Careers consultant : Training

Most entrants into careers consultancy already have relevant qualifications and training through their previous employment.

Once you have gained your Qualification in Careers Guidance (QCG), or NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance, you are deemed fully qualified. However, it is important for all careers professionals to be reflective practitioners and you will be expected to monitor and follow up your own personal development needs. This is particularly important if you are working in a specialist areas.

Large organisations or consultancies may provide further in-service training, but in small consultancies this may be limited to on-the-job training or self-funded courses. Typically, you may receive standard management training in-house, such as reviewing and analysing client support materials that will enable consultants to deliver sessions to clients. Training on data management may also be provided. Any additional further training is generally via external bodies.

Some organisations offer consultants the opportunity to observe and participate in client sessions. Topics can range from stress management, coping with change or CV development. This is useful for consultants who are delivering such sessions.

Further training may also be available through a relevant professional body, such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) , which runs an extensive programme of short courses and conferences. Organisations such as Association of Careers Professionals International (ACPI)  provide resources for members on professional and skills development.

Membership of relevant professional bodies, including the CIPD and the Institute of Career Guidance (ICG)  require evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain registration as a practitioner and/or member.

The ICG places a great emphasis on continuing professional development (CPD) and has a framework in place. This framework essentially enables practitioners and their employers to consider the way in which they can continuously develop skills and areas of expertise. This covers planning, recording, assessment and accreditation of CPD that individuals can undertake either formally, e.g. courses or conferences, and more informal methods such as reading professional journals and work shadowing.

There are a range of further study options such as undertaking Masters qualifications in subjects such as career management, guidance, counselling or psychology. You can also undertake life/career coaching qualifications, or add to your psychometrics portfolio may also be another area of professional development.