How do I become a career counsellor
Get qualified to work as a career counsellor with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Career Counsellor.
Common questions
According to recent job listings, Career Counsellors with post-graduate qualifications can expect salaries in the range of AUD 60,000 to AUD 85,000 — with even higher salaries available at large private schools and government agencies. Increase your earning capacity by obtaining post-graduate qualifications in psychology and human resource management.
Courses.com.au Team
There are no clear employment figures for Career Counsellors currently employed in Australia. They work for high schools and universities, large businesses and corporations, recruitment agencies and job placement centres. There are also employment opportunities for Career Counsellors with the Australian Defence Forces (ADF).
Courses.com.au Team
Career Counsellors can work in several fields so there are at least four different pathways to getting a job:
- Schools — Career Counsellors working in the state education system must be registered teachers with a Master of Education (Career Development).
- Business — to work as a Career Counsellor in the business and corporate sector you’ll need a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) or qualifications in Organisational Psychology.
- Recruitment — you can get started in the recruitment sector with a Certificate IV in Career Development plus a Graduate Certificate in Career Development Practice.
- Vocational Education and Training — launch your VET career with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment plus a Graduate Certificate in Career Development Practice.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What can you do with a Diploma of Counselling?
11th September 2019
How to start a career in Youth Work
25th May 2021Career Counsellor careers
Career Counsellors help students and job seekers identify and pursue their ideal career path. They support their clients as they develop their interests and personal strengths and then match these to relevant industries, qualifications, and job opportunities. Career Counsellors also coach their clients in personal presentation and job-seeking skills.
As a Career Counsellor you could be running an information session for university students on resume and CV writing, having a client complete a questionnaire to identify their career interests and existing skillsets, co-ordinating a public job fair event for students and job seekers, detailing a list of university qualifications that align with a high school student’s career aspirations, having a mock interview session with a job seeker, or networking with local business leaders and peak industry representatives.
Successful Career Counsellors are great communicators and have an excellent understanding of the current job market and recruitment practices.
