Guidance counselor job description for high school

I'm curious about what a high school guidance counselor actually does day-to-day. I've heard they help with college stuff and personal issues, but can someone break down the job description for me? Could this be a career path to consider?

A high school guidance counselor, often referred to as a school counselor, plays a multifaceted role in a student's education. Their work can be divided into three broad categories: academic, career, and socioeconomic/emotional guidance.

1. Academic Guidance: School counselors help students set academic goals and make a plan to achieve them. They monitor academic progress, identify students who are struggling, and develop intervention strategies to improve success. They might conduct standardized testing, help students choose classes that align with their future goals, and guide students to academic resources.

2. College and Career Counseling: School counselors assist in post-high school planning. This can involve guiding students through the college application process, including help with selecting colleges, understanding application requirements, writing essays, and applying for financial aid. They may also help students explore career paths through personality/interest tests, discussing various industries and occupations, arranging job shadowing or internships, etc.

3. Socioemotional Counseling: School counselors are trained to support students through personal and social problems. This can range from conflict resolution to dealing with crises like grief or mental health issues. Counselors often run individual and group counseling sessions, and help students develop skills like problem-solving, decision-making, communication, and more.

As for whether it's a viable career path, it depends largely on your interests and inclinations. If you are passionate about education, enjoy working with adolescents, and like the idea of playing a pivotal role in a young person's life, becoming a high school counselor could be a rewarding career choice. But it's important to keep in mind that it can also be challenging, given the emotional nature of the role and the strict deadlines during application seasons.

This role typically requires a master's degree in school counseling or a related field, and many states also require counselors to be certified or licensed.

This is a broad overview of the responsibilities of a high school counselor, but the specifics can vary based on location, school size, and resources available.