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Careers consultant: Training

Most entrants into careers consultancy already have relevant qualifications and training through their previous employment. They will often have worked, for example, in human resources (HR), recruitment, personnel management, careers guidance, occupational psychology or counselling.

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 will receive standard management training in-house and all further training via external bodies. Training may be for specific skills, such as psychometric testing or interviewing, or on particular topics, such as retirement or stress management.

Further training may also be available through a relevant professional body, such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) , who run an extensive programme of short courses and conferences. Membership of relevant professional bodies, including the CIPD, the Institute of Career Guidance (ICG) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) , may require evidence of continuing professional development (CPD). Acquiring and updating skills and knowledge are often necessary to maintain registration as a member.

Once you have gained your Qualification in Careers Guidance (QCG), or NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance, you are deemed fully qualified and if you work for an organisation that provides statutory services, no specific training demands will generally be made. However, it is important for all careers professionals to be reflective practitioners and you will be expected to monitor and follow up your own training needs. Further study options:

• taking a part-time Masters or programme of further study which you can fit around your work, such as an Open University degree;
• specialising in a particular area of counselling;
• taking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses in coaching techniques;
• adding to your psychometrics portfolio.

AGCAS

Written by Louise Pardoe, AGCAS

Last updated:

April 2008

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