So, you’re considering a career as a school counselor. If this is the case, you need to ask yourself, is this challenging role even right for you?
The truth is, you may already display the signs that you would make an excellent student therapist – you’re a good listener, an avid problem solver, and you genuinely care about others.
Of course, some of the integral skills you require to be a competent counselor can be acquired through the completion of a university degree such as an online Masters of School Counseling.
Despite this, it’s essential to note that many of the necessary personal qualities are innate, and if you don’t possess them naturally, it’s unlikely that you will succeed.
Let’s discuss.
Top Signs to Indicate You’d Make a Good School Counsellor
You Genuinely Care About Other People
It’s one thing to say that you care about others. But, are you just talking the talk? Or do you genuinely, and we mean really, take an interest in the plight of other people?
If the latter is the case, this would indicate that you possess some of the most critical personal qualities required of the best counseling professionals: empathy, compassion, and understanding.
Being able to understand others and view things from their perspective is the key to being a good therapist. If you can’t empathize or show compassion for your patients, your treatment methods are unlikely to resonate with them.
You Get A Buzz From Helping People
If helping people gives you the warm and fuzzies, chances are you’ll be an excellent school counselor. If nothing else, you’ll draw an enormous amount of job satisfaction and fulfillment from your role.
Assisting others daily as your motivator will also help drive your career and have you kicking professional goals. Enthusiasm for your work gets noticed and puts you ahead of more lackluster employees.
So, when it comes time for that promotion, your genuine passion, drive, and ambition will see you exceed perhaps even your own goals and expectations.
You Know When to Give Good Advice (Even When They Don’t Want to Hear It)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: when it comes to giving advice, you know just how to say it how it is. You also know how to give tough love, as well as tactful ways to tell people what they need to hear, even when they’re reluctant to hear it.
As well as this, you know the difference between the moments when someone is asking for your input, and when they simply need to vent.
There’s nothing worse than giving unsolicited advice, or telling people what to do with their lives when they haven’t asked for your opinion.
Sometimes, people just want a sympathetic ear or shoulder to cry on. That’s where being a good listener comes in.
You’re a Natural Listener
Another sign you’re set to be a stellar school counselor is your natural ability to listen. In truth, active listening comes easily to you, and as well as this, you’re patient.
You’ll wait to hear someone out, and calmly sit and listen while they tell their side of the story.
Of course, you’re allowed to interject and show signs that you’re paying attention to what’s being said. But, as a counselor, one of your key skills is your ability to let others speak and wait until it’s your turn to add value to the conversation.
Adding value is another skill that many of us are lacking as conversationalists! Some people just seem to like the sounds of their own voices and talking for the sake of being heard. You don’t do this! This is why you would make an excellent counselor or student advisor.
You Thrive in a Collaborative Environment
School counseling isn’t a solo journey; it involves teamwork and collaboration with teachers, administrators, and parents to support student well-being and academic success.
If you find yourself energized by working with others and are adept at building and maintaining professional relationships, this could be a sign that a career as a school counselor is right for you.
Effective communication, conflict resolution, and the ability to negotiate are all vital skills in this role. A collaborative spirit, coupled with a genuine desire to contribute to a team, can make a significant difference in the lives of students.
You Have a Strong Ethical Compass
The field of school counseling is bound by strict ethical guidelines and standards. If you have a strong sense of right and wrong and are committed to maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism, this indicates that you might excel as a school counselor.
Understanding and respecting the ethical boundaries of this profession is crucial for building trust with students and their families.
If you’re someone who naturally upholds high moral standards and can handle sensitive information responsibly, this career could be a good fit.
You Are Resilient and Adaptable
Working as a school counselor can be emotionally taxing and unpredictable. The ability to stay resilient in the face of adversity and adapt to changing circumstances is essential.
If you possess a positive attitude, can manage stress effectively, and bounce back from setbacks, you’re likely to find fulfillment in this role.
Moreover, being adaptable allows you to meet the diverse needs of students and respond to unexpected challenges with grace and innovation.
You’re Passionate About Education and Lifelong Learning
A great school counselor is not only passionate about helping students but also about education in general.
If you are committed to lifelong learning, staying current with educational trends, and continuously seeking professional development opportunities, this could signify that school counseling is the right career path for you.
This field requires a deep understanding of educational systems, student development theories, and counseling techniques. A thirst for knowledge and a commitment to improving your skills will serve you well in this dynamic and impactful profession.
You’re a Total Trouble-Shooting Problem-Solver
Lastly, you’re wise. Your cool, level head allows you to see reason in situations others may not. This helps you come up with solutions to almost every issue you encounter. There’s no doubt about it: you’re a problem solver.
As such, it would be a shame to let your troubleshooting skills go to waste. Your therapy patients will be in good hands: they will be able to benefit from your ability to tackle issues head-on and come up with rational, logical ways to overcome life’s challenges.
