Careers adviser | Explore careers (2024)

You can take either a postgraduate diploma or master's degree in career guidance.

These courses take one year full-time or 2 years part-time and lead to the Qualification in Career Development (QCD).

Many people apply to do a career guidance qualification after working in teaching, youth work or social services.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• university courses and entry requirements

You could do a Career Development Professional Level 6 Higher Apprenticeship.

This takes 2 years to complete.

You may be able to do an Employability Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you're working in careers or education, then go on to complete a career guidance qualification.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• higher and degree apprenticeships
• guide to apprenticeships

You could start by working as a careers co-ordinator or youth worker and do further training on the job.

Your employer may support you to take work-based qualifications such as:

• Level 4 Diploma in Advice and Guidance
• Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice
• Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development

Volunteering in support, advice or mentoring could help you to gain work in this field.

Find out about local opportunities for voluntary work through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations or Do IT.

Professional and industry bodies

Once you're qualified, you can apply to join the Career Development Institute's UK register of career development professionals.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a careers adviser from the Career Development Institute.

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• sensitivity and understanding
• active listening skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checksas you may work with children and vulnerable adults

As a careers adviser, you could:

• work with people individually or in groups
• offer advice and guidance face-to-face, online, or by telephone
• explore how skills, abilities and interests relate to potential careers
• work with employers, schools, universities and training providers
• research and provide careers and labour market information
• give support to make decisions, overcome barriers and plan next steps