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Masyn
Student
Jefferson City, Missouri
1
Question
Updated
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What are the things I should really focus on when doing school counseling internships??
I want to get the most out of the internship/observation hours when the time comes, and want to know what the most important parts to focus on are.
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1 answer
Michelle M.
Actress
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Masyn !
If you will be doing a School Counseling Internship, most likely you will be receiving students to work with, so you will be focused on what you are assigned to do.
An internship is done for college students that have a basic understanding of the work already, usually in the junior or senior year of college. Counseling is based on specific principals, techniques and theories, so there's really nothing to consciously "focus on", you just do what you're assigned to do. You would be somewhat familiar with the work by the time you have an Internship.
Do look at the Internship as a paying job, always be on time, sign in if that's the routine, keep your area neat and organized. Before you begin the internship, try to obtain as much information about what duties you'd be doing. Be prepared with what you have learned in class and any experience you can bring with you. Learn the guidelines of where you'll be interning, office protocol, etc.
You really do not have to pre-think this or have a script in your mind about it. You will know just what to do and the important thing is the work. After learning a couple years about counseling, you'll be prepared to break the ice with an internship. Live in the moment and take things one step at a time. No two experiences will be the same and no two days will be alike.
If it's on your mind now, maybe doing some volunteer work would help you. Whatever type of counseling you plan to do, find a venue to volunteer at to get the feel of how that venue is run. Even if it's not working directly with clients just yet, it would be good to satisfy your curiosity if you are thinking about it now before you start college.
What is the most important right now is that you become familiar with the academic path to becoming a School Counselor in your state. You would first need to get a Bachelors Degree in Education or Education Counseling. You have to go for your teaching certification by completing a teacher education program and passing the required certification exams, or demonstrate competency in specific teaching areas through coursework. Your state requires that you then go for your Masters in School Counseling. You then take and pass the Missouri Content Assessment for Counselors (also known as the Praxis School Counselor exam). So it's an important path and you may want to be thinking right now of college and let a possible internship come when it may. You can always do volunteer work in the meantime. Your professors will prepare you for the projects, internships or anything you do in college.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
If you will be doing a School Counseling Internship, most likely you will be receiving students to work with, so you will be focused on what you are assigned to do.
An internship is done for college students that have a basic understanding of the work already, usually in the junior or senior year of college. Counseling is based on specific principals, techniques and theories, so there's really nothing to consciously "focus on", you just do what you're assigned to do. You would be somewhat familiar with the work by the time you have an Internship.
Do look at the Internship as a paying job, always be on time, sign in if that's the routine, keep your area neat and organized. Before you begin the internship, try to obtain as much information about what duties you'd be doing. Be prepared with what you have learned in class and any experience you can bring with you. Learn the guidelines of where you'll be interning, office protocol, etc.
You really do not have to pre-think this or have a script in your mind about it. You will know just what to do and the important thing is the work. After learning a couple years about counseling, you'll be prepared to break the ice with an internship. Live in the moment and take things one step at a time. No two experiences will be the same and no two days will be alike.
If it's on your mind now, maybe doing some volunteer work would help you. Whatever type of counseling you plan to do, find a venue to volunteer at to get the feel of how that venue is run. Even if it's not working directly with clients just yet, it would be good to satisfy your curiosity if you are thinking about it now before you start college.
What is the most important right now is that you become familiar with the academic path to becoming a School Counselor in your state. You would first need to get a Bachelors Degree in Education or Education Counseling. You have to go for your teaching certification by completing a teacher education program and passing the required certification exams, or demonstrate competency in specific teaching areas through coursework. Your state requires that you then go for your Masters in School Counseling. You then take and pass the Missouri Content Assessment for Counselors (also known as the Praxis School Counselor exam). So it's an important path and you may want to be thinking right now of college and let a possible internship come when it may. You can always do volunteer work in the meantime. Your professors will prepare you for the projects, internships or anything you do in college.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !