Pursuing a Career in Student Affairs Counseling

There are many paths to a successful career in counseling, and individuals with a passion for student leadership and well-being in higher educational settings may find a career in student affairs counseling incredibly rewarding.

Rachel Coleman, MS, EdS, NCC, LCMHCA, Director of Career Development and Education at Duke University and owner of Dreaming Tree Counseling, PLLC, in Chapel Hill, recently shared her expertise as a counselor and student affairs professional, particularly for those interested in becoming a student affairs counselor and for those who supervise them.

After serving in many other capacities, Coleman discovered her desire was to work directly with students. Her instinct told her that if her role supported students in any way, she should keep a “pulse” on what they needed. Coleman was continuously inspired by the incredible work her students were doing, which motivated her to provide the best possible services.

“The thing I love most about student affairs is knowing that the work we do has a direct impact on students' college experiences. The support provided from within student affairs can make a significant difference in their ability to succeed,” says Coleman.

Coleman notes the numerous possibilities for counselors to work in student affairs. Individuals with counselor training can serve in career services, counseling services, cultural/identity centers, wellness centers, gender violence prevention, Greek life, first-year student orientation, housing and residence life, commuter student offices, student government advising, study abroad programs, among others. Whether or not their work is in a clinical setting, Coleman believes that the wisdom and skills counselors attain in their education and training are universally valuable. The presence of counselors across campus has a positive impact on students and faculty alike.

“Student affairs work is very relational, so being able to attune to others, listen, identify needs, problem solve, and think creatively are all assets that will assist in all aspects of student affairs,” says Coleman.

Coleman’s specialty resides in career development. She spends a great deal of time facilitating students' self-awareness and reflection so they can make the best decisions for their careers and beyond. She also advocates for creating and sustaining strong support systems that will serve them well now and in the future.

Though career development is her forte, Coleman finds her work crossing paths with numerous departments within student affairs.

“While I use a lot of my training to assist students with career development and exploration, if they present with mental health concerns that are impacting their ability to progress, I refer them to our counseling center,” says Coleman. “It is not an either/or situation. Students may work with the counseling center, or other departments, and the career center concurrently so that we're taking a holistic approach.”

Individuals with an interest in student affairs counseling should take time to explore the different opportunities available and consider how well they align with their professional goals, according to Coleman.

“Every institution is different. Some positions may fall under student affairs, others may fall under academic affairs, some may be embedded in academic departments, others may fall under athletics, and so on,” says Coleman. “When in doubt, talk to others working in these capacities to better understand what the day-to-day looks like.”

Coleman urges counselor supervisors, or anyone supervising student-facing team members, to be mindful of compassion fatigue and burnout, especially during busy times of the semester. Infusing fun into your work, connecting with your staff, celebrating their successes, and cultivating a comfortable environment to discuss professional goals and challenges are also key components.

Ultimately, student affairs counselors have the unique opportunity to promote the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual facets of student development, and thus, their future.

“In my experience, there is an energy in student affairs unmatched to any other setting,” concludes Coleman. “It is a student-first mindset, so people rally together and do what needs to be done. I love the team mentality, the fun, and the camaraderie of this environment.” 

Interested in working with student affairs in the future? Make sure to drop by the Counseling Foundations virtual career fair in spring 2025 to talk with employers and explore your options.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Rachel Coleman, MS, EdS, NCC, LCMHCA, earned an undergraduate degree in education with a minor in psychology. After teaching in the public school system, she completed a combined MS/EdS program in counseling and human systems. Following her graduate work, she spent more than 6 years at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, helping military service members navigate their career transitions.

Coleman is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in North Carolina. She is currently a doctoral candidate at NC State, pursuing her PhD in counseling and counselor education.

Additionally, she maintains a small private practice, Dreaming Tree Counseling, PLLC, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

**Opinions and thoughts expressed in NBCC Visions Newsletter articles belong to the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or practices of NBCC and Affiliates.