Career Day
On Friday of May 18th, I got the great opportunity of shadowing my elementary school counselor Mrs. H for a day. I greatly enjoyed learning more about what a school counselor does throughout their day, even though that particular day was not a typical workday for her. I learned a lot more about how a school counselor interacts with students, parents, and teachers throughout the day. Counseling involves many important attributes such as good interpersonal communication, problem solving skills, and just being able to talk to someone, especially a younger child. I was able to watch Mrs. H at work when she called in students to talk about disciplinary issues or contacted parents about the truancy of their children. I also got to read to kindergarteners as Mrs. H was doing her work, so I thought that was something fun to do as well.
Questions
1. What specific skill training helped you prepare for this job? I would say that what helped me most was learning how to do group as well as individual counseling, learning about collaboration, and developing good communication skills, especially with children.
2. What do you like most about your job?
I think what I like most about being a counselor in an elementary school is the fact that I get to influence change at an early age where we start to develop our own sense of right and wrong. I feel like being a counselor in a middle school or high school doesn't exactly do that as much because more importance is placed on college guidance and counseling in those years, which is completely understandable. I just like the feeling that influencing the behavior of children at the elementary school age sets them up for what they want to be or do in life, and that I might be the one to do it.
3. What inspired you to become a school counselor?
It started in high school. My friends would ask me for help with their problems all the time because they said I was a good listener and great at giving advice. Many of my teachers then also made a big impact on my career choices in the future. A lot of my inspiration to pursue this career came from my friends, teachers, and family.
4. What are the most important rules or practices that you must follow in order to be considered a dedicated and responsible professional in this field?
Some of the most important rules, I would say, are practicing confidentiality, collaboration to solve problems, having effective communication skills, and listening and asking the right questions at the right times.
5. What advice do you have for young people who are interested in this profession?
I guess I would say, meet with different counselors and learn more about what school counseling is like at different grade levels. Also, always keep in mind that you can't fix every problem that you face. Don't get discouraged and always put your best foot forward!
2. What do you like most about your job?
I think what I like most about being a counselor in an elementary school is the fact that I get to influence change at an early age where we start to develop our own sense of right and wrong. I feel like being a counselor in a middle school or high school doesn't exactly do that as much because more importance is placed on college guidance and counseling in those years, which is completely understandable. I just like the feeling that influencing the behavior of children at the elementary school age sets them up for what they want to be or do in life, and that I might be the one to do it.
3. What inspired you to become a school counselor?
It started in high school. My friends would ask me for help with their problems all the time because they said I was a good listener and great at giving advice. Many of my teachers then also made a big impact on my career choices in the future. A lot of my inspiration to pursue this career came from my friends, teachers, and family.
4. What are the most important rules or practices that you must follow in order to be considered a dedicated and responsible professional in this field?
Some of the most important rules, I would say, are practicing confidentiality, collaboration to solve problems, having effective communication skills, and listening and asking the right questions at the right times.
5. What advice do you have for young people who are interested in this profession?
I guess I would say, meet with different counselors and learn more about what school counseling is like at different grade levels. Also, always keep in mind that you can't fix every problem that you face. Don't get discouraged and always put your best foot forward!