How Do I Get a Job as a College Academic Advisor? 6 Must-Know Areas to Prepare For

College academic advising has evolved far beyond helping students pick classes and understand degree requirements. Today’s academic advisors play a central role in student success, retention, belonging, and personal growth. Advisors often serve as coaches, mentors, problem-solvers, and trusted guides who help students navigate college life and future career goals.

As colleges increasingly focus on student persistence and holistic support, the demand for skilled academic advisors continues to grow. Whether you are a recent graduate, career changer, higher education professional, or someone passionate about helping students succeed, academic advising can be an incredibly rewarding career path.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to become a college academic advisor, including the education, skills, certifications, and experience that can help you stand out in today’s higher education job market.

What Does a College Academic Advisor Do?

College academic advisors help students:

• Select courses

• Understand degree requirements

• Explore career and transfer pathways

• Navigate academic and life challenges

• Connect with campus resources

• Stay on track toward graduation

Many advisors also support student retention and belonging efforts by helping students feel connected, supported, and confident throughout their college experience.

What Degree Do You Need to Become an Academic Advisor?

Most colleges require academic advisors to hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Common majors include:

• Education

• Psychology

• Communication

• Sociology

• Counseling

• Human Development

• Humanities

There is no single “best” major to have, and academic advisors can truly come from any undergraduate major. Employers often care just as much about communication skills and relationship-building abilities.

Do You Need a Master’s Degree to Be an Academic Advisor?

Some colleges and universities require or prefer candidates with a master’s degree, particularly for university advising roles or advancement opportunities.

Common graduate degrees include Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Communication, and Educational Leadership.

However, many colleges and student support offices hire advisors with bachelor’s degrees, especially when candidates have strong experience working with students.

What Skills Are Most Important for Academic Advisors?

Modern academic advising is highly relationship-focused. Strong advisors know how to build trust, communicate effectively, and help students think through challenges and goals.

Important skills include:

• Active listening

• Empathy

• Goal setting

• Asking questions

• Conflict resolution

• Email and written communication

• Coaching conversations

• Organization and time management

Many colleges now seek advisors who can blend advising with coaching strategies that support student motivation, confidence, and persistence. [Related Reading: The Silent Dropout Risk That's Hard to Spot]

Should You Earn an Academic Advising Certificate?

Earning an academic advising certificate or completing professional development training can help you stand out in a competitive job market. It's not uncommon for an advisor position to receive dozens of applicants, some with higher-education experience.

Professional training like this can help you build practical, real-world advising skills that colleges increasingly value. It can also demonstrate initiative and commitment to student success work when applying for positions. Before deciding if a certification is right for you, consider time, budget, and goals.

How Do You Get Hired as a College Academic Advisor?

When applying for advising positions, highlight at the top and throughout your resume:

• Experience working with students at any level

• Communication strengths

• Coaching or mentoring experience

• Knowledge of higher education

• Training or facilitation experience

Networking can also help. If you have a college in mind, look on LinkedIn to find advisors who already work there. Reach out to schedule an informal chat to learn more about their role, without telling them you hope to apply there someday. This is a way to build a connection at the college.

Strong resumes for advising positions often demonstrate a genuine passion for helping students succeed.

Final Thoughts on Becoming a College Academic Advisor

Academic advising is one of the most impactful careers in higher education. Advisors help students navigate uncertainty, overcome barriers, build confidence, and ultimately achieve their educational goals.

As colleges increasingly prioritize student success, retention, and belonging, the demand for skilled, student-focused advisors continues to grow. With the right combination of education, experience, communication skills, and professional training, you can build a rewarding career helping students thrive.