What do educational guidance counselors do exactly?

I'm thinking about becoming a school counselor in educational guidance, but I'm not sure what the day-to-day job looks like. Does anyone know what a typical job description might include and what kind of tasks I'd handle?

Educational guidance counselors, also known as school counselors, play a fundamental role in supporting students' educational and personal development. Though the job requirements might vary somewhat based on the level of education (for example, elementary, middle, or high school), many tasks are standard across all levels.

One of a counselor's primary responsibilities is to provide academic guidance. This can involve helping students create class schedules, understand graduation requirements, and navigate academic challenges. A substantial part of the job also involves addressing students' developmental needs. A counselor often helps students identify their skills, interests and goals, and then assists in creating a corresponding academic or career path.

Counselors also provide emotional and social support for students. They might work with students dealing with personal issues, learning difficulties, or even crises. Often, they provide short-term individual counseling, or they refer students to outside resources for long-term or specialized assistance.

A large portion of the role involves collaboration and communication. Counselors often liaise with teachers, administrators, and parents to develop support strategies for students. They might also run group guidance sessions or workshops on pertinent topics such as stress management, college application processes, or career exploration.

In high school settings, a significant aspect of the role involves college and career counseling. This could include providing information about different careers, advising on the college application process, aiding in scholarship or financial aid search, and even coordinating college visits.

Finally, data analysis is a component of the job. Using various sources of data, counselors might identify trends, assess program effectiveness, or determine areas of need within the student body, and then create programs or initiative strategies to address these aspects.

Ultimately, every day in school counseling can be quite varied due to the range of tasks and responsibilities — it's a role that has a significant impact on the lives and future of students. The job can be rewarding, but it also comes with its share of challenges, given the diverse needs of students.