There are many jobs you can do in order to fill your bank account. But very few allow you to make a living and also fill your life with meaning. Earning your master’s degree in professional counseling is the first step toward one of those unique careers.

Here are five ways a master’s in professional counseling leads to a more fulfilling life:

1. You get to see the difference you make each day.

Some people never get to truly see the outcomes of their work. Architects may never see their finest creations built. Counselors may not see the impact they make after a day or a week, but eventually, they see their once troubled clients live a better life thanks, in part, to them.

2. You can branch out of the counselor’s office.

Professional counselors don’t all work in a private practice. They work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, prisons, retirement communities, houses of worship and more! More education through your master’s degree in professional counseling means more freedom to choose where and how you would like to work.

3. You will have more opportunities.

Every job is unique in its requirements, but holding a master’s degree guarantees that you will be qualified for more jobs and opportunities. In addition, these opportunities typically come with a higher salary. Many people decide to go back to school to earn their master’s degrees because they are having difficulty finding employment as they are not qualified for the jobs that they want. With your master’s degree in professional counseling under your belt, you can get the interview to get the job!

4. Your own conflict resolution skills will improve.

Even counselors see counselors. Having a degree or a private practice does not mean that counselors don’t have anxieties, bad habits or family issues. However, in learning how to teach other to deal with conflict, worry or doubt, you will find that you start to implement tactics into your life and relationships. Counselors learn how to speak to someone who is angry or upset, and how to communicate their thoughts and feelings effectively.

5. You can specialize in areas of interest.

Do you like working with children? With clients who suffer from an anxiety disorder? With women? As you study for your master’s in professional counseling, you can focus your studies on areas you would eventually like to concentrate on. While your master’s degree will open many doors for you, having a specialization on a topic may just open the right door.

If you’re ready for a more fulfilling career, talk to our admissions counselors today about applying for our master’s in professional counseling program.

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