Position Overview
An academic advisor is a great person to go to if you are confused about which programs to pick up during a school or college year.
He or she will help you recognize your strengths in certain areas and assist with choosing the right program or major.
Working as an academic advisor is a challenging job. This is because one has to determine each student’s strengths and limitations and then provide the right advice.
Requirements
To be considered eligible to work as an academic advisor, one has to possess a degree in education or a similar area.
Depending on which school, college or university you are employed at, you will be required to discuss different programs with students, and connect students with resources, such as counselors and teachers.
Demonstrating a strong understanding of institutional policies will be expected of you. And you will be required to answer students’ questions and concerns to the best of your knowledge and research.
If working as an academic advisor seems like your dream job, you must go through the following list of duties particular to this position:
See also: Academic Advisor Interview
Academic Advisor Duties & Responsibilities
• Greet students as the approach, and provide them with a comfortable environment.
• Interview students in order to determine their specific strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations.
• Determine students’ likes and dislikes as they relate to academics.
• Assist students in defining and developing realistic educational career plans.
• Provide support in developing study plans.
• Assist with new student orientation tasks.
• Advise students about the content and structure of programs such as graduation and transfer.
• Audit, monitor, and evaluate the individual student academic progress.
• Assist students in developing educational plans, for example, choosing a program of study or clarifying educational goals.
• Provide information to students regarding alternatives and possible consequences of academic decisions.
• Educate students about course planning and registration processes.
• Make referrals where appropriate.
• Plan, design, and execute outreach advising programs for students.
• Act as a primary academic advisor for students.
• Maintain contact with students in order to discuss degree program requirements, and changes of majors.
• Assist college registrars in determining student credits.
• Review scholarship applications, and provide feedback on them.
• Ensure student registrations within set timelines.
• Manage enrollment rosters following set protocols.
• Contribute to student success and retention initiatives.
• Provide general as well as specific information to students about academic-related issues such as graduation requirements, academic policies, and course planning.