Vanessa Karayianni
University of Surrey BA TESOL
London South Bank University PgDip in Careers Guidance

The choice of suitable academic and professional career is not an easy task.  Academic choices depend on a person’s abilities, skills and personality profile.  As a student advisor and counsellor, my main target is to provide guidance in matters relating to professional orientation and career search.  My role largely involves assisting students in making independent decisions regarding any academic dilemma’s they are facing.  Much of a counsellor’s interaction with students involves listening attentively and patiently, promoting a relationship of trust and respect, and allowing students to talk freely and openly about issues that concern them.

My main responsibilities at the school are to help students:

• Understand the abilities, aptitudes, skills and capacities that they need to have or develop for the particular careers they want to pursue.
• Choose the IGCSE and A’ level subjects necessary for a successful academic career.
• Prepare their applications for admission to Universities abroad.
• Comprehend the nature and demands of their chosen of profession.

In addition to the above a counsellor’s duties also include:

• Establishing a relationship of trust and respect with students.
• Attending relevant training courses.
• Liaising, as necessary, with other agencies/institutions and individuals.
• Organizing the annual Careers Fair and other workshops and seminars.