Careers adviser
Help people make good choices for their education, training and jobs. Get them into work they will enjoy and do well.
About the job
A day in the life – Careers adviser
What it's like
You would help people make good decisions when they choose education, training and work options. You’d help them get into the kind of jobs they'll enjoy.
You’d speak with individuals and ask them questions to help them clearly assess their own abilities, interests and achievements.
You would help each person:
Find learning and work opportunities
Use careers information and resources
Make decisions that suit their life and their circumstances
Look at available training and work options
Make a plan of action for achieving their aims
Once they’ve made a plan of action you’d support them to carry it out.
You would also develop working relationships with employers, colleges, universities and training providers.
You’d need to keep up to date with information about work and jobs, for example, you’d need to know what types of work are likely to become more important in the future. You find out what skills and education people would need to get jobs in that area of work.
You’d talk to and lead discussions with groups of people about what they can do to prepare for their careers.
You’d also update records for the individuals you work with and do other administration.
Hours
You would usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday, perhaps with some evening work.
Environment
You could work at a range of locations, including schools, colleges, universities, and adult information, advice and guidance centres.
Travel
Your job could include a lot of local travel.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- career management
- life coaching
- information advice and guidance
- event management
- microsoft sharepoint
- general data protection regulation (gdpr)
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- mentoring
- coaching
- time management
- researching
- questioning
- written communication
- verbal communication
- listening
- supporting
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Modern Studies
Psychology
Sociology
You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) and a postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) in Career Guidance and Development or work-based qualifications in Advice and Guidance (SVQ Level 2/3/4).
Entry to the postgraduate course requires a degree or equivalent or S/NVQ in Advice and Guidance though other qualifications and relevant experience may be considered.
Qualifications that show understanding of employability and helping people.
Once qualified you can become a Member of Career Development Institute (CDI) and join the national Register of Career Development Professionals.
A driving licence is useful.
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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