Choosing a career path can feel overwhelming—whether you’re a high school learner, a university student, or even an adult considering a career change. Career counsellors play a vital role in helping individuals discover their strengths, interests, and values to make informed decisions about their future.
Here’s everything you need to know about career counselling and how to become a career counsellor in South Africa.
What is career counselling?
Career counselling is a professional service focused on helping people explore their educational and career options. It’s a process that looks at who you are—your skills, personality, values, and goals—and connects that with suitable study or work paths.
Whether you’re choosing school subjects, unsure about which course to study, looking to pivot careers, or just want to feel more certain about your next steps, a career counsellor can help.
What do career counsellors actually do?
Career counsellors combine psychological insight with practical career guidance. They typically:
- Help clients identify their strengths and interests
- Administer and interpret career assessments
- Guide subject and course selections
- Offer insights into tertiary study options
- Assist with job search strategies and CV building
- Support clients navigating career changes or transitions
- Encourage personal growth and informed decision-making
Where do career counsellors work?
Career counsellors work in a range of environments, such as:
- High schools (often through school-based support programmes)
- Universities and colleges
- Private practices
- NGOs and youth development organisations
- Government (e.g. Department of Higher Education & Training)
- Corporate HR departments and employee wellness services
How do you become a career counsellor in South Africa?
To become a qualified career counsellor in South Africa, you typically need to follow a psychology-related study path, leading to registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
We’ve written a dedicated step-by-step guide that covers exactly what you need to study, how long it takes, and where you can apply:
👉 How to Become a Career Counsellor in South Africa
Can you study career counselling online?
Yes! Many institutions now offer online psychology degrees and short courses related to career counselling. For example:
- Unisa offers fully online psychology degrees
- SACAP offers blended learning options
- Several international platforms offer short courses that can complement your core studies (e.g. Coursera, Udemy)
Just be aware that if you’re aiming to register as a counsellor with the HPCSA, your qualification must be locally recognised and include practical training.
What skills do you need to be a good career counsellor?
Being a career counsellor involves more than just knowing about jobs. You’ll need to support others through some of the most uncertain and emotionally complex decisions they face. Essential skills include:
1. Core Skills:
- Active listening and empathy
- Strong communication and people skills
- The ability to interpret psychometric tests
- Up-to-date knowledge of study and career trends
- Problem-solving and decision-support strategies
2. Personality Strengths:
- Patience and emotional intelligence
- A passion for helping others grow
- Interest in psychology, education, and personal development
- Integrity and ethical awareness
Career counselling is a fulfilling path for anyone who enjoys helping others discover who they are and where they’re meant to go. Whether you work with teenagers choosing subjects or adults seeking a mid-life career shift, your support can change lives.
If you’re interested in this line of work and want to explore how to qualify in South Africa, be sure to check out our detailed guide:
How to Become a Career Counsellor in South Africa
Reviewed April 2025. Always consult a professional for individual guidance.
