CAREER GUIDANCE TECHNICIANS California Occupational Guide Number 463 Interest Area 11 1998
THE JOB
CAREER GUIDANCE TECHNICIANS assist students, job-seekers and displaced workers to plan their employment futures. Career Guidance Technicians are responsible for soliciting, collecting, organizing and distributing career and educational information which is received by the school. They may publicize and promote the use of the career center and schedule special presentations and speakers. They also administer and score vocational interest and aptitude tests and use automated career guidance systems. Career Guidance Technicians may also train and supervise assistants and student workers.
Career Guidance Technicians work closely with career counselors to develop and operate comprehensive career guidance and education centers by gathering job information from schools and employers. Consequently, Career Guidance Technicians are the link between this information and its users: students, job seekers, displaced workers, counselors, teachers, administrators, and parents. Technicians may also act as liaison to community based training programs and organizations. To be an effective liaison, Career Guidance Technicians need to stay informed with current labor market information, including job prospects, salaries, training opportunities and requirements. Therefore, Technicians must read career and counseling literature and maintain contact with industry and government recruiters.
Career Guidance Technicians are usually responsible for keeping equipment in good condition and for training other users. Career guidance centers may have computers with Internet access.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Career Guidance Technicians work in a pleasant environment. Career centers are usually located inside schools and are well lighted and air conditioned. Technicians spend time sitting behind a desk, but they may also give presentations. Career Guidance Technicians should have the ability to deal with many different people on a weekly basis. They help students and job seekers use the career center resources, schedule counseling sessions, attend meetings, make presentations, and answer telephone calls. The work is usually performed with little supervision during the nine to ten-month school year.
Career Guidance Technicians are expected to exercise considerable independence, patience, diligence and persistence in performing their duties. Information for emerging occupations is often difficult to obtain, therefore, community contacts are important to keep informed of trends.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Career Guidance Technicians are classified among the broad category of General Office Clerks. The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 387,680 Estimated number of workers by 2005 451,780 Projected Growth 1993-2005 17% Openings due to separations by 2005 113,830
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Career Guidance Technician is a relatively small occupation under the broad category of General Office Clerks. As with many school-related occupations, employment opportunities depend on school enrollment. If the number of students increase, the number of Career Guidance Technicians may increase as well. However, the supply of applicants is sufficient, with job opportunities expected to remain the same.
The growing interest in helping students and others to evaluate career goals and to make career choices may help to create future job opportunities. Since large companies have created career centers for employee development, Technician positions are also available in the private industry. If this trend continues, it might create an additional demand for Technicians.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The median wage reported for Career Guidance Technicians is $9.83 per hour. Some Technicians receive a higher wage for working evenings instead of the normal day shift. Career centers are usually open for students enrolled in night classes; therefore, evening hours are often part of the work schedule. Most Technicians work a 9 or 10-month school year. Certified Technicians may receive higher pay per hour in the larger educational institutions.
Most school districts offer fringe benefits such as medical and dental insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, and retirement programs.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
A high school education, or its equivalent, and related experience are often required by employers. Some employers prefer two years of college coursework. Some schools and colleges seek applicants with Career Guidance Technician Certificates. Training in an undergraduate certificate program is available through several California state universities. However, the certificate is not a requirement for working in many settings. Work experience in businesses, or an internship in a career guidance office are helpful. Some enter the field as aides or part-time workers.
Technicians should have good clerical skills, knowledge of record keeping techniques and standard office procedures, and the ability to type with sufficient skill to enter data into word processors and personal computers. They should also have some familiarity with audio- visual equipment such as video-tape recorders, microfiche readers, projectors, film and slide projectors, and personal computers. Being familiar with Internet research methods is also a plus.
Career Guidance Technicians should possess a basic understanding of career alternatives and requirements so that appropriate assessment tools, college and community resources can be utilized. They should also be familiar with the basic instruments and techniques for career assessment and vocational interests.
The ability to communicate effectively is an essential asset because Technicians must explain career center resources to users individually and collectively. They must be able work cooperatively with teachers and other staff, maintaining good working relationships. Interpersonal skills involve the use of tact, patience, and courtesy.
ADVANCEMENT
Experienced Technicians can advance from a high school center to a college or university career guidance center. Some Career Guidance Technicians continue their education to obtain a Masters Degree in counseling and become Vocational or School Counselors.
FINDING THE JOB
Most Career Guidance Technicians apply directly to high school districts, colleges and/or universities. A written examination and oral interview are usually part of the hiring process. A list of openings is usually available from the California Association for Counseling and Development. College students may locate jobs through the school job placement office or the California Employment Development Department Job Services office.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Association for Counseling and Development 2555 East Chapman Avenue, Suite 201 Fullerton, CA 92831 (714) 871-6460 www.cacd.org./
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Occupational Therapists No. 143 Library Assistants No. 417 Counselors, Rehabilitation & School No. 429
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Career Guidance Technician 249.367-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System General Office Clerks 553470
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Home 
Job Key 
Wages 
Demand