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HOw does one work towards becoming an admissions counselor and or academic advisor?

I am working currently and belatedly on my bachelor's degree in psychology and education at SUNY Old westbury as an adult transfer student. But my REAL passion is and has been for a long time now, to work towards helping young people find the college of their choice and get into exciting degree programs and enjoy opportunities and resources that for, personal reasons, I was unable to obtain when I was a "traditional" student some years back. I see SO much potential in the undergraduate higher education collegiate experience, and I would LOVE to help younger students obtain and maximize and take full advantage of them, the way I SHOULD have when I was younger. Any advice would be appreciated greatly. Thanks so much. #college #higher-education

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Alison’s Answer

From reading your question, it does sound like you would enjoy either working for a high school or working for a non-profit that supports lower income students get into college. To work in a high school, you would need a master's degree in Counseling with a concentration in Guidance Counseling.

Have you visited your career center yet? I strongly encourage you to do so. Good luck and keep the passion!
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Maria’s Answer

Hi! If you are interested in becoming a high school admission college I would contact one from a high school and ask if you could job shadow them or have an "informational interview" with them to learn about their role. I worked at a charter school and they had great admissions counselors that helped first generation college students get into college!
Thank you comment icon thanks for that I appreciate it...... Marc
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Kim’s Answer

It appears from your question that you are asking about working as a guidance counselor at a high school, but there are also admissions counselors and academic advisors at the college level. I have worked in higher education in a variety of areas for almost twenty years, so I will share some information on how you might go that route if you are interested. To work in higher education, you may need to pursue a Master's Degree in College Student Development or Higher Ed Administration. Thankfully, you can often get a graduate assistantship during your studies that will pay for school and help you gain experience. You can work with students in residence life, student activities, career services, admissions and countless other areas. It is rewarding to help the next generation become leaders, navigate college and explore their future. If you choose to work in a high school, you will likely need to become licensed by the Board of Education in the state that you want to work, unless you go work for a private school where the rules are different. Understand that as a Guidance Counselor you will have many roles and sometimes more students that you'd like, and it can be challenging to make the connections you spoke of above. Good luck and kudos for wanting to work with students!

Kim recommends the following next steps:

Talk to people in student affairs in the college where you attend. Ask what they do, how they got there and how they like it.
Find out the academic and licensing requirements to become a guidance counselor in the state where you hope to reside.
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Vickey’s Answer

Best suggestion I have is to go to your college admissions officer, or your academic counselor and as them what they did to get hired in their field. They will be able to steer you in the right direction.

Good luck.
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