You can do a postgraduate diploma, or master's degree, in career guidance after completing an undergraduate degree in any subject.

Postgraduate courses take 1 year full time or 2 years part time and lead to the Qualification in Career Development (QCD).

People often apply to do a postgraduate career guidance qualification after working in teaching, youth work or social services.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

You could apply to do a Career Development Professional Level 6 (non-degree) Apprenticeship.

This takes 2 years to complete.

You may be able to do an Employability Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you're working in careers or education, then go on to complete a level 6 career guidance qualification.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You could start by working as a careers co-ordinator, employment support adviser or youth worker and do further training on the job.

Your employer may support you to take work-based qualifications, such as:

• Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice
• Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development

Volunteering with job support, advice or mentoring organisations could give you an advantage when applying for training or jobs.

Find out about local opportunities for voluntary work through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations or Do IT.

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• sensitivity and understanding
• active listening skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults

As a careers adviser, you could:

• work with people individually or in groups
• plan careers programmes for school, college and university students
• offer advice and guidance face-to-face, online, or by telephone
• explore how skills, abilities and interests relate to potential careers
• encourage clients to develop their career decision-making skills
• build links between employers, schools, universities and training providers
• research and provide careers and labour market information
• give support to make decisions, overcome barriers and plan next steps

You could work in a contact centre, at a university, at a college, at a school, at an outreach centre or from home.