How to Become a Career Consultant

Co-authored by Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

If you have a passion for helping others, you might do well as a career consultant. Consultants help people find jobs that they love and can do long-term. If this sounds like the right career path for you, read through some of these common questions to figure out your next steps.

Question 1 of 7:

What’s the difference between coaching, counseling, and consulting?

A consultant is a professional who provides expert advice. A coach might give you advice on all aspects of your life, not just your career path. A counselor is similar to a therapist, and can help you in a more therapeutic nature. You would typically hire a consultant to work with a business, an individual, a family, or a group. They can help you work toward your professional and personal goals because they are experts in the field.^{[1]
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- Counselors generally need the most schooling, while coaches need the least.

Question 2 of 7:

What does a career consultant do?

Career consultants help people find their optimal career path. As a career consultant, you can help someone determine the job that is right for them, or you can help someone transition out of their current career. If you have a desire for helping people find their passion, becoming a career consultant might be for you.^{[2]
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Question 3 of 7:

What education do you need to become a career consultant?

A bachelor’s degree in your field of interest. Since career consultants are so specialized, you need to be an expert in your field. Usually, a 4-year degree is all that’s required of your career, but you can get further education if you’d like to.^{[3]
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American Chemical Society
Scientific society for those involved with chemistry and publisher of several leading peer-reviewed scientific journals
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- For instance, if you’d like to be a consultant in the chemical sciences industry, you need a Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry.

Question 4 of 7:

What experience do you need as a career consultant?

Around 2 years of experience in your field of choice. It can vary depending on the field that you choose to be an expert in, but generally, a couple of years of real world experience is a must. After you get your degree, spend some time working in the field and gather expert knowledge on hiring, qualifications, networking, and professional connections.^{[4]
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American Chemical Society
Scientific society for those involved with chemistry and publisher of several leading peer-reviewed scientific journals
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- For instance, if you got a degree in chemistry, you might spend 2 years working at a chemical lab.
- Or, if you have a degree in creative writing, you might spend a few years working as a freelance writer or editor.

Question 5 of 7:

Where can you work as a career consultant?

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Work at a consulting firm to help people of all ages. A career consulting firm helps adults find their perfect career path. You might look at someone’s personality, interests, skills, and aptitudes to figure out what job is right for them.^{[5]
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Work as a freelance consultant to find your own clients. As a career consultant, you don’t necessarily need to attach yourself to a consultant firm. If you’d like to help people along their life path, you can set up your own business and market yourself to find clients. After you apply for a business license, you can purchase ad space and advertise your work to the world.^{[6]
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Question 6 of 7:

What makes a good career consultant?

Communication skills are very helpful. Career consultancy firms work with a broad range of people from different backgrounds. Being able to communicate effectively to people is something that firms will be looking for during the interview. Effective communication does not only mean that you can articulate your thoughts, but it also includes being able to actively listen and understand the perspective of the person that you're trying to help.^{[7]
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Question 7 of 7:

How much money does a career consultant make?

It depends a lot on what field you’re in. It also depends if you’re a freelancer or working for a firm. Generally, the more clients you have, the more money you’ll make. Most career consultants charge $75 to $100 an hour for their expert advice.^{[8]
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Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I be a consultant without a degree?

Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
Career Coach
Adrian Klaphaak is a career coach and founder of A Path That Fits, a mindfulness-based boutique career and life coaching company in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also is an accredited Co-Active Professional Coach (CPCC). Klaphaak has used his training with the Coaches Training Institute, Hakomi Somatic Psychology and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) to help thousands of people build successful careers and live more purposeful lives.

Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC

Career Coach

Expert Answer

Perhaps, but you really need to get an education. Pursue an education even if no degree is required. It's essential for anyone who wants to become a career coach to take a career or life coaching certification program at the very minimum. I also think it's important to get a lot of practice and feedback from coaching 'practice clients' as part of your journey. That often happens in certification programs, but you can also volunteer or do pro-bono coaching.
Question

What makes a good career coach?

Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC
Career Coach
Adrian Klaphaak is a career coach and founder of A Path That Fits, a mindfulness-based boutique career and life coaching company in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also is an accredited Co-Active Professional Coach (CPCC). Klaphaak has used his training with the Coaches Training Institute, Hakomi Somatic Psychology and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) to help thousands of people build successful careers and live more purposeful lives.

Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC

Career Coach

Expert Answer

Work on learning to really listen to people. As a career coach, the most important skill you will use is deep listening. There are so many layers and levels to listen to when you're with a client. It's so easy for people to lose sight of their truth amidst all the pressures at work and responsibilities in life. By listening, you can figure out who that person is and what they really want. You can also find out their limiting beliefs to discover what's really holding them back.