Being a school counselor is definitely not for the faint of heart. Often times they are tasked with tending to hundreds of students with very little time to prepare, but the words they say and the guidance they offer can make all the difference in the world. The skills involved can vary from place to place, but if you are thinking about becoming a school counselor, here are some great traits to develop.
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1. Be a Great Listener
Often, what is needed most are not your words, but your ears. You must be able to process the information that is given to you by a student and then react appropriately. When in doubt, listen more than you speak, and if you need clarification for whatever reason, don’t be afraid to ask the student to repeat themselves.
Part of effective listening is making an affect assessment of the student’s needs. It may be helping them with college choices, what career path to pursue, or simply how to succeed in their current classes. By listening to their needs, you will not only be able to make a proper assessment of what they need but will gain their trust in the process.
2. Communicate Well
You may not have the public speaking skills of Winston Churchhill, but when a student comes to you for guidance, you will need to be able to communicate your ideas and suggestions in a way that is helpful to them. Ramblings, incoherent mumblings, or unsureness on your part will only lead to confusion on their part.
Instead of blurting out the first thing that comes into your mind, consider not only what you will say, but how you will say it as well. A word of encouragement delivered poorly can sometimes be received as criticism.
3. Be Inclusive
You will most likely deal with an entire myriad of different students, some from broken homes, some from two-parent households, and people from every different country on the planet. It’s important for you to remember that your job is not to judge them based on these things, but appreciate who they are and what they can do.
A friendly smile and a comforting word mean the world to a student who is struggling, and this extends beyond just when they are one-on-one with you in your office. If you see them in the hallway, take a few moments to speak to them. You never know when you will need to go to them, instead of the other way around.
4. Be Professional
Not only will you have to be able to lend a sympathetic ear when the time calls for it, but you must also remember to keep an air of professionalism. You are staff, and they are the student, no matter how close you may feel the relationship truly is.
But your role will not only be confined to the office; often you will be called upon to help with campus activities or accompany them on a campus visit. Regardless, maintain an air of professionalism as you go about your duties.
5. Be Well-Rounded
It’s not enough for counselors these days to simply know about schools, they must be able to talk about a multitude of different subjects freely, so it behooves you to learn about the world outside your area of expertise. Also, by learning about the culture your students live in, you will be better able to guide them in their own pursuits.
It won’t be easy, and many times you will take your work home with you, but you will soon find that it is worth it. Being a school counselor is usually a thankless job, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find an industry that is more personally fulfilling.
