CAREER COUNSELOR JOB DESCRIPTION

A Career Counselor in higher education holds something specific: the student's ability to move from enrolled to employed. This is the professional who interprets Strong Interest Inventory and MBTI results alongside labour market data, then translates both into a plan a junior English major or a graduating engineer can act on. The role sits within a university's career services unit, reporting to a director or dean, and works daily across academic departments, alumni networks, and employer partners. Few student-facing positions span as many decision points - major selection, graduate school applications, internship placement - within a single job scope.

As the Career Counselor, you deliver individual and group career development services to undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni, guiding them from self-assessment through job offer across a wide range of academic disciplines and career paths. You operate within a career services unit that partners with academic departments, employer relations staff, and student affairs leadership to ensure every student population - including international, part-time, and graduate cohorts - has access to structured, evidence-based career support.

Career Impact: Administering and interpreting credentialed assessments such as the Strong Interest Inventory and MBTI positions you as a practitioner with measurable diagnostic expertise recognized across university career services and student affairs.

Business Impact: Students who receive structured counseling move through major selection and job search with clearer goals, directly affecting institutional metrics like graduate employment rates and alumni engagement.

Growth Opportunity: Consistent exposure to employer relations, event programming, and cross-departmental liaison work builds the portfolio needed to advance into senior counselor, career services director, or student affairs leadership.

• Counsel undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni individually on career goals, major selection, and job search strategy.
• Administer and interpret career assessment instruments to inform personalized development plans and major exploration decisions.
• Review and provide substantive feedback on resumes, cover letters, personal statements, and graduate school applications.
• Design and facilitate workshops, classroom presentations, and seminars covering job search, networking, and professional preparation topics.
• Partner with academic departments, faculty, and student organizations to expand employment exposure across disciplines.
• Coordinate employer relations outreach and assist in planning career fairs, mock interview programs, and recruitment events.
• Guide students through graduate and professional school advising, including application materials and program selection.
• Collect and analyze program data to inform reporting, strategic planning, and continuous service improvement.

• Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Education, Student Affairs, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of career counseling or student services experience, with demonstrated work in a higher education or post-secondary setting.
• Knowledge of career development theory and labour market information sources applicable to diverse student populations.
• Experience leading and facilitating group workshops, seminars, or classroom presentations to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to administer and interpret career assessment instruments in a counseling context.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce advising materials, correspondence, and program documentation.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with students, faculty, employers, alumni, and administrative stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity and demonstrated experience serving diverse, multicultural, and international student populations.

• Master's degree in Counseling, Higher Education Administration, or Student Affairs with a concentration in career development.
• Certification or formal training in Strong Interest Inventory, MBTI, or comparable standardized career assessment instruments.
• Experience in employer relations, event planning, or career fair coordination within a university career services environment.
• Familiarity with career management systems used in higher education and proficiency with data entry, reporting, and digital outreach platforms.

• Individual student appointments completed per semester, measured against department caseload targets.
• Workshop and seminar attendance rate, reflecting reach across enrolled student populations.
• Resume and application material review turnaround time, measured in business days from submission to feedback.
• Graduate employment and graduate school placement rate for students served, reported at end of academic year.
• Employer and alumni partner engagement count, tracking active relationships maintained per counselor.
• Typical tools: career management systems (commonly Handshake); assessment platforms (commonly Strong Interest Inventory, MBTI).

• Base Salary Range: $45,000 to $62,000 annually, depending on institution size and location.
• Bonus: Generally not applicable; merit increases common at annual review.
• Equity: Not typically offered in higher education staff roles.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; often includes domestic partner benefits.
• PTO: 15 to 22 days annually plus institutional holidays and academic breaks.
• Common Perks: Tuition remission or waiver for employee and dependents, professional development funding, retirement contribution matching.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment in this role is contingent on successful completion of a background check. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Career Counselor owns the delivery of career development programs for students and alumni at Trent, leading individual counselling, group workshops, and assessment administration to support career planning, employment preparation, and transitions to further study. Reporting to the Director of Careerspace, the Career Counselor works across student services, academic departments, and faculty to develop programming for diverse populations including graduate, international, and SASS students, ensuring measurable effectiveness of career support.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise and coach students, undergraduate and graduate, and alumni on the career planning process through individual counselling, drop-in sessions, workshops, and resource development.
• Educate students and alumni on the career development process and support decision-making about careers, further education, and employment.
• Assist students and alumni in acquiring current labour market information and model techniques to develop work search knowledge, skills, and strategies.
• Administer and interpret career assessment instruments as required.
• Provide resume and cover letter critiques and interview preparation as needed.
• Use technology to deliver services and educate students.
• Develop and facilitate small group workshops and seminars on career and employment topics, including those tailored to specific academic programs.
• Develop appropriate resources, exercises, and processes to support student career development, including specialized programming for part-time, graduate, international, and SASS students.
• Observe, coach, and mentor Career Centre staff, student staff, and practicum students as required.
• Collect, compile, analyze, and create statistical reports as requested.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings and planning sessions by providing input on program directions and initiatives.
• Commit to continuous professional learning and development.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Counselling with a focus in Career Counselling or a related degree.
• Minimum 2 years of career counselling experience, preferably with university students.
• Knowledge of counselling and career development theory, labour market conditions, and internet career resources, work search sites, and assessment tools.
• Experience leading, planning, and facilitating groups.
• Excellent individual counselling, presentation, and facilitation skills with the ability to engage a diverse student population.
• Working knowledge of career assessment instruments such as the Strong Interest Inventory and MBTI; certification is an asset.
• Well-developed computer skills in presentation software, word processing, and audiovisual equipment.
• Strong research, organizational, time management, and initiative skills with the ability to handle a heavy workload independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and senior administrators, with sound judgment regarding confidential information.
• Patience, flexibility, adaptability, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Embedded within a law school's Center for Professional Development, the Senior Career Counselor delivers individual advising, seminar programming, and employer outreach focused on public interest and government careers, supporting students from self-assessment through job offer. Working closely with the Associate Dean for Public Interest Law and the Assistant Dean for Pro Bono and Advocacy Programs, the Senior Career Counselor shapes public interest resources, manages the Inns of Court advisory role, and represents the Career Center at national professional meetings to expand opportunity pipelines for students.

Core Functions

• Advise and counsel students on career goals, professional development, and the legal job search process, including public interest careers, and refer students to mentors and professional contacts.
• Work closely with the Associate Dean for Public Interest Law and the Assistant Dean for Pro Bono and Advocacy Programs to support public interest programming and job opportunities.
• Serve as an advisor in the Inns of Court program and assist with program coordination and content delivery.
• Develop and conduct skills development workshops on resume and cover letter writing, networking, interviewing, and job search resources, and produce written informational materials on these topics.
• Develop and maintain resources for students interested in public interest opportunities, including outreach to employers and identifying funding opportunities.
• Organize and implement seminar programs and panel discussions on legal and alternative career topics, both independently and in conjunction with alumni and student groups.
• Coordinate and participate in marketing and promotion of Career Center programs through social media, the website, and newsletters.
• Maintain positive relationships with employers, alumni, students, staff, and faculty, and serve as a consultant to student organizations and faculty on career development.
• Represent the Career Center at professional meetings and assist with the coordination and delivery of networking fairs, job fairs, and recruitment programs.
• Work on special projects as assigned by the Associate Dean, Center for Professional Development and Career Strategy.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or a Master's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Degree must be conferred by the start date.
• J.D. and post-admission legal work experience strongly desired.
• Counseling experience with students, particularly those interested in public interest law and government service.
• Career planning, guidance, and mentorship skills and the ability to conduct and facilitate presentations in person and virtually.
• Knowledge and understanding of career practices and opportunities within local, national, and global legal communities.
• Excellent organizational and oral and written communication skills and experience working with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

Reporting to a supervisor and contract agency, the Career Counselor delivers vocational assessments, job development, and intensive employment supports to program participants with Serious Mental Illness, developing and managing new employer accounts across job markets to create competitive placement opportunities. Partnering with collateral providers including counselors, housing workers, therapists, and psychiatrists, the Career Counselor carries a full caseload and ensures all services, case notes, and recovery plans are documented and reported in compliance with funding agency requirements.

Primary Duties

• Conduct intakes, screenings, vocational assessments, recovery plans, and individual and group counseling sessions.
• Provide job development, job coaching, and benefits assistance.
• Provide intensive employment supports, job retention services, and supported education services for individuals and groups.
• Develop internships and competitive job placements in the community.
• Coordinate and communicate with collateral providers, including counselors, housing workers, therapists, and psychiatrists, on behalf of participants.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with employers and businesses in the community and perform site visits to participants' work sites.
• Carry a caseload and document all services rendered, including case notes and recovery plans in AWARDS and other database systems.
• Prepare all mandated reporting as required by supervisor, contract agency, and funding agency.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with 5+ years of experience in Vocational Counseling and Workforce Development, or a Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree with 3+ years of experience; Bachelor's Degree in Counseling or Social Work preferred.
• Vocational Rehabilitation experience and experience working with individuals with Serious Mental Illness.
• Knowledge of client-centered Supported Employment Models and Workforce Affiliations.
• Solid problem-solving, time management, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficient.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Sitting at the intersection of student development and employer relations, the Career Counselor delivers individual and group career advising, coordinates the Reverse Career Fair and Spring Career Fair, and facilitates workshops and mock interview programs to connect students with internship and full-time employment opportunities. Operating across academic departments, student organizations, and public and private sector employers, the Career Counselor promotes career services and contributes to campus committees to ensure broad student access to employment preparation resources.

Duties

• Provide in-person and virtual professional development assistance through individual appointments and group sessions, covering job search guidance, resume and cover letter review, interview preparation, career assessment, networking, and career planning.
• Partner with faculty career counselors and academic student organizations to broaden students' exposure to employment opportunities.
• Plan, coordinate, market, and facilitate the Reverse Career Fair, Spring Career Fair, mock interviews, and the FRESH program in both virtual and in-person formats.
• Develop and facilitate workshops, classroom presentations, digital resources, and career-related events to help students achieve their career ambitions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employers from the public and private sectors.
• Participate in and contribute to various campus committees, projects, and ongoing programs.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Student Personnel Administration, Education, Social Sciences, Human Resources, Business, or a related field, plus a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a similar role; Master's degree preferred.
• Ability to write business correspondence, procedure manuals, memos, and emails, and to read and interpret procedural documents; good proofreading skills essential.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) including mail merges, spreadsheets, and forms, and internal recruiting technology (Handshake); ability to quickly learn a wide range of systems, databases, and collaboration tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse and multicultural students and stakeholders with a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Excellent writing, oral communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule including some evenings and weekends and to attend professional development opportunities on and off campus.

A key member of the CECE career services team, the Career Counselor delivers individual and group counseling to undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni, supporting major selection, job search, graduate school applications, and lifelong career management. Collaborating across academic departments, campus programs, and employer and community partners, the Career Counselor maintains outreach materials, serves as a departmental liaison, and applies assessment results to guide students toward informed, actionable career goals.

Functions

• Provide individual career counseling to undergraduate and graduate students and alumni, including resume, cover letter, and graduate school application reviews in one-on-one, group, electronic, and video formats.
• Conduct workshops, class presentations, and seminars related to career development and major selection.
• Guide students in the job search process, including interview preparation, mock interviews, and developing lifelong career management goals.
• Apply assessment results when counseling students in major selection and establishing career goals.
• Utilize CECE's career management system (Handshake) and other tools to assist students with all facets of career development.
• Serve as liaison to academic departments and campus programs, and assist with outreach and marketing to students, employers, and community partners.
• Coordinate and update CECE's printed and electronic documents and materials.

Background & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university with a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in student services; a Master's degree may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• Experience working within career services in higher education and demonstrated skills in an institutional environment with a customer-oriented attitude.
• Knowledge of career development and skills and experience in marketing and outreach.
• Ability to speak publicly in classroom settings and demonstrated skill in investigating and analyzing complex problems, data collection, analysis, and developing recommendations.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness in planning work assignments, special events, and long-range program improvements.
• Proficient in personal computers including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, parents, administration, alumni, employers, and visitors.
• Ability to maintain student information confidentially and apply independent judgment in performing job duties.
• Must be willing to travel for occasional professional development and work some weekends for outreach and orientation events.

Comprehensive career support for CSS students and alumni depends on the Career Counselor, who delivers individual and group counseling, administers career assessments, and develops job and internship search strategies to guide students from pre-admission through post-college employment. Based within the Career Services department and reporting to the Director, the Career Counselor initiates faculty and employer relationships, contributes to event planning and marketing, supervises student employees, and represents the college at internal and external professional organizations.

Accountabilities

• Provide comprehensive career counseling to pre-admitted students, current students, and alumni through individual meetings and group sessions.
• Assess career needs and develop individualized career goals, administer and interpret appropriate assessments, and connect students to online resources, faculty, professionals, and alumni.
• Guide students in pursuing experiential learning and develop job and internship search strategies and application materials.
• Edit and provide feedback on resumes, cover letters, personal statements, social media profiles, interviewing skills, and networking and job fair preparation.
• Develop and deliver career presentations to classrooms, clubs, and related groups, and enhance programs and presentations based on student needs.
• Initiate and maintain relationships with faculty, staff, and student groups to provide direct services to their respective populations.
• Assist in organizing, advertising, and facilitating events and fairs, and contribute to marketing strategies for sharing career-related information.
• Assist in developing surveys, evaluations, and assessments to inform strategic planning and daily work.
• Assist in supervising, training, and supporting student employees.
• Represent Career Services and the College through internal and external events and professional organizations, and perform other duties as assigned.

Professional Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; Master's degree in Counseling, Higher Education Administration, or Student Affairs preferred.
• Experience working in higher education or with clients in career development, including teaching or presenting to diverse audiences.
• Background in administering Strong Interest Inventory, Strengths, MBTI, or other career inventories.
• Skills in assisting clients to develop job search steps and strategies and ability to learn and utilize new technologies and tools to assist students in career exploration and job search processes.
• Background in event planning, marketing, or use of social media.
• Proven excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation communication skills and demonstrated cross-cultural communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and manage day-to-day office details while contributing to strategic goals.

Career Counselor shapes enrollment outcomes by guiding prospective students through program selection and the admissions process, converting telephonic leads, referrals, and walk-ins into confirmed registrations through accurate program information and sustained relationship management. The work directly supports institutional enrollment targets, with the Career Counselor maintaining a structured student database and coordinating ongoing communication across the full admissions cycle.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Guide potential students to enroll in programs by providing correct and complete information about programs and admissions.
• Generate walk-ins from telephonic leads, referrals, and other sources and convert walk-ins into registrations.
• Handle both telephonic and walk-in inquiries and conduct counseling sessions with students on-call and in-person.
• Maintain a database of counseled students with relevant information on the number and status of applications made.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with students and maintain regular communication for coordinating admission activities.

Education & Experience

• Graduate or above.
• Knowledge of and exposure to the education system.
• Excellent communication, presentation, listening, and analytical skills.
• Good computer skills in MS Office and data entry.
• Excellent language skills in English and Hindi.