School counselors typically do the following:

• Evaluate students' abilities and interests through aptitude assessments, interviews, and individual planning
• Identify issues that impact school performance, such as poor classroom attendance rates
• Help students understand and overcome social or behavioral problems through classroom guidance lessons and counseling
• Counsel individuals and small groups on the basis of student and school needs
• Work with students to develop skills, such as organizational and time management abilities and effective study habits
• Help students create a plan to achieve academic and career goals
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to help students succeed
• Teach students and school staff about certain topics, such as bullying, drug abuse, and planning for college or careers after graduation
• Report possible cases of neglect or abuse and refer students and parents to resources outside the school for additional support

The specific duties of school counselors vary with the ages of their students.

Elementary school counselors focus on helping students develop certain skills, such as those used in decisionmaking and studying, that they need in order to be successful in their social and academic lives. They meet with parents or guardians to discuss their child's strengths and weaknesses, and any possible special needs and behavioral issues. School counselors also work with teachers and administrators to ensure that the curriculum addresses both the developmental and academic needs of students.

Middle school counselors work with school staff, parents and the community to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere for students to achieve academic success. They help the students develop the skills and strategies necessary to succeed academically and socially.

High school counselors advise students in making academic and career plans. Many help students overcome personal issues that interfere with their academic development. They help students choose classes and plan for their lives after graduation. Counselors provide information about choosing and applying for colleges, training programs, financial aid, and internships and apprenticeships. They may present career workshops to help students search and apply for jobs, write r茅sum茅s, and improve their interviewing skills.

Career counselors typically do the following:

• Use aptitude and achievement assessments to help clients evaluate their interests, skills, and abilities
• Evaluate clients' background, education, and training, to help them develop realistic goals
• Guide clients through making decisions about their careers, such as choosing a new profession and the type of degree to pursue
• Help clients learn job search skills, such as interviewing and networking
• Assist clients in locating and applying for jobs, by teaching them strategies to find openings and how to write a r茅sum茅
• Advise clients on how to resolve problems in the workplace, such as conflicts with bosses or coworkers
• Help clients select and apply for educational programs, to obtain the necessary degrees, credentials, and skills

Career counselors work with clients at various stages of their careers. Some work in colleges. They may help students choose a major or help students determine what jobs they are qualified for with their degrees.

Career counselors also work with people who have already entered the workforce. These counselors develop plans to improve their client's current career. They also provide advice about entering a new profession.

Some career counselors work in outplacement firms and assist laid-off workers with transitioning into new jobs or careers. Others work in corporate career centers to assist employees in making decisions about their career path within the company.

Career counselors who work in private practice must spend time marketing their practice to prospective clients and working with clients to receive payments for their services.