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What graduate level education would you suggest for someone looking to enter a career in academic advising or higher education from a non profit background ?
Seeking certifications or graduate degrees to move from non profit to higher ed #spring25
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Jazhel’s Answer
Hi Carolina,
I previously worked as an academic advisor at a college. Most advising roles require at least a bachelor’s degree—preferably in education or a related field—as well as relevant experience, typically also within the education sector. The amount (or years) of experience needed can vary depending on the institution. While I earned a graduate certificate in academic advising, which greatly supported my effectiveness in the role, it was not a key factor in securing the position.
Academic advising can be a challenging yet deeply rewarding role, much like many careers in education.
Wishing you all the best!
I previously worked as an academic advisor at a college. Most advising roles require at least a bachelor’s degree—preferably in education or a related field—as well as relevant experience, typically also within the education sector. The amount (or years) of experience needed can vary depending on the institution. While I earned a graduate certificate in academic advising, which greatly supported my effectiveness in the role, it was not a key factor in securing the position.
Academic advising can be a challenging yet deeply rewarding role, much like many careers in education.
Wishing you all the best!
Thank you so much, Jazhel!
Carolina
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Carolina !
You have such a wonderful career transitional goal and I'd be happy to provide some information for you !
For what you'd like to do, you would obtain a Masters Degree in Counseling and you can become an Academic Counselor at a College in the State of Texas. There are a few sub-categories of counseling, but in your state, any category of Counseling would be fine to be an Academic Counselor from what I understand.
It is also a smooth transition since you have been working in non-profit. Regardless if you worked in direct services with clients or in an administrative capacity, you will be ready to do college level Academic Counseling, especially if you also have life experience in this area.
You can look into the University of Texas in Austin as they offer a Masters Degree in Counseling. You'd have to read their website to find out the category that comes closest to what you want to do. Texas State University in San Marcos does offer the category of a Masters Degree in School Counseling.
After you receive the Masters Degree, you then take the certification exam, Texas Examinations of Educator Standards School Counselor exam. The Universities that offer this certification exam are Angelo State University (online exam) and the University of North Texas. Double check these colleges to see if they also offer the Masters Program for School Counseling. The certification is good for five years and you would renew it before it expires. You would also have to take continuing education in this field of work, 200 hours every five years.
I hope this helps to start you on your way and I wish you all the best !
You have such a wonderful career transitional goal and I'd be happy to provide some information for you !
For what you'd like to do, you would obtain a Masters Degree in Counseling and you can become an Academic Counselor at a College in the State of Texas. There are a few sub-categories of counseling, but in your state, any category of Counseling would be fine to be an Academic Counselor from what I understand.
It is also a smooth transition since you have been working in non-profit. Regardless if you worked in direct services with clients or in an administrative capacity, you will be ready to do college level Academic Counseling, especially if you also have life experience in this area.
You can look into the University of Texas in Austin as they offer a Masters Degree in Counseling. You'd have to read their website to find out the category that comes closest to what you want to do. Texas State University in San Marcos does offer the category of a Masters Degree in School Counseling.
After you receive the Masters Degree, you then take the certification exam, Texas Examinations of Educator Standards School Counselor exam. The Universities that offer this certification exam are Angelo State University (online exam) and the University of North Texas. Double check these colleges to see if they also offer the Masters Program for School Counseling. The certification is good for five years and you would renew it before it expires. You would also have to take continuing education in this field of work, 200 hours every five years.
I hope this helps to start you on your way and I wish you all the best !
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Carolina