Educational, vocational and school counselors provide career and educational counseling.

Elementary school counselors observe children’s behavior and confer with teachers and parents to evaluate a child's strengths, problems and special needs.

High school counselors advise students on matters such as educational institutions options, college majors, admission requirements and financial aid. In addition, they help students develop job search skills, such as resume writing and interviewing techniques.

School counselors, in general, help students to understand and deal with social, behavioral and personal problems. These counselors use preventive and developmental counseling to provide students with the life skills needed to deal with problems and to enhance students’ personal, social and academic growth.

Vocational counselors, also called employment or career counselors, provide career counseling outside a school setting. Their main objective is helping individuals with career decisions.

Training and Qualifications

Educational requirements vary by state and area of interest. Most types of counseling require a master’s degree at minimum, but some will employ those with a bachelor’s degree. Many counselors are required to obtain licenses and certificates in order to practice.

Other qualifications include the ability to actively listen to others as well as being able to deal with extremely stressful an