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May 2026

Every issue we ask a counseling student or new professional to pose a career-related question to another counseling professional who has experience in that topic. This month, Maryam Shaikh asks Chelsea Garrison, LPC, CCSP, how to develop a well-rounded skill set for counseling.

Question:
What steps can I take to ensure I’m developing both technical and soft skills during my studies that will be highly valued by employers in my chosen field?

Answer:
My advice is to pursue growth through a variety of professional and personal opportunities. Students can naturally develop teamwork and communication competencies through course projects.

In addition, I recommend building professional relationships with faculty and staff, participating in workshops or events on campus or in the community, and networking with employers at job fairs and with professionals at events to enhance professional connections and therapeutic understanding. Join clubs, student organizations and professional associations related to your field of study to gain deeper understanding in current research. Consider visiting career services or counseling offices for career guidance or soft-skills development.

You can also enhance your skills by pursuing jobs or internship opportunities to practice empathy, perseverance and responsibility. Continue practicing these skills by trial and error and build on strategies that have been effective for you.

You can even engage independently and teach yourself relevant skills, such as creating digital art or learning a foreign language. As you determine your growth areas, create SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-based) goals to develop and master the technical and soft skills you wish to build. You will see growth in yourself, and others will see positive changes in you.