Advising

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Background –

Generally, advisors work at colleges and universities and are the main point of contact for students who require support with academic questions and concerns. Advisors are able to speak on course and graduation requirements that students are required to take into consideration while planning their educational coursework.

What could I expect to earn while working in this career? $45, 670*

What classes at GVSU may help me in my career? Discuss with your advisor which courses among those on this list, along with other courses not listed here, would best serve your career goals.

  1. PSY 302 – Psychology of Adjustment
  2. PSY 303—Adult Psychopathology
  3. PSY 325 – Educational Psychology
  4. PSY 331 – Adolescent Development
  5. PSY 357 – Psychology of Language
  6. EDF 315 – Diverse Perspectives in Education
  7. COM 301 – Interpersonal Communication
  8. COM 302 – Small Group Communication
man and woman studying

What experiences outside of classes could help prepare me for this line of work?

  1. Join NACADA – National Association that focuses on supporting professional advisors, faculty, administrators, and students in higher education roles.
    1. Offers monetary awards, research grants, job openings, conference possibilities, and professional development opportunities.
  2. Explore Master’s Programs in Higher Education – GVSU offers…
    1. Adult and Higher Education
    2. College Student Affairs Leadership
    3. More information - https://www.gvsu.edu/acad/education-higher-education-med.htm

What skills do advisors generally have?Advisors strive to have good listening skills, communication skills (oral and written), computer skills, a passion for connecting students to opportunities, and cultural competency.

Employer Possibilities - Universities and colleges generally have advisors for each department/major that they offer. For example, a college/university may hire for a new psychology advisor. Example – University of Michigan is hiring a “Coordinator of Academic Programs – Student Success” the position spends 40% of time advising students and 60% of time implementing programs to advance student’s success across campus (Winter 2018).

*Glassdoor (2017) for Academic Advisors


Page last modified November 29, 2022
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