Careers adviser (higher education)

Higher education careers advisers provide information and guidance about career choice, employment and educational opportunities to current university students and postgraduates, and recent/unemployed graduates.

The largest careers services may employ up to 15 careers advisers.

What it involves

Responsibilities of the job include:

assessing personal characteristics, skills and interests via individual interviews and/or group work, and relating these to suitable opportunities
providing help and advice
liaison with schools, colleges, academic departments, employers and professional organisations
organising work placements
writing careers literature, action plans and reports
making presentations
working with academic departments to provide Career Management Skills (CMS) sessions
running workshops
undertaking psychometric and personality testing
using specialist computer-aided guidance applications
attending conferences
contributing to the work of AGCAS.

What's required

Any degree discipline is acceptable for entry into the profession: experience and personality are usually more important than subject studied. A relevant qualification may be required for some positions (eg law/engineering/science).

It is normally necessary to gain an NVQ (Level 4) in guidance or a postgraduate diploma in careers guidance (Dip CG). The diploma takes two years to complete and incorporates a year of full-time study followed by an assessed probationary year of vocational experience. There is strong competition for Dip CG course places - early applications 10-12 months in advance are advisable. Some services sponsor training, although most students fund themselves. Relevant work experience may be required for entry onto some courses.

Where to find out more

Colleges of higher education and universities employ careers advisers. Vacancies attract strong competition, and are advertised in The Times Educational Supplement, The Times Higher Educational Supplement, local, regional and national newspapers and via the internet.

Potential employees should have plenty of confidence and excellent presentation, listening, verbal and written communication skills. Confidentiality, a non-prejudicial manner, patience and good teamworking, organisational and interpersonal skills are also important. Work experience gained in any relevant setting is essential, although placements within careers offices are difficult to obtain. The Graduate Careers Services Directory can be helpful for speculative applications.