What does a high school career counselor do exactly?

I'm curious about what a high school career counselor's job description looks like. What kinds of tasks do they usually handle, and how do they help students with their future paths?

A high school career counselor, sometimes known as a guidance counselor, plays a pivotal role in providing support and guidance to students as they navigate their academic journey, particularly as they contemplate their transition to post-secondary education or the workforce.

One key part of a career counselor's role is to provide academic advice. They often evaluate student’s abilities and interests through aptitude assessments and interviews, provide assistance in course selection, and help students set realistic academic and career goals.

Additionally, they often assist with college and career planning. This could range from helping students identify potential colleges and assisting with applications, to providing information about the workforce, vocational training, apprenticeship opportunities, and even the military.

Moreover, they usually organize and execute various education and career-focused programs and workshops. For instance, they might orchestrate job fairs, college visits, or workshops about resume writing and job interviewing. Additionally, they might arrange for guest speakers from different professions to come and talk to students about their careers.

They also liaise with parents, teachers, and administrators to ensure the student's best interests are being served. They often have discussions with parents about a student’s progress or any difficulties they may be having. They may need to talk to teachers about a student’s progress, any learning difficulties, or help to resolve issues interfering with a student's school performance.

Finally, they might often help with student’s personal development. They can help address personal problems that might affect their academic progress or quality of life -- this can involve everything from conflicts with peers to dealing with a wide range of emotional challenges.

In these ways, career counselors foster an environment that empowers students, helping them understand their strengths and potentials, and creating pathways to opportunities beyond high school.