How to Become an Academic Advisor

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an Academic Advisor

What does an Academic Advisor do?

AN Academic Advisor advises university/college students in course and major selection, requirements for selected area of concentration, and post-college plans. Assists students in setting academic goals, course planning and career development. Being an Academic Advisor may work with individual students or groups. Requires a bachelor's degree in counseling or related field or its equivalent. Additionally, Academic Advisor typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Academic Advisor gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. To be an Academic Advisor typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience.

People's Opinions on Academic Advisor responsibilities

Academic counselors or advisors generally work in colleges.

10/22/2019: Norwich, CT

Some high schools also hire academic advisors to assist students planning on attending college.

10/04/2019: Trenton, NJ

Professors who work as advisors may earn a higher salary and be on the tenure track.

11/12/2019: Grand Rapids, MI

An academic advisor may meet with dozens of students every semester and help them pick classes for the upcoming semester, but they can also work in vocational schools and high schools.

10/12/2019: Tampa, FL

Every cliche about a prosperous life can come true for you with the help of your Academic Advisor.

11/19/2019: Las Vegas, NV
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become an Academic Advisor

Best tips for those who want to become an Academic Advisor

Here are some tips to become an Academic Advisor.

People's Opinions on best tips

Expectations aren’t clear or go unmet.

01/02/2020: Gulfport, MS

You and your advisor just don’t get along.

12/30/2019: Saint Cloud, MN

You may use the Services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms of Use.

12/31/2019: Fargo, ND

Monitoring and Enforcement; Termination.

12/10/2019: Yakima, WA
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Academic Advisor

Best colleges and universities for Academic Advisor

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College
  • Rollins College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be an Academic Advisor

Is being an Academic Advisor Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

Yes, it was just a dream, but this could definitely happen if you underestimate the importance of building a relationship with your academic advisor.

10/28/2019: Boca Raton, FL

Brown also cautions that it’s really important to read ALL the emails that your advisors send you, because it’s the primary way they give out information to students.

12/21/2019: Santa Fe, NM

Advisors can help you map out your classes and get you closer to achieving this goal.

10/04/2019: Lincoln, NE

You can even communicate that your academic advisor isn’t being so helpful and that you could use a second opinion on where you should be headed with your studies.

11/09/2019: Memphis, TN

Becoming an academic advisor means devoting your career to helping young people fulfill their potential.

12/27/2019: Worcester, MA
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being an Academic Advisor

What skills do you need to be an Academic Advisor?

This is not a management position, but still requires important skills in order to fully execute the role.  A keen understanding of the following is necessary for the role: Academic Assessment, Academic Counseling, Budget Administration, Career Counseling, Event Planning and Management, Financial Aid Programs and Policies, Student Counseling, Student Orientation, Student Registration, Organizational Goal Setting, Venue Logistics, Compliance, Student Program Administration, Student Staffing.  Some of the more basic skills utilized in this role include: Student Information Systems (SIS).  These skills are certainly important to the role, but keep in mind, fit into a company culture and environment is often just as important.

People's Opinions on Academic Advisor skills

An Academic Advisor guides young men and women in their pursuit of a career that fits their skills, qualifications, and personality.

12/02/2019: Benton Harbor, MI

Master’s Degree holder in Academic Advising with more than 10 years experience providing valuable counsel in the educational industry seeks to become the Academic Advisor for Allen Community College.

10/08/2019: Casper, WY

If you’re looking for a good academic advisor resume example, you’ve come to the right place.

11/03/2019: Monroe, LA

A passionate, highly qualified, bilingual/multilingual Academic Advisor with experience educating and supporting students throughout the transition from high school to higher education.

11/16/2019: Huntington, WV

Attained acute knowledge of academic institution to educate students on policies and procedures.

10/29/2019: Everett, WA
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Step 6: View average salary for Academic Advisor

How much does an Academic Advisor make?

The average salary range for an Academic Advisor is from $47,975 to $61,020. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for an Academic Advisor
$47,975 to $61,020

Average salary for Academic Advisor jobs

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Step 7: Find relevant Academic Advisor jobs, and apply.

Looking for Academic Advisor jobs?

Here are some Academic Advisor jobs in the United States.

Search Academic Advisor Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Academic Advisor