
  • Demonstrated verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Experience and commitment to working with a diverse group of people and experiences
  • Ability to problem-solve, make independent decisions based on department or university policy and guidelines, balance multiple tasks, and manage complex workloads with frequent interruptions and irregular workload
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in teams
  • Capacity to adapt and apply technology and information systems
  • Experience in delivering effective presentations to small and large groups
  • Experience delivering excellent customer service

14. BA in Counseling with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience in advisement and/or teaching
  • Experience and knowledge of practices, policies, and procedures at NAU or other higher institutions
  • Experience serving undergraduates in an academic environment
  • Experience with technology specific to advising, such as PeopleSoft
  • Basic knowledge and understanding of student learning outcomes
  • Knowledge of university and college curriculum content and requirements
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to interact effectively with faculty, students, colleagues, and community members of diverse cultural backgrounds, age ranges, and experience levels
  • Ability to organize multiple projects at one time and follow through on deadlines
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Knowledge of theories related to student, career, or identity development
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

15. BA in Organizational Leadership with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience in academic advising, student services, student affairs, career development, counseling, or a related field
  • Strong oral, written, and verbal communication skills
  • Strong customer service skills and professionalism in dealing with students, faculty, staff, and external contacts
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build working relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to effectively collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and parents
  • Ability to take initiative, assume responsibility, and handle confidential information with discretion
  • Ability to work independently and contribute to a team environment
  • Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, including email and calendaring functions
  • Knowledge of programs and majors at Purdue University
  • Knowledge of academic advising and recruiting in higher education

16. BA in Career Development with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience advising students from a variety of backgrounds with diverse academic interests and abilities, and facilitating student services programming
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to address the needs of undergraduate students
  • Strong organizational, written, oral, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Strong customer service orientation
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity
  • Advising experience in an integrated academic and career office in a college or university setting
  • Advising experience in a professional school or within an academic unit
  • Experience in utilizing technology for advising purposes, including podcasts, social media platforms, and LinkedIn
  • Demonstrated awareness of CAS Standards related to academic and career advising
  • Proficiency in a second language for use in outreach and retention programming

17. BA in Humanities with 3 years of Experience

  • Demonstrated ability to form productive working relationships with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and provide excellent student services in a climate of multicultural understanding and appreciation
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, empathy, use of reason when dealing with emotional topics, provision of reflective feedback, and effective communication skills
  • Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to meet deadlines, manage time and resources effectively, develop priorities amid competing and changing projects, and exercise excellent professional judgement and discretion, making decisions regularly that impact student welfare and the institution
  • Strong organizational skills, including attention to detail and documentation, the ability to identify and resolve problems promptly, gather and analyze information competently, maintain thorough communication and documentation, and perform effectively in a fast-paced and collaborative environment
  • Proficiency with computer programs, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and web applications such as Google Drive
  • Knowledge of educational and professional opportunities available to undergraduate students in the liberal arts and humanities
  • Understanding of identity-conscious student success practices and their impact on retention
  • Experience with and appreciation of a holistic and appreciative approach to advising
  • Experience working with students from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds

18. BS in Engineering Education with 4 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of university-level communication and the ability to learn and communicate university-level policies
  • Ability to use modern communication tools, including video conferencing and remote communication
  • Ability to use statistical tools to summarize student data and extract useful information
  • Thorough knowledge of university policies and major general education requirements for graduation
  • Ability to advise students individually and in groups on routine matters
  • Knowledge and sensitivity to issues faced by SJSU students and the College of Engineering
  • Strong command of English grammar, business writing, punctuation and spelling
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to plan and conduct workshops, assist in the organization of special events and deliver effective presentations to groups
  • Professional experience in student services program areas or related field
  • Academic advising experience in engineering or STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics majors
  • Experience in general education and articulation requirements in the California public higher education system
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