What Every Graduate Student Needs to Know

In concert with Counseling Today's November 2006 focus on our graduate students, we offer these words of wisdom, which were originally published in the Sept. 2005 issue of CT:

1. You don't know everything. Mutual respect is the only way we have survived this long, so if something strikes you as (odd, repetitive, nonsensical, counterproductive?pick one) recognize that there are REASONS we do things the way we do. Listen, observe, learn. You can try to change it later.
2. The good news is, no one expects you to know everything. But you are expected to read assigned materials before class, to participate in discussions, and to challenge -- and maybe defend -- your current belief system.
3. You're not perfect, either. While perfection certainly is a goal, it is never TRULY attainable. This truism gives us all purpose.
4. You're going to make mistakes. (See Item #3.) BUT when you do, especially when there's a client involved, you'll need to own up to them immediately and consult with someone who knows a whole lot more than you do (See Item #1) to assess the damage and take steps to repair it.
5. Ramen noodles have provided sustenance to every grad student since Jung studied under Freud. We all survived.
6. A degree in counseling doesn't guarantee licensure. Find out what the requirements are for the state in which you intend to practice and make sure you are meeting all of the requirements as you pursue your degree.
7. You're probably going to have to find a supervisor on your own, and you may have to pay her or him. Start networking NOW.
8. Licensure portability (a.k.a. reciprocity) is a work in progress. If you plan to relocate (or even if you don't PLAN to relocate), keep thorough (and duplicate) records of your supervision and stay in touch with your supervisor(s) for the foreseeable future. (A greeting card during the holidays is a nice touch.)
9. A degree in counseling doesn't guarantee a job in counseling. You will have to write a resume or vita and apply for positions. Figure out how to differentiate yourself from every other counseling student to make yourself marketable upon graduation.
10. We don't advise that you launch your private practice the month after you graduate, pass the NCE, or gain licensure. Get some experience first. (But when you're ready, be sure to take advantage of ACA's Private Practice Initiative. Read ahead if you're caught up on your coursework.)

If you haven't already joined ACA, then take advantage of the student rate for membership. Be sure to subscribe to the COUNSGRAD listserv for educational, and often entertaining, discourse.

Welcome to the group hug that we call the counseling profession.