2 answers
Amber
Student
Leander, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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how do I get a job as a Academic Advisor at a University or College with BA in Psychology
Do I need to get a certification to become an Academic advisor. I do have teaching experience for 5 plus years
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2 answers
Martha D. Kramer
Corporate Training and Communications
100
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
Hi, Amber - this is a great question and Sijoy has given excellent advice. A few other thoughts:
- You did not say what level(s) you are teaching. If precollege, perhaps you could advise a club to gain relevant experience.
- If college, perhaps you could advise students on their research/senior theses for the same reason. Or you could ask about part-time advising roles, such as at a tutoring center. It could be easier to get an early advising job because they know you.
The first link below is to Indeed.com information about the academic advising profession. The second is to information about becoming an academic advisor from the National Academic Advising Association (known as NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising), which Sijoy also mentioned. This is an international non-profit association for higher education professionals, faculty, and students dedicated to the quality of academic advising.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Indeed - https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/academic-advisor?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmozTBhAeEiwAkEGZzhNShi7Lt-EY_rt7w1THif8L5kF7REnm6WbcGkuVGo0fvBOb_-GvGxoCMAgQAvD_BwE&gad_campaignid=696031637&gbraid=0AAAAADfh6_ujgDdnAltEhxuXocf9To7mo&aceid=&gclsrc=aw.ds
NACADA - https://nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Clearinghouse/Becoming-an-Advisor
- You did not say what level(s) you are teaching. If precollege, perhaps you could advise a club to gain relevant experience.
- If college, perhaps you could advise students on their research/senior theses for the same reason. Or you could ask about part-time advising roles, such as at a tutoring center. It could be easier to get an early advising job because they know you.
The first link below is to Indeed.com information about the academic advising profession. The second is to information about becoming an academic advisor from the National Academic Advising Association (known as NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising), which Sijoy also mentioned. This is an international non-profit association for higher education professionals, faculty, and students dedicated to the quality of academic advising.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Martha D. recommends the following next steps:
Sijoy Sagar
Program Manager
21
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sijoy’s Answer
Hi Amber,
It's fantastic that you are thinking about becoming an academic advisor. Your psychology background and over five years of teaching experience give you a great start for this role. Being an academic advisor is more about using your skills in guidance, communication, and helping students than having a specific certification.
Here are some things to remember:
1. Education: Your BA in Psychology is often enough for entry-level advising jobs. Some places might prefer or ask for a master's degree in education or counseling, but it's not always needed.
2. Experience: Your teaching experience is a big plus. It shows you know how to work with students, help them through challenges, and support their learning.
3. Valuable skills: Employers look for strong communication, empathy, and organizational skills. Being able to help students plan their academic paths and being comfortable with technology are also important.
4. Certifications: They are not required, but joining professional development programs like those from NACADA can boost your profile and show your dedication.
You don't need a certification to start but getting one later can help you grow and stand out. With your background, you are already in a great position to apply for advising roles. Wishing you all the very best in your future endeavors.
It's fantastic that you are thinking about becoming an academic advisor. Your psychology background and over five years of teaching experience give you a great start for this role. Being an academic advisor is more about using your skills in guidance, communication, and helping students than having a specific certification.
Here are some things to remember:
1. Education: Your BA in Psychology is often enough for entry-level advising jobs. Some places might prefer or ask for a master's degree in education or counseling, but it's not always needed.
2. Experience: Your teaching experience is a big plus. It shows you know how to work with students, help them through challenges, and support their learning.
3. Valuable skills: Employers look for strong communication, empathy, and organizational skills. Being able to help students plan their academic paths and being comfortable with technology are also important.
4. Certifications: They are not required, but joining professional development programs like those from NACADA can boost your profile and show your dedication.
You don't need a certification to start but getting one later can help you grow and stand out. With your background, you are already in a great position to apply for advising roles. Wishing you all the very best in your future endeavors.