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How an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor can use AI, task by task

O*NET 21-1012.00: Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and AdvisorsMedian pay $64,330/year (BLS, May 2025)35 tasksJob Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Academic Advisor, Academic Counselor, Admissions Counselor, Career Counselor, College Counselor, Elementary School Counselor, Guidance Counselor, School Counselor, Student Services Coordinator, Vocational Counselor.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 6%AI-assist 56%Stays human 38%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 3 AI-ready, 20 AI-assist and 12 human-led tasks out of 35. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 3

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Establish and enforce administration policies and rules governing student behavior.

Weekly

AI drafts lesson plans, quizzes and practice scenarios.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft lesson plans, training outlines, quizzes and practice scenarios in minutes. You shape them around your learners and your standards.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to establish and enforce administration policies and rules governing student behavior.

Context: We use Padlet and Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Topic: [behaviour, health education]
Objectives: [what to achieve]

Draft a policy with rules, responsibilities and communication plan. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Education policy draft

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you establish and enforce administration policies and rules governing student behavior (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Objectives] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop educational policies..

Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 45% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.

Context: We use Athena Software Penelope Case Management and Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS.
Program: [student services, other]
Required records: [list]

Draft templates and reports. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Program documentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare reports on students and activities. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Program] and [Required records] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Complete documentation required by programs or regulations.. Also involves: Write reports or evaluations..

Provide special services such as alcohol and drug prevention programs and classes that teach students to handle conflicts without resorting to violence.

A few times a year

AI drafts lesson plans, quizzes and practice scenarios.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft lesson plans, training outlines, quizzes and practice scenarios in minutes. You shape them around your learners and your standards.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to provide special services such as alcohol and drug prevention programs and classes that teach students to handle conflicts without resorting to violence.

Context: We use Padlet and Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Audience: [schools, public, community]
Topic: [conservation, health, safety]

Draft a program with sessions, activities and take-home materials. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Education program outline

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide special services. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Audience] and [Topic] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop educational programs..

AI can help you prep these 20

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.

Daily

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.

Context: We use Athena Software Penelope Case Management and Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS.
Program: [student services, other]
Required records: [list]

Draft templates and reports. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Program documentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain accurate (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Program] and [Required records] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Complete documentation required by programs or regulations..

Refer students to degree programs based on interests, aptitudes, or educational assessments.

Weekly

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to refer students to degree programs based on interests, aptitudes, or educational assessments.

Context: We use Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge and Athena Software Penelope Case Management; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Person's goals: [study, work]
Programs: [options]

Write a short explanation of each option and how to apply. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Program referrals

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you refer students (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Person's goals] and [Programs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Refer individuals to educational or work programs..

Review transcripts to ensure that students meet graduation or college entrance requirements, and write letters of recommendation.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to review transcripts to ensure that students meet graduation or college entrance requirements, and write letters of recommendation.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Subject: [property, item]
Findings: [measurements, condition, values]

Draft the report following standard sections. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Evaluation or appraisal report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review transcripts (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Subject] and [Findings] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Write reports or evaluations.. Also involves: Evaluate characteristics of individuals to determine needs or eligibility..

Evaluate students' or individuals' abilities, interests, and personality characteristics, using tests, records, interviews, or professional sources.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare questions; the listening is yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 51% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare better questions and to organize your notes afterward. Listening to the person in front of you is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to evaluate students' or individuals' abilities, interests, and personality characteristics, using tests, records, interviews, or professional sources.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Program or service: [housing, counseling, benefits, placement]
Criteria: [paste eligibility rules or assessment areas]

Write an assessment conversation: questions mapped to each criterion, documents to request, and a scoring or notes template. Flag questions that need sensitivity.

10-minute exercise: Eligibility or needs assessment

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you evaluate students' or individuals' abilities, interests and personality characteristics (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Program or service] and [Criteria] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use the question map in your next assessment and check every eligibility decision against the official rules.

Don't record people or paste their answers into AI without consent and your employer's approval.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Evaluate characteristics of individuals to determine needs or eligibility..

Assess needs for assistance, such as rehabilitation, financial aid, or additional vocational training, and refer clients to the appropriate services.

Weekly

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to assess needs for assistance, such as rehabilitation, financial aid, or additional vocational training, and refer clients to the appropriate services.

Context: We use Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge and Athena Software Penelope Case Management; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Needs: [housing, food, debt, other]
Resources: [list]

Write clear referral information and next steps. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Community resource referrals

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assess needs for assistance (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Needs] and [Resources] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Call to confirm services are still running.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Refer clients to community or social service programs.. Also involves: Assess individual or community needs for educational or social services.; Refer individuals to educational or work programs..

Attend meetings, educational conferences, and training workshops, and serve on committees.

Monthly

AI explains and quizzes you; confirm against official sources.

Show prompt & steps

AI can explain new developments and quiz you. Confirm what you learn against official sources.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to attend meetings, educational conferences, and training workshops, and serve on committees.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Upcoming training: [topic]
My role: [counselor, social worker]

Give me a primer, 3 questions to ask the trainer, and how to apply it in my work.

10-minute exercise: Training session prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you attend meetings and educational conferences.
Step 2Fill in [Upcoming training] and [My role] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check one claim against an official or professional source.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain professional social services knowledge..

Refer students to outside counseling services.

Monthly

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to refer students to outside counseling services.

Context: We use Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge and Athena Software Penelope Case Management; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Client needs: [legal, financial, counseling]
Local resources: [list what you know]

Write plain explanations of how to get each kind of help. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Resource guide

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you refer students. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Client needs] and [Local resources] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Help clients get needed services or resources..

Conduct follow-up interviews with counselees to determine if their needs have been met.

Monthly

AI helps you prepare questions; the listening is yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare better questions and to organize your notes afterward. Listening to the person in front of you is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to conduct follow-up interviews with counselees to determine if their needs have been met.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Client type: [counseling, employment, education]
Goal of the session: [intake, review, follow-up]

Write open questions, follow-ups, and a progress notes template. Order the questions sensibly, add follow-ups for vague answers, and give me a note-taking template.

10-minute exercise: Client progress interview

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct follow-up interviews.
Step 2Fill in [Client type] and [Goal of the session] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use the notes template and adapt it after.

Don't record people or paste their answers into AI without consent and your employer's approval.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress..

Plan, direct, and participate in recruitment and enrollment activities.

Monthly

AI preps talking points and practice; the relationship is yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps you: talking points, objection handling, tailored outreach and negotiation scenarios. The relationship and reading the room are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to plan, direct, and participate in recruitment and enrollment activities.

Context: We use Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Program: [describe]
Audience: [students, community]

Draft a recruitment pitch and FAQs. Keep claims honest, list likely objections with responses, and role-play the other side so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Program recruitment

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you plan, direct, and participate in recruitment and enrollment activities.
Step 2Fill in [Program] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Ask for feedback on your answers and write down your best line for the real conversation.

Make sure every claim AI writes about your product is true and allowed. Over-promising is on you.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Promote educational institutions or programs..

Instruct individuals in career development techniques, such as job search and application strategies, resume writing, and interview skills.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 35% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to instruct individuals in career development techniques, such as job search and application strategies, resume writing, and interview skills.

Context: We use Padlet and Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Skill: [job search, coping, communication]
Learners: [clients, families]

Plan a session with exercises and take-home practice. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Life strategies session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you instruct individuals.
Step 2Fill in [Skill] and [Learners] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Follow up next session on the practice.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Teach life skills or strategies to clients or their families..

Teach classes and present self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to teach classes and present self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning.

Context: We use Padlet and Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Session: [orientation, self-help, community class]
Audience: [describe]

Plan the agenda, activities and handouts. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Lead a session or event

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you teach classes.
Step 2Fill in [Session] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Lead classes or community events..

Plan and conduct orientation programs and group conferences to promote the adjustment of individuals to new life experiences, such as starting college.

Monthly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to plan and conduct orientation programs and group conferences to promote the adjustment of individuals to new life experiences, such as starting college.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and Google Classroom; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Audience: [students, community]
Need: [adjustment, careers, wellbeing]

Plan events, sessions and outreach with goals and evaluation. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Wellness or career program plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you plan and conduct orientation programs and group conferences.
Step 2Fill in [Audience] and [Need] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Plan programs to address community mental wellness needs.. Also involves: Lead classes or community events..

Address community groups, faculty, and staff members to explain available counseling services.

Monthly

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to address community groups, faculty, and staff members to explain available counseling services.

Context: We use Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge and Athena Software Penelope Case Management; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Program: [counseling, addiction services]
Audience: [clients, groups]

Write clear program information and answers. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Program information

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you address community groups, faculty and staff members. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Program] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Present social services program information to the public..

Identify cases of domestic abuse or other family problems and encourage students or parents to seek additional assistance from mental health professionals.

Monthly

AI helps you prepare questions; the listening is yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare better questions and to organize your notes afterward. Listening to the person in front of you is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to identify cases of domestic abuse or other family problems and encourage students or parents to seek additional assistance from mental health professionals.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Client situation: [general, no names]
Concerns: [barriers, safety]

Write assessment questions and signs to watch. Order the questions sensibly, add follow-ups for vague answers, and give me a note-taking template.

10-minute exercise: Assess a client's environment

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you identify cases of domestic abuse or other family problems. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Client situation] and [Concerns] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use one question at your next session.

Don't record people or paste their answers into AI without consent and your employer's approval.

Importance 4.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Evaluate potential problems in home or work environments of clients.. Also involves: Counsel clients regarding interpersonal issues..

Collaborate with teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of school programs and in the preparation of master schedules for curriculum offerings.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to collaborate with teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of school programs and in the preparation of master schedules for curriculum offerings.

Context: We use Padlet and Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Program: [education, assistance]
Partners: [teachers, agencies]

Plan a collaborative development process and outline. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Joint program development

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with teachers and administrators.
Step 2Fill in [Program] and [Partners] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with other professionals to develop education or assistance programs..

Plan and promote career and employment-related programs and events, such as career planning presentations, work experience programs, job fairs, and career workshops.

Monthly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to plan and promote career and employment-related programs and events, such as career planning presentations, work experience programs, job fairs, and career workshops.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and Google Classroom; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Audience: [students, community]
Need: [adjustment, careers, wellbeing]

Plan events, sessions and outreach with goals and evaluation. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Wellness or career program plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you plan and promote career and employment-related programs and events.
Step 2Fill in [Audience] and [Need] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Plan programs to address community mental wellness needs.. Also involves: Present social services program information to the public..

Supervise, train, and direct professional staff and interns.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to supervise, train, and direct professional staff and interns.

Context: We use Padlet and Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Skill: [program methods]
Trainees: [interns, new staff]

Plan training and supervision. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Social services staff training

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise, train, and direct professional staff and interns.
Step 2Fill in [Skill] and [Trainees] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Train staff members in social services skills.. Also involves: Supervise workers providing client or patient services..

Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.

Monthly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and Google Classroom; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Audience: [students, community]
Need: [adjustment, careers, wellbeing]

Plan events, sessions and outreach with goals and evaluation. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Wellness or career program plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you sponsor extracurricular activities. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Audience] and [Need] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 2.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Plan programs to address community mental wellness needs..

Refer qualified counselees to employers or employment services for job placement.

Monthly

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to refer qualified counselees to employers or employment services for job placement.

Context: We use Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge and Athena Software Penelope Case Management; the work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Person's goals: [study, work]
Programs: [options]

Write a short explanation of each option and how to apply. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Program referrals

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you refer qualified counselees.
Step 2Fill in [Person's goals] and [Programs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 3.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Refer individuals to educational or work programs..

Interview clients to obtain information about employment history, educational background, and career goals, and to identify barriers to employment.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare questions; the listening is yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 56% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare better questions and to organize your notes afterward. Listening to the person in front of you is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to interview clients to obtain information about employment history, educational background, and career goals, and to identify barriers to employment.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Client type: [counseling, employment, education]
Goal of the session: [intake, review, follow-up]

Write open questions, follow-ups, and a progress notes template. Order the questions sensibly, add follow-ups for vague answers, and give me a note-taking template.

10-minute exercise: Client progress interview

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you interview clients (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Client type] and [Goal of the session] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use the notes template and adapt it after.

Don't record people or paste their answers into AI without consent and your employer's approval.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress..

These stay human 12

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Contact with others: constant contact with others · Impact of decisions: important results · Dealing with the public: very important

Counsel students regarding educational issues, such as course and program selection, class scheduling and registration, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to counsel students regarding educational issues, such as course and program selection, class scheduling and registration, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Topic: [courses, career, personal issue]
Who: [student, client]

Prepare questions and options. Then play the client. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Educational or vocational counseling

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you counsel students regarding educational issues (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

📊 People already use AI around this task (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026). The task itself stays human-led.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Counsel clients regarding educational or vocational issues..

Counsel individuals or groups to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to counsel individuals or groups to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Topic: [courses, career, personal issue]
Who: [student, client]

Prepare questions and options. Then play the client. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Educational or vocational counseling

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you counsel individuals or groups (today).
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

📊 People already use AI around this task (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026). The task itself stays human-led.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Counsel clients regarding educational or vocational issues.. Also involves: Counsel clients regarding interpersonal issues.; Counsel clients or patients regarding personal issues..

Prepare students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to prepare students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Topic: [courses, career, personal issue]
Who: [student, client]

Prepare questions and options. Then play the client. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Educational or vocational counseling

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare students (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Counsel clients regarding educational or vocational issues..

Provide students with information on topics such as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs.

Weekly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to provide students with information on topics such as college degree programs and admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, trade and technical schools, and apprenticeship programs.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Topic: [courses, career, personal issue]
Who: [student, client]

Prepare questions and options. Then play the client. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Educational or vocational counseling

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide students (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

📊 People already use AI around this task (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026). The task itself stays human-led.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Counsel clients regarding educational or vocational issues..

Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Situation type: [student crisis, client emergency; no names]
Resources: [crisis line, team, protocol]

Help me prepare calm opening words, safety questions, de-escalation phrases and when to call for help. Then play the person in crisis.

10-minute exercise: Crisis support prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide crisis intervention. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Situation type] and [Resources] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Follow your crisis protocol and involve the right team every time.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Intervene in crisis situations to assist clients..

Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to discuss children's progress, resolve behavioral, academic, and other problems, and to determine priorities for students and their resource needs.

Weekly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to confer with parents or guardians, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to discuss children's progress, resolve behavioral, academic, and other problems, and to determine priorities for students and their resource needs.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Situation: [treatment progress, plans; no names]
Family concerns: [what they may worry about]

Prepare talking points, consent and confidentiality reminders, and responses to hard questions. Then play the family member.

10-minute exercise: Family update conversation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with parents or guardians, teachers and administrators (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Family concerns] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check what you're allowed to share before the conversation.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Confer with family members to discuss client treatment plans or progress.. Also involves: Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments..

Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.

Monthly

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Support: [appointments, transport, devices]
Client goals: [general]

Plan supports and check-ins. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Daily living support

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide students. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Support] and [Client goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Assist clients in handling details of daily life..

Provide information for teachers and staff members involved in helping students or graduates identify and pursue employment opportunities.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to provide information for teachers and staff members involved in helping students or graduates identify and pursue employment opportunities.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Topic: [student support, policy]
Who: [teachers, staff]

Help me prepare: the 3 points that matter most for them, plain-language wording, the questions they're likely to ask, and what I should not advise on without more information. Then play them so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Advice on social or educational issues

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide information for teachers and staff members. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise others on social or educational issues..

Compile and study occupational, educational, and economic information to assist counselees in determining and carrying out vocational and educational objectives.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to compile and study occupational, educational, and economic information to assist counselees in determining and carrying out vocational and educational objectives.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Topic: [courses, career, personal issue]
Who: [student, client]

Prepare questions and options. Then play the client. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Educational or vocational counseling

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you compile and study occupational, educational and economic information.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

📊 People already use AI around this task (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026). The task itself stays human-led.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Counsel clients regarding educational or vocational issues.. Also involves: Compile data or documentation.; Analyze market conditions or trends.; Update professional knowledge..

Observe students during classroom and play activities to evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.

Monthly

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to observe students during classroom and play activities to evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Who and what I observe: [students, players, staff, activity]
What I'm looking for: [behaviour, performance, rule compliance]

Create an observation checklist with clear behavioural indicators, a rating scale, and a notes template. Remind me how to keep notes objective.

10-minute exercise: Observation checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you observe students. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Who and what I observe] and [What I'm looking for].
Step 3Use it once and compare with your usual notes. Keep what helped.

Importance 3.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence.. Also involves: Monitor student performance.; Assess educational needs of students..

Establish and supervise peer-counseling and peer-tutoring programs.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to establish and supervise peer-counseling and peer-tutoring programs.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Supervisees: [interns, counselors]
Case themes: [describe, no client details]

Plan a supervision session: reflective questions, feedback and goals. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Clinical supervision

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you establish and supervise peer-counseling and peer-tutoring programs.
Step 2Fill in [Supervisees] and [Case themes] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Supervise workers providing client or patient services.. Also involves: Plan programs to address community mental wellness needs..

Establish contacts with employers to create internship and employment opportunities for students.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an educational / guidance / career counselor / advisor. Part of my job is to establish contacts with employers to create internship and employment opportunities for students.

Context: The work draws on therapy and counseling, psychology and customer and personal service.
Partners: [employers, schools, referral sources]
Program: [what I'm offering or need]

Prepare an outreach pitch, questions, and how to keep the relationship going. Then play the partner.

10-minute exercise: Partner outreach

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you establish contacts. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Partners] and [Program] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Track contacts and follow-ups in one place.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop working relationships with others to facilitate program activities..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Active Listeningimportance 4.4/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  • Speakingimportance 4.1/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  • Social Perceptivenessimportance 4.1/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Active Learningimportance 3.8/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others
  • Learning Strategiesimportance 3.8/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others
  • Management of Personnel Resourcesimportance 2.9/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others
  • Time Managementimportance 3.1/5
    Used in: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Getting into this job

Bachelor's degree is most common (56% of workers)

  • Associate's 3%
  • Bachelor's 56%
  • Graduate degree 41%
  • On-the-job training: 3–6 months
  • Related experience: 1–2 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values). Some of these estimates are lower precision.

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

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