3 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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3 answers
Suraayah Hunter
Independent Consultant
54
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Suraayah’s Answer
Amber, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and more than five years of teaching experience, you already have a strong foundation for academic advising. What many advisors learn once they enter the field is that advising is not a single, uniform role. Universities and colleges use different advising models, and the day‑to‑day work can vary significantly depending on the department and student population. One of the first things to consider is the type of advising environment you want: developmental advising, major‑specific advising, first‑year experience advising, transfer advising, or student success coaching. Your teaching background positions you well for developmental advising and student success roles, where communication, structure, and empathy are essential.
Because you are in Leander, Texas, you have access to a wide range of institutions—Austin Community College, the University of Texas at Austin, and several private colleges in the Austin metro area. Each type of institution hires advisors differently. Community colleges often value teaching experience and student‑support skills more than advanced degrees. Large universities may prefer a master’s degree but frequently hire advisors with strong communication skills and classroom experience. Private colleges often prioritize advising style, personality, and student‑centered mindset over formal credentials. Thinking about which environment aligns with your personality and long‑term goals will help you target the right opportunities.
Another important consideration is internal mobility. Academic advising is often a gateway into broader student‑affairs roles such as career services, student success leadership, academic program coordination, or global education. Advisors frequently transition into study‑abroad offices, international student support, or global program coordination. If you ever want to work overseas, advising can be a strong entry point because universities with international campuses or partnership programs often hire advisors who understand American academic structures.
It is also helpful to understand the training expectations. Advising roles typically include structured onboarding, policy training, and ongoing professional development. You do not need certification to begin, but you should be prepared to learn advising software systems, degree‑audit tools, and institutional policies. Many advisors mention that the administrative and policy components of the job are more substantial than they expected. Your teaching experience gives you an advantage because you already understand how to manage student information, maintain structure, and support learners through academic decisions.
Finally, consider the return on investment, salary expectations, and quality of life. In Texas, academic advisors often earn between $45,000 and $65,000 depending on the institution. The quality of life can be strong: predictable schedules, campus environments, and opportunities to grow into senior advisor, advising coordinator, or director roles. If you choose to pursue a master’s degree later, it can expand your options, but it is not required to start. The real question is which advising environment aligns with your personality, your long‑term goals, and the lifestyle you want to build.
You have more options than you may realize. Your background already fits advising, and with a clear sense of the type of advisor you want to become, you can move forward confidently.
- Dr. Hunter
1. Decide which advising environment fits you best—developmental advising, first‑year experience, major‑specific advising, or student success coaching—so you can target institutions that match your strengths and teaching background.
2. Explore Austin Community College, the University of Texas at Austin, and nearby private colleges to understand their advising models, hiring requirements, and the student populations you’d be supporting.
3. Familiarize yourself with common advising systems such as degree‑audit tools, student information systems, and academic planning platforms, since these are often part of the onboarding process and valued by hiring managers.
4. Reach out to academic advisors at local institutions to ask about their day‑to‑day work, training expectations, and internal mobility opportunities; this insight will help you refine your direction and prepare for interviews.
5. Begin applying to advising roles that match your background, and consider long‑term pathways such as student affairs, career services, global education, or international program coordination if you want future mobility or overseas opportunities.
Because you are in Leander, Texas, you have access to a wide range of institutions—Austin Community College, the University of Texas at Austin, and several private colleges in the Austin metro area. Each type of institution hires advisors differently. Community colleges often value teaching experience and student‑support skills more than advanced degrees. Large universities may prefer a master’s degree but frequently hire advisors with strong communication skills and classroom experience. Private colleges often prioritize advising style, personality, and student‑centered mindset over formal credentials. Thinking about which environment aligns with your personality and long‑term goals will help you target the right opportunities.
Another important consideration is internal mobility. Academic advising is often a gateway into broader student‑affairs roles such as career services, student success leadership, academic program coordination, or global education. Advisors frequently transition into study‑abroad offices, international student support, or global program coordination. If you ever want to work overseas, advising can be a strong entry point because universities with international campuses or partnership programs often hire advisors who understand American academic structures.
It is also helpful to understand the training expectations. Advising roles typically include structured onboarding, policy training, and ongoing professional development. You do not need certification to begin, but you should be prepared to learn advising software systems, degree‑audit tools, and institutional policies. Many advisors mention that the administrative and policy components of the job are more substantial than they expected. Your teaching experience gives you an advantage because you already understand how to manage student information, maintain structure, and support learners through academic decisions.
Finally, consider the return on investment, salary expectations, and quality of life. In Texas, academic advisors often earn between $45,000 and $65,000 depending on the institution. The quality of life can be strong: predictable schedules, campus environments, and opportunities to grow into senior advisor, advising coordinator, or director roles. If you choose to pursue a master’s degree later, it can expand your options, but it is not required to start. The real question is which advising environment aligns with your personality, your long‑term goals, and the lifestyle you want to build.
You have more options than you may realize. Your background already fits advising, and with a clear sense of the type of advisor you want to become, you can move forward confidently.
- Dr. Hunter
Suraayah recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, Suraayah!
Amber
Martha D. Kramer
Corporate Training and Communications
106
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
131
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.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Amber