School counselors typically do the following:

• Evaluate students’ abilities and interests through aptitude assessments, interviews, and individual planning
• Identify issues that affect school performance, such as poor classroom attendance rates
• Help students understand and overcome social or behavioral problems through classroom guidance lessons and counseling
• Counsel individuals and small groups on the basis of student and school needs
• Work with students to develop skills, such as organizational and time management abilities and effective study habits
• Help students create a plan to achieve academic and career goals
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to help students succeed
• Teach students and school staff about specific topics, such as bullying, drug abuse, and planning for college or careers after graduation
• Maintain records as required
• Report possible cases of neglect or abuse and refer students and parents to resources outside the school for additional support

The specific duties of school counselors vary with the ages of their students.

Elementary school counselors focus on helping students develop certain skills, such as those used in decisionmaking and studying, that they need in order to be successful in their social and academic lives. School counselors meet with parents or guardians to discuss their child’s strengths and weaknesses, and any special needs and behavioral issues that the child might have. School counselors also work with teachers and administrators to ensure that the curriculum addresses both the developmental and academic needs of students.

Middle school counselors work with school staff, parents, and the community to create a caring, supportive environment for students to achieve academic success. They help the students develop the skills and strategies necessary to succeed academically and socially.

High school counselors advise students in making academic and career plans. Many help students overcome personal issues that interfere with their academic development. They help students choose classes and plan for their lives after graduation. Counselors provide information about choosing and applying for colleges, training programs, financial aid, and internships and apprenticeships. They may present career workshops to help students search and apply for jobs, write résumés, and improve their interviewing skills.

Career counselors typically do the following:

• Use aptitude and achievement assessments to help clients evaluate their interests, skills, and abilities
• Evaluate clients’ background, education, and training, to help them develop realistic goals
• Guide clients through making decisions about their careers, such as choosing a new profession and the type of degree to pursue
• Help clients learn job search skills, such as interviewing and networking
• Assist clients in locating and applying for jobs, by teaching them strategies that will be helpful in finding openings and writing a résumé
• Advise clients on how to resolve problems in the workplace, such as conflicts with bosses or coworkers
• Help clients select and apply for educational programs, to obtain the necessary degrees, credentials, and skills

Career counselors work with clients at various stages of their careers. Some work in colleges, helping students choose a major or determine the jobs they are qualified for with their degrees. Career counselors also help people find and get jobs by teaching them job search, résumé writing, and interviewing techniques.

Career counselors also work with people who have already entered the workforce. These counselors develop plans to improve their clients’ current careers. They also provide advice about entering a new profession or helping to resolve workplace issues.

Some career counselors work in outplacement firms and assist laid-off workers with transitioning into new jobs or careers.