I work in university admissions – can I become a counsellor?

Transitioning from a role in university admissions to a position as a high school counsellor is a significant career move that can offer a fresh perspective and a wealth of opportunities for professional growth.

For those considering making this switch, the journey may seem daunting at first. But with the right approach and preparation, it can be a rewarding transition.

Here are some key tips to help you navigate this career shift.

1. Make a virtue of your admissions experience

As a former admissions representative, you bring a unique perspective to the role of a high school counsellor. Your in-depth understanding of the admissions process, application evaluation criteria and the inner workings of universities can be invaluable assets in guiding high school students through their college application journey.

You can use this knowledge to help students craft compelling applications that reflect their strengths and aspirations while also aligning with the expectations of admissions committees.

2. Build on your experience evaluating applications

Having experience in evaluating applications from diverse backgrounds equips you with a nuanced understanding of academic requirements, extracurricular involvement and other factors that impact admissions decisions.

This expertise can be a solid foundation for transitioning to a high school counselling role, where you’ll be guiding students in shaping their academic profiles and selecting colleges that align with their goals and interests.

If your current position doesn’t involve evaluation, voice your interest and seek out opportunities to develop this experience before changing desks.

3. Familiarise yourself with academic majors and career paths

While working in university admissions, take advantage of opportunities to familiarise yourself with various academic majors, career paths and industry trends. This knowledge will be invaluable when advising high school students on selecting courses, exploring potential majors and making informed decisions about their academic and career trajectories.

By maximising your exposure to different disciplines and industries, you can provide valuable insights to students seeking guidance on their future academic endeavours.

4. Tap into university resources

Before transitioning to a role as a high school counsellor, make the most of the resources available at your university, including academic advisers and career counsellors, as well as any other networking opportunities. Engage with these professionals to broaden your understanding of the academic pathways, career development strategies and support services available to students.

By establishing connections within the university community, you can enhance your knowledge base and gather insights that will benefit your work as a high school counsellor.

5. Learn to say ‘I don’t know’

Transitioning from university admissions to high school counselling can be a steep learning curve. No one can ever know everything about every university in the world.

Approach this transition with an open mind, a willingness to learn and a commitment to professional development. Stay informed about current trends in college admissions, and become comfortable saying, “I’m not familiar with this but let’s find out the answers together.” This is much better than guessing and providing the wrong information.

While transitioning from university admissions to high school counselling may present challenges, it also offers a unique opportunity to maximise your expertise, broaden your skill set and make a positive impact on the lives of students.

By drawing on your admissions experience, exploring diverse academic pathways and embracing continuous learning, you can navigate this career shift successfully and thrive in your new role as a high school counsellor.