Careers consultant : Entry requirements

Although this career area of work is open to all graduates, the majority of careers consultants hold either or both of the two main qualifications in career guidance. These are:

• the Qualification in Career Guidance (QCG), or the qualification it replaced, the DipCG. In Scotland it is known as Qualification in Career Guidance and Development (QCGD) but essentially is the same course;
  the S/NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance.
• The QCG is offered at 11 universities across the UK, and the QCGD at two universities in Scotland. You can obtain a PGDip/MA/MSc in Career Guidance/Qualification in Career Guidance (QCG), which is a joint postgraduate qualification awarded by the university and the Institute of Career Guidance (ICG) .

The course can be studied either full time or part time and offers a good balance of academic study with work based learning.  Distance learning options are available in some cases. It is not compulsory to have a first degree although you will need to demonstrate that you can cope with postgraduate level study.

The S/NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance is for career consultants who are experienced in working with people and are already providing career guidance services, either at an organisation or in a self-employed capacity. The S/NVQ combines on and off-the-job training.

The foundation degree for guidance for learning and work could also be starting point for a career in this area.

Some consultants hold an MBA. Although this is not a requirement, it may be useful when working with MBA clients or gaining an understanding of business strategy and corporate backgrounds.

Most enter this occupation as a second career following other related experience and professional qualifications. New graduates are rare in this field.

Relevant related experience and/or qualifications include human resources (HR), recruitment, personnel management, coaching, mentoring, counselling, social work, occupational psychology, teaching or youth work. Some also have business and management backgrounds.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• the ability to establish rapport with a client;
• the ability to encourage and motivate a client;
• the ability to work in large or small groups;
• the ability to work on their own initiative and as part of a team;
• strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied schedule of commitments;
• creative thinking particularly when tackling problems;
• confidence and an outgoing and friendly personality with a genuine interest in people;
• good guidance skills and experience;
• strong oral and written presentation skills;
• the ability to communicate with people on all levels, including clients and staff in other organisations;
• respect for confidentiality, empathy, patience and understanding;
• ability to adapt to change and flexibility;
• entrepreneurial and good marketing skills (if setting up own business);
• administrative skills e.g. report writing and record keeping;
• strong IT skills including use of word-processing, databases, email and internet;
• commitment to equality of opportunity and tackling discrimination.

If you do not have sufficient guidance experience, you could consider relevant voluntary work, work shadowing or employment in a related field to build up the relevant skills you will need, particularly in terms of communication and ability to listen to clients. Demonstrating knowledge and an interest in the world of work and careers is also considered to be important. Developing contacts and networks can also enable you to get into this area of work. Competition for entry is generally moderate.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.