The Business of Becoming a College Counselor
Did you know that an average college counselor’s salary is about $57,000 per year? The job market for college counselors, also known as career counselors or guidance counselors, has steadily increased over the last 10 years, and it’s expected to continue growing in the coming years. While there are several different ways you can make money from being a college counselor, this article will focus on the business of becoming a college counselor—including what kinds of training you’ll need and how to get started on your journey toward becoming a professional in this field. [Read more…]
Do you have what it takes?
Before you can even begin to look into opening your own business, you need to figure out if you have what it takes. Can you negotiate? Are you an effective communicator? Do people want to follow your advice? Have some honest conversations with your friends and family, and trust your gut. If all is well, it’s time to get started. (KIP) For example, by working on these five pillars in her role as an online tutor for students preparing for college entrance exams, Janna was able to build a strong reputation that has led to over $20k in annual income. The key to building a successful tutoring business is two-fold: first, you must provide exceptional value to your clients; second, you must be willing to work hard at promoting yourself.
By setting clear goals and tracking progress along the way, Janna was able to turn her idea into reality—and she did it all while maintaining a full-time job! As a student herself, Janna recognized that many of her peers were struggling to find quality resources when studying for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Knowing there was demand, she decided to fill it by starting TutorJourney LLC . Since its launch in January 2016, TutorJourney has grown from providing services only within Kansas City to now offering services nationwide through their website. Although Janna works on TutorJourney alongside her day job, she continues to see steady growth month after month. She attributes much of her success to persistence and perseverance: I never gave up. I just kept going until I got results. It took me awhile to start making money because I didn’t really know how to market myself effectively, but once I figured it out, things took off quickly!
What are the entry requirements?
To become a college counselor, you must have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology or another related field. A graduate degree is helpful but not necessary for most entry-level positions. You’ll also need at least one year of experience helping students in high school study for college entrance exams, develop an admissions essay and apply to schools. Many counselors also pursue certifications through their state associations. This will help them market themselves to colleges and universities as professional counselors who are familiar with standardized testing requirements, application deadlines and other important factors involved in helping students get into college.
Most states require counselors to hold certification; however, some states may allow applicants without formal training or certification to work under supervision. These individuals should be ready to provide evidence of self-study on topics such as college admission processes and educational counseling techniques. The National Board for Certified Counselors offers several certification programs. The NBCC website provides information about these programs and outlines steps toward becoming certified. Certification typically requires completing a master’s degree program in counseling, completing a certain number of supervised hours (typically around 3,000) and passing an exam that demonstrates knowledge of relevant theories and best practices.
What can you do with this career?
School counselors can work in public or private schools. They often work with students on academic, career and personal problems; they also address issues such as bullying and drugs and alcohol. In many districts, school counselors are responsible for compiling psychological information about students to be used by administrators, teachers, parents and mental health professionals. The median annual wage for school counselors was $48,160 in May 2015. Employment was projected to grow 10 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than average. Demand is driven by increasing student enrollment and rising concerns over student performance.
Job prospects should be good because there will be a lot of competition for these positions, which require at least a master’s degree. Most states require school counselors to hold certification. Those who want to teach must have a teaching license or certificate. For more information, visit www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-counselors.htm#tab-4 . What education do you need?: All states require school counselors to hold at least a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. If you want to become a teacher, you must earn your state-issued license or certificate. If you don’t plan on becoming certified, then most employers prefer that you earn a graduate degree in counseling.
How much can you make?
According to The Balance Small Business, college counselors are typically hired by high schools at an annual salary of between $50,000 and $150,000. How much you’ll earn depends on your location and experience level, as well as whether you provide more one-on-one guidance or group programs. A counselor in New York City could earn $80,000 to $100,000 annually. A high school in a small town might pay its counselor only around $25,000. In addition to a base salary, most counselors receive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. (Source: The Balance Small Business) What do you need?: You don’t need a degree in counseling to be a successful college counselor—but having a master’s degree is likely to make it easier for you to find work.
If you have your heart set on being an independent consultant, however, know that it will take years of networking and sales calls before your business takes off. Another option is to become a career counselor; these professionals help individuals with job searches, interview preparation and resume writing. This can lead to higher hourly rates than working with schools, but fewer hours overall. Where should you start?: Your first step should be getting licensed through your state board of education or department of education; each state has different requirements for licensure. Once you’re officially registered as a professional counselor, consider joining organizations like National Career Development Association and American School Counselors Association.