How to Become a College Admissions Counselor

Are you looking to jump-start a rewarding career helping future students achieve their educational dreams? If so, considered becoming a college admissions counselor. College admissions counselors join a fast-growing and constantly-evolving field, which is more important now than ever. As people become increasingly aware of the importance of an accredited college degree, college admissions counselors will be there to aid them through the process.

Here is a guide on how to become a college admissions counselor.

Step 1: Earn a Degree

The first step on any educational journey is to gain the necessary qualifications. A degree in psychology, sociology, or education is a great place to start. It will give you a better understanding of student needs and will create a strong foundation for becoming a college admissions counselor. As more schools require a master’s degree, focusing on obtaining an advanced degree will make you stand out when applying for college admissions counseling positions.

Step 2: Build Experience

There is more to this job than meets the eye. College admissions counselors need to be familiar with college admissions protocols, metrics, and trends in order to properly advise students. You can begin to build experience by working in guidance roles in high schools, interning in college admissions offices, or as part of an admissions counseling company. Working in these capacities will give you the knowledge of procedures, policies, and guidance to better serve future college students.

Step 3: Demonstrate Your Knowledge to Others

The best way to demonstrate your understanding of the college admissions process is to be active in the field. Seek out local and national organizations that assist students and guidance counselors with the college admissions process and get involved. Demonstrate your knowledge to those organizations by writing articles or giving presentations on the college admissions process to high school students. Taking on leadership roles within established organizations will put you in a better position to get hired as a college admissions counselor.

Step 4: Utilize Technology

As technology increases to become more a part of the college admissions process, it’s important for aspiring college admissions counselors to continue to stay ahead of the curve. From introducing the college admissions software process to helping navigate the financial aid process, technology has been an integral part of the college admissions process for students. Developing a mastery of software programs will prove that you are up to date on the latest advances and can offer the best advice for students.

Step 5: Get Certified

After gaining the experience and mastering the technologies, completing a certification program will bring your career to the next level. Certification programs offered by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) and the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) will certify you as a professional in the field and garner respect from potential employers.

Step 6: Stay Up to Date With AI

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) will have an increasingly important impact on the college admissions process in the foreseeable future. Being aware of the ways AI can change the process, as well as the costs and benefits of these changes, will keep you ahead of the game. Having a mastery of AI will endear you to potential employers as it sets you apart from the competition.

Conclusion

As college admissions continues to become more competitive and important, college admissions counselors will be of increasing importance. Follow this guide to become a certified college admissions counselor and help the next generation of students achieve their dreams.