Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling)

The path from school to a career is more fragmented than it has ever been, with many and varied branching pathways to employment. The world of work is experiencing continual change, prompting a greater need to make high-quality career counselling services more accessible in primary and high schools, for students studying at higher education institutions, and for the general public.

There is a growing field of research that demonstrates that for students to chart more complex career pathways, awareness of career development needs to begin as early as possible, even in primary school. The Department of Education and Training released The National Career Education Strategy in 2019 and emphasises the need for every student in Australia to have access to high-quality career education from primary school onwards. There is a comparable focus in business and industry to assist workers to plan for and manage changes in the workplace and job market.

The Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling) will equip you with an understanding of the changing world of work, and up-to-date knowledge of career theory, process and practice. Develop strong relationships with students or clients and help them navigate the increasingly complex and branching pathways that connect education to employment.

The Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) has endorsed the Graduate Certificate in Education (Career Development and Counselling) delivered by Queensland University of Technology as meeting the Professional Standards for Australian Career Development Practitioners for a period of 3 years from August 2022 to August 2025.

"Studying through QUT Online, you have access to all that QUT has to offer, but you're able to engage in self-paced study, with lots of support." ~ Master of Education - Sue Irvine

Handle your ongoing professional development independently to ensure your skill set remains relevant to the evolving needs of the education sector.

Provide high-quality career advice to clients while building productive relationships based on trust and mutual understanding of the individual client's needs.

Accurately assess client needs and draw upon professional knowledge of career, study and employment options to provide the best career advice possible.

Understand the contemporary job market and the study and employment resources available, keeping in mind that the world of work is continually changing.

Provide career counselling support for clients, building strong relationships while equipping clients with the skills and knowledge to attain work or manage a career transition.

Clinically supervise tertiary students within a higher education institution, and help coordinate other accessible support services such as workshops, training sessions and webinars.

Work within a school environment to provide students with confidential support services including career guidance and individual counselling.

Help clients form practical return-to-work plans, providing counselling regarding injury management and occupational rehabilitation.