Alternative Job Options
Hi everyone! I recently graduated from a Master’s in School Counseling program in Seattle. The job market feels pretty competitive right now, and I’m starting to think about alternative career options in case I’m not able to find a school counseling position. What kinds of jobs can someone pursue with a school counseling degree besides school counseling?
I’m also a little confused about salary expectations. Some of my cohorts have already been hired as school counselors and are being placed on MA+45 or MA+90 salary lanes, which is around $80k–$90k annually in some districts. However, someone from a local immigrant information and service center recommended that I look at jobs paying around $33/hour, which would be closer to $60k annually. What a realistic salary range for someone with my degree and experience?
My program also makes me eligible to apply for a mental health counseling associate credential in Washington. One of my cohort is entering the mental health field as a therapist, so I m wondering if that could also be a realistic option for me. But most of my practicum and internship experience was in high school settings, and I don’t have much paid mental health experience outside of school counseling. While I processing my Master degree, I did before and after school caring part-time, which I felt so stupid that I should working on counseling field to gain more experience. But the past is the past, I can't change it :(
Has anyone with a school counseling degree transitioned into mental health counseling, youth case management, nonprofit work, college advising, or other related roles? I would really appreciate any advice!