WHAT IS AN ACADEMIC ADVISOR ?
Reviewed under Editorial Standards by Lam Nguyen
Updated: Oct 03, 2024 - The Academic Advisor is tasked with undertaking research to develop detailed and strategic options and credit plans for students. These plans are designed to facilitate a seamless transition into their desired institution, encompassing precise estimates for degree completion, total costs, and potential savings.
Need-to-Know Overview of an Academic Advisor
1. Academic Advisor Duties and Roles
- Responsible for researching colleges and governmental policies as it influences degree options.
- Responsible for creating degree option estimates for students with or without previous transfer credit.
- Create and maintain line by line credit plans that meet school degree and graduation requirements.
- Responsible for providing academic consultation support to members of the Admissions, Student Services, Coaching and Research team.
- Ensure constant communication of any changes regarding institutional policies and/or procedures.
- Become proficient in various software programs, institutional resources and learn to execute operations in a fast pace environment.
- Attend weekly departmental/individual meetings and training sessions as assigned by your manager.
- Responsible for completing degree options on time for Academic Counselors to present the information to a student on the scheduled date and time set forth in the research request.
- Responsible for other duties as assigned by your manager.
2. Academic Advisor Skills, Experience and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field
- Minimum two years of professional advising experience in a higher education setting (such as advising, counseling, or academic success)
- Comprehension of student development theory and dedication to a holistic approach to advising
- Evidence of strong written and communication skills
- Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, Peoplesoft, Navigate and OnBase
- Experience in working with first year and non-traditional students
- Experience in working with transfer students
- Ability to adapt to new and rapidly changing situations
- Experience working with/advising underrepresented populations, including first- generation college students
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle competing priorities
Editorial Process
Lamwork content is developed through structured review of publicly available job postings and documented hiring trends.
Editorial operations are managed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor, with research direction and final oversight by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead. Content is periodically reviewed to reflect observable labor market changes.