Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Advancement in your professional life requires more than hard work and hoping things will work out. Consider pursuing your master’s in school counseling online at accredited universities such as Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The benefits of doing so are numerous. Read on to learn more.
Maintaining Professional Career
A school counselor degree online is ideal for students who want to earn their degree while maintaining a professional career. Students can research programs to ensure they’re accredited and the curriculum aligns with their goals. They can also look at what other features of the program offer, such as networking opportunities or alum association support services. For teachers, a move from teaching to school counseling is an opportunity to continue their passion for helping young people grow into confident adults. While teachers use their mentorship skills to help guide students, school counselors can support their students more holistically, from academic assistance to family intervention.
Online school counseling students have the same access to professors, courses, and assignments as their campus-based counterparts. During their program, they also complete the same fieldwork, a 100-hour practicum, and a 600-hour internship. Students can gain the flexibility they need for their busy lives while developing their professional skills.
Flexibility
School counselors often have strong listening skills, empathy, and communication abilities. They may use these traits when working with students and families looking to pursue their education and fulfill their dreams. As companies embrace flexibility, they must think beyond the “flip-flop” mentality of ad hoc work-life accommodations offered on request. Leaders must establish broader principles for managing options such as remote and telework, job sharing, compressed workweeks, shift swapping, and part-time work.
When flexibility is implemented without these foundations, it can create disparity across the organization. Leaders need to consider the amount of face-to-face interaction required for different jobs and ensure they are fostering presence equity by inviting remote participants in meetings and making mentorship, development, and career advancement opportunities available to all, regardless of their work location. The result is a more equitable, productive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace.
Move Forward
An online master’s degree in school counseling can be an excellent option for those with work and life experience. Verifying the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation of your selected program is crucial. Whether you have career goals or personal needs, an online graduate degree in school counseling can help you move forward. During your studies, you’ll explore topics like professional development, counseling theories, and child/student development. You’ll also learn how to use your listening, empathy, and communication skills on the job.
An online school counseling degree can give you the credentials to help kids of all ages navigate their challenges. If you love working with children and believe you can truly make a difference in their lives, this is the degree for you. You’ll be able to work in many different educational settings, from elementary schools to colleges. Finding positions in non-profit and government programs like Child and Family Services is also possible.
Helps You Deal With Challenges
Flexibility is a beneficial trait that can help you deal with obstacles, mistakes, or challenges. Adjusting your stance on issues enables you to avoid conflict and build better relationships with others. If you have yet to practice flexibility in your personal life, there are many ways to work on it. Consider changing your routine, trying new things, or meditating regularly. Before choosing an online school counseling program, check whether it is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). You should also find out what state requirements are needed to obtain licensure to practice as a school counselor. Many programs also have resources and support services for online students, like virtual office hours or mentorship opportunities. It allows you to connect with critical support staff while pursuing your degree at your own pace.