What does a school counselor actually do?

I'm curious about what school counselors do on a daily basis. Is it mostly academic advising or do they help with personal issues too? I'm considering this as a potential career and would love some insights into their typical job duties.

As a potential career, school counseling is a rewarding and multi-faceted role. A school counselor's duties range from academic guidance to personal and social development for students.

Starting with academic advising, counselors often help students with their course selections and scheduling, ensuring they fulfill graduation requirements. They provide students with resources to maximize their academic potential and may even collaborate with teachers to develop intervention strategies for struggling students. For high school students, they are integral in the college application process - offering advice on college choices, providing assistance with applications, essays, or understanding financial aid options, among other things.

In addition to academic advising, school counselors play a key hand in personal and social development. They provide short-term personal counseling and can refer students to outside resources for long-term therapy or specialized assistance. They may develop and implement school-wide programs to foster a positive school climate like anti-bullying initiatives, mental health awareness seminars, or career exploration programs.

The role may also involve crisis management like handling instances of abuse, neglect, or other serious personal issues a student might be facing. It's essential for a counselor to be proficient in assessing and addressing such critical situations respectfully and effectively, often coordinating with other professionals, such as social workers or school psychologists.

It's worth mentioning that the specifics can vary based on the level of schooling (elementary, middle, or high school) and the particular needs of the school community. Overall, school counseling is an impactful job that combines education, mentoring, and mental health expertise to support and guide students through their academic and personal journeys.