College advisors guide students in selecting courses, planning their academic paths, and setting career goals. They also provide support and advice on academic and personal issues.
Median income:
$61,710 annually or $29.67 per hour.
Lifestyle:
College advisors typically work in school settings and have a structured work lifestyle, often working regular office hours. They may also have occasional evening or weekend responsibilities for events or meetings. Their schedule can be busy during peak times, such as enrollment periods.
Exciting Parts of the Job
Helping students achieve their academic and career goals
Witnessing students’ personal and professional growth
Building meaningful relationships with students and making a positive impact on their future
Challenging Parts of the Job
Managing a high volume of students and tasks
Addressing students’ personal issues and challenges
Balancing individual student needs with institutional requirements
Education requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field can be helpful, but most roles require or prefer a master’s degree in education or counseling.
Job outlook:
The future for college advisors is bright, with projected growth of 5%, which is faster than average for all occupations.
This is perfect for you if:
You are empathetic
You have a passion for helping others succeed
You like leading and mentoring others
You are highly organized
If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Jeff Glenn to learn more about being a college advisor below!
Day in the Life
Schedule:
Regular office hours but may also have evening or weekend hours for events or meetings. Their schedule can become busier during peak times, such as enrollment periods.
Setting:
Typically in educational institutions such as colleges or universities, counseling centers, offices, classrooms, or student areas for meetings and workshops.
Tasks that fill up their day:
Meeting with students or emailing them, reviewing academic records, advising on course selections, collaborating with faculty, and developing academic plans.
Topics:
Educational policies, academic programs, student needs, and counseling techniques.
Skills:
Proficient in counseling techniques, data management, career planning, and have strong knowledge of academic policies.
Tools:
Laptop or computer to access student information systems (SIS), advising software, email and scheduling apps, career assessment tools, and data analysis tools.
Common Characteristics
Natural Talents (strengths):
College advisors are naturally good at communicating, organizing files, and solving problems. They are also naturally empathetic and patient.
Interests:
Problem-solving, analyzing information, helping, mentoring, supporting others, working in structured environments, and following established procedures.
Personality:
College advisors typically have investigative, social, and conventional personality types. They are analytical, communicative, and highly organized.
Values:
Student success, effective communication, integrity, professional growth, and organization.
*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.
How to Become a College Advisor
Education requirements:
A bachelor’s degree with years of relevant experience is common, but a master’s degree is typically required and often preferred by educational institutions. Additionally, obtaining relevant certifications based on the institution or state requirements is advisable.
Preferred majors:
Pursuing majors in education, psychology, social work, or a related field can be helpful.
Specialties and Similar Career Paths
Academic Advising
Academic Coach
Career Counseling
Education Consultant
Enrollment Manager
Financial Aid Advising
Student Affairs Coordinator
Transfer Advising
Counseling for Undocumented Students
Advice from Jeff
Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:
Network strategically by connecting with industry professionals and attending relevant events. When applying, tailor your resume for each application by highlighting your most relevant skills that could be helpful for college advising roles.
What Jeff would tell his younger self if he was just getting started:
“As soon as you can, maybe let go of the ladder because that will open your eyes to other opportunities. You may not keep climbing in the same office, but it can help propel you to something new. It took me a while to learn this, and while I may feel this way again in the future, for now, I’m focusing on embracing my role, helping people, and learning as much as I can.”
Watch the full interview with Jeff Glenn:
Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 20 July 2024.
