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Careers consultant: Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in a social-science-related subject will improve your chances.

An HND with relevant experience is an acceptable entry qualification, but most entrants possess a professional qualification in personnel, careers guidance, counselling or psychology.

Most entrants hold the Qualification in Careers Guidance (QCG), or the qualification it replaced, the DipCG, awarded by the Institute of Career Guidance (ICG) . QCG courses are available on a full-time or part-time basis at 14 institutions. This qualification combines study with work-based learning to allow students to put into practice the skills they learn. It is possible to enter the course without a degree if you can demonstrate that you have relevant experience, although the vast majority of QCG entrants are university graduates. Essentially, you need to show that you have the ability to manage postgraduate-level study.

The QCG may be followed by the S/NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance, which is a work-based qualification that requires the student to be working in a guidance-related role.

Experience in a relevant field, such as working as a careers adviser, personnel officer, occupational psychologist or recruitment consultant, is desirable.

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 their own commitments to a schedule;
creative thinking;
confidence and an outgoing and friendly personality;
good guidance skills and experience;
strong oral and written presentation skills;
experience as a trainer or workshop leader;
the ability to communicate with people on all levels, including clients and staff in other organisations;
respect for confidentiality, patience and understanding;
a commitment to equality of opportunity.

If you do not have sufficient guidance experience, you could consider relevant voluntary work or employment in a related field to build up the background you will need. Competition for entry is generally moderate.

It is common for careers consultants to have worked in either counselling or guidance-related roles, or in professional business roles, before they decide to train as careers consultants. Most enter this occupation as a second career following a great deal of other experience and new graduates are rare in this field.

It is illegal for employers to discriminate against candidates on the grounds of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or religious faith. For more information on equality and diversity in the job market see Handling Discrimination.

For more information see work experience and find courses and research.

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