How to Become an Advising Counselor for a College
- 1). Get a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. While a bachelor's degree isn't sufficient to become an adviser at the university or a college level, it is often the first step. A bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology or education will be useful. Also take coursework in interpersonal communication, statistics or social work. The idea is to focus on a suitable major and take as many relevant electives as possible within the four-year time frame.
- 2). Earn a master's degree. Several universities offer a two-year master's program in academic advising. The degree covers a wide range of issues, including interpersonal relations, special needs and multicultural cultural aspects of student advising. Master's degrees in higher education or college student personnel are also a logical fit for most a career in academic counseling at the university level. Other related degrees include higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, psychology and social work.
- 3). Take up an internship or a graduate assistantship. Gain some practical experience while pursuing graduate studies. An internship need not be in academic advising. You can volunteer to be a mentor at a community center and offer your services to the university student council. You can become a student guide to new students or undergrads athletes. Universities also offer several assistantships for graduate students. Apart from apprenticeship in the department, advising assistantships tend to be available at international students office and student enrollment and registration services. Most assistantships also waive part or all of your graduate tuition fee.
- 4). Find jobs as academic counselor in educational institutions. You can begin advising at the high school level and gradually progress to counseling in colleges and universities. Also, try to pick a specialty area of advising. Having expertise to advise athletes, students with special needs or international students may help advance your career.
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