Join the Conversation 
  • Home
    Home This is where you can find all the blog posts throughout the site.
  • Categories
    Categories Displays a list of categories from this blog.
  • Tags
    Tags Displays a list of tags that have been used in the blog.
  • Bloggers
    Bloggers Search for your favorite blogger from this site.
  • Login
    Login Login form

Guidance Counselor

Posted by in Career Stories
  • Font size: Larger Smaller
  • Hits: 7458
  • Print

Explore Being a Guidance Counselor with Jonna Shutowick

cz: Briefly describe your job.

School Guidance Counselor at an Elementary School in Boca Raton, Florida.

cz: How long have you been working in this field?

11 years

cz: When and how did you decide to choose this career?

Upon having my first child, I decided to move toward a career that would allow me to spend a lot of time with my children. The education field is a good way to combine being a mom and a professional at the same time. I was able to bring my kids to school with me. We have vacations and summers off together and I'm home by 3:30 every day.

cz: What education and training did you receive before entering your field?

I went to a four year college and got a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Then I went on to another two years of college and got a Master of Science degree in Counselor Education. They have the same program here at FAU and also at Nova University. Your undergraduate (Bachelor's) can be in any related field. For example, Education, Social Work, Sociology, Philosophy.

cz: How did you begin OR what was your first job in the field?

My first job was as the Guidance Counselor at Boca Raton Elementary School in Florida. If you went there, you probably knew me. I worked there from 1994-2001.

cz: Describe a typical day on the job?

Depending on what grade level a guidance counselor serves, the jobs can be very different. In high school, counselors focus on career and college preparation. In middle school, counselors focus on academic preparation for high school, drug prevention education, conflict mediation and individual counseling. In elementary school (where I am) we focus on social skills training, peer interactions and classroom guidance lessons on feelings and friendship.

In my job, I typically meet with small groups of children throughout the day, assisting them with peer interactions. I also run groups for divorce, grief, friendship, and behavior modification. In addition, I meet with parents and teachers about students' progress and help develop plans for success. I also teach guidance lessons in the classroom. Every once in a while I have to do cafeteria duty, which, believe it or not, I actually enjoy because I get to socialize with the kids!

cz: What do you like most about what you do?

Being there for students who may have no one else to turn to.

cz: What has been the most rewarding experience so far in your career?

Receiving a letter from a student when they got to high school thanking me for the help I gave them in elementary school. I had no idea that our meetings were having such an impact on the students, so when they wrote to tell me about it, it changed the way I look at every situation. Now I tell myself, every day, I may be making more of an impact than I know. Every meeting I have with a child is very important.

cz: What do you like least about your job?

Handling paper work is my least favorite task. It keeps me away from people. And I love being with people.

cz: What is the biggest challenge for you in this job?

When students have very difficult home lives and one or both of their parents doesn't want to get involved to help. There is only so much I can do from the hours between 8 and 2. Sometimes you wish you could do more.

cz: What would you like to say to someone considering this career?

Contact a local guidance counselor at the level of education you think you'd like to work (elementary, middle or high) and ask if you can come in to see what they do. As counselors, we understand the benefit of a first-hand experience in making career choices. Make an appointment to interview a counselor about their job.

cz: What are the most important personal and professional skills necessary to succeed in your field?

Good listening skills, good interpersonal skills, an open mind and a kind heart.

cz: What would a person interested in entering this field have to do to get a good job in it?

It requires 6 years of college: 4 years of undergraduate work and 2 years post-graduate. When you successfully complete that, a good interview will weigh more than the grades on your transcript. Guidance Counselors must be good with people, so if you are excited about the job, and you can convey that in an interview, you'll probably get hired.

cz: What could someone who is interested in this field do to learn more about it right now?

Make an appointment to interview a guidance counselor at a local school. Guidance counselors would think that is a great idea, so most of them would be more than happy to meet with you!

cz: Is there any general advice you would like to offer to students on making a career choice or on work life itself?

Choose a career in a field that INTERESTS you. Do not make decisions based on how much money you think you can make. If you choose a career that you will enjoy, you will find ways to make money. If, on the other hand, you choose a career because the starting salary is high, you will find it difficult to stay motivated if you don't love what you do, and will not be able to advance. Choose by interest first, the money will come later.

Rate this blog entry:
0
  • No comments made yet. Be the first to submit a comment

Leave your comment

Guest
Guest Tuesday, 26 November 2024

 

 

 
©2024 CareerZing | Site Design by VMC Art & Design, LLC

Joomla! Debug Console

Session

Profile Information

Memory Usage

Database Queries