As a Careers Officer, you provide impartial careers education, information, advice and guidance to students across the academy. You deliver one-to-one guidance interviews, support UCAS and apprenticeship applications, coordinate work experience, and help young people make informed decisions about their future pathways.
The typical career stops on the way to this destination
Begin your journey in school admin, student services, or youth work. Gain experience of working with young people and understanding education pathways. A degree in any subject is helpful but not always essential.
Study for a Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice or begin the Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development. Many schools support you to study while working in a careers assistant role.
You've arrived at your destination. As a Careers Officer, you deliver guidance interviews, support applications, organise careers events, and help students explore their options. You play a vital role in ensuring every young person has access to quality careers guidance.
The personal attributes that will help you thrive in this role
Able to listen carefully to students' aspirations, concerns, and circumstances to provide genuinely personalised guidance.
Strong understanding of UCAS, apprenticeships, T-levels, and vocational routes to guide students towards the right option for them.
Skilled at building trust with students, parents, and external partners such as employers and training providers.
Able to manage a busy caseload of students, coordinate events, and maintain accurate records of guidance interactions.
Ability to inspire and motivate young people, especially those who may lack confidence or have limited awareness of their options.
Comfortable using careers platforms, UCAS Hub, apprenticeship service, and school MIS systems to track and support students.