Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of incoming practicum students at a local university. I asked the counselors in my district to tell me what they wish they had known about being a school counselor. I also shared some tips on a successful internship year. We ended up having a great discussion and I realized (remembered) how little I knew about school counseling when I was first starting out too.
I wish I had known…
- I would need a clone! Time management and scheduling so you can advocate for your time will keep you sane.
- When administrators are off campus … I’m the principal.
- You learn A LOT on the job so don’t stress if you don’t know everything right this minute. Give yourself time!
- To take care of me – it’s hard to take care of others all day everyday if you don’t take care of yourself first.
- To take a class on classroom management.
- I’d have to do lunch duty, be the safety advisor, hair stylist for single dads with daughters, so shoe repairs, AND be the school counselor.
- Creating meaningful relationships with students and staff is the most essential first step before any other work can be done.
- To keep a sense of humor and be humble in recognizing you won’t know everything, but are willing to ask questions and learn from others.
- Consult, consult, consult
- Kids are listening ALL the time, even if they don’t appear to be. Be mindful of your hallway conversations with teachers. Redirect teachers who want to unload about their kids within earshot of their students.
- How many hats I wear besides counseling students. Clinical training is your foundation, but you don’t get to use it to the extent you may think while in grad school.
Top 3 tips for a successful internship year:
Be On Time
Schools run like clockwork. When you're late or you don't arrive when expected, you can really throw off everyone's day. Be there when you say you will and stay until you're done.
Be Proactive
School counselors are incredibly busy - don't wait for your supervisor to tell you to do something. Think ahead and start making plans for what you can be doing to stay ahead of the game.
Act Like You Work There
Dress professionally, be courteous, help others out - do what great employees and coworkers do. You really aren't volunteering, the school is generously offering to give you job experience.
Schools run like clockwork. When you're late or you don't arrive when expected, you can really throw off everyone's day. Be there when you say you will and stay until you're done.
Be Proactive
School counselors are incredibly busy - don't wait for your supervisor to tell you to do something. Think ahead and start making plans for what you can be doing to stay ahead of the game.
Act Like You Work There
Dress professionally, be courteous, help others out - do what great employees and coworkers do. You really aren't volunteering, the school is generously offering to give you job experience.
What are your top tips for interns? If you are hosting an intern this year, check out my 5 tips for hosting an intern.
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