Although he intervenes daily with young people, the role of a guidance counsellor is still unclear to some people. In fact, he or she is part of the school's educational team and accompanies pupils throughout their school career. What exactly is the role of a guidance counsellor? And in what situations does he/she intervene? Answers.
What is the role of a guidance counsellor?
A guidance counsellor is a psychologist who works with young people (secondary school pupils), students or adults in information and guidance centres (CIOs), to help them find their way in the world of work. In schools, along with teachers, they play a key role in the smooth running of their studies. They help them to find and define the best options for a successful professional career. The counsellor is involved in the development of students' social and academic skills, to give them the opportunity to succeed in their future lives, starting with their studies. In private institutions, guidance counsellors work with adults in career transition to help them find the right sector for their skills and personalities.
Why consult a guidance counsellor?
In secondary schools, the role of the guidance counsellor is well defined. He or she assists students in their choice of career based on their needs, bottlenecks, skills, personalities and, above all, on the projects they want to implement later on. In the centres, many people, mostly adults, turn to guidance for different reasons. Freshly graduated students or professionals in the process of reorientation turn to this solution to guide them towards the professions that correspond to them and the new professions that may suit them. The counsellor assists them in assessing their skills in order to better define their objectives and their real career ambitions. They also help employees to improve their current situation and to plan their retirement.
How does a guidance counsellor work?
Guidance counsellors use a variety of methods to support people in their search for guidance. Whether in or out of school, he or she sets up an assessment system and group workshops according to the needs of each individual. However, in order to better define the skills and particularities of each person, he conducts individual interviews. He relies on numerous tools, such as orientation software or personality tests, and different techniques such as individual coaching or social and professional integration, in order to better guide the people who consult him.