How South Carolina is Transforming Career Development with Advanced Career Advisor Training

In an era where career preparation is more important than ever, the South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS) is leading the charge with a powerful initiative aimed at boosting career development across the state. By equipping education professionals and JAG Specialists with advanced skills in student career advising, SCTCS is redefining how South Carolina high school and college students prepare for the job market. 

Why Career Advisor Certification Matters Now More Than Ever 

Across the country, education systems are placing a greater emphasis on career planning as a critical component of student success. With evolving job markets, rapid technological change, and a growing need for skilled talent, students require more than just academic support—they need clear pathways and informed career guidance. 

Recognizing this, SCTCS chose the Institute for Career Advising and Development (ICAD) to provide a private certification program for staff who assist with pathway planning. The Career Advisor Training: Advanced (CAT:A) program was recommended to strengthen the career advising team members that support South Carolina students at every stage of their educational journey. 

Inside the Career Advisor Training: Advanced Program 

The Career Advisor Certification program is a 45-hour, hybrid course focused on giving career advisors the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to guide individuals toward meaningful careers. Here's what the training included: 

• Virtual Modules: Self-paced online learning covering the fundamentals of career advising, career development theory, and more. 

• In-Person Training: A capstone day focused on hands-on application, collaborative exercises, and peer engagement. 

Participants included 25  career center and admissions staff, JAG specialists, and SCTCS administration who serve thousands of high school and college students across the state. 

Measuring the Impact: A Data-Driven Look at Career Development Growth 

To evaluate the program's success, SCTCS and ICAD used a combination of surveys, knowledge assessments, and participant reflections. 

Key Outcomes: 

• Skills increase: Participants improved from an average of 120% in their career advising competency confidence via pre- and post-training assessments. 

• Participant satisfaction: 100% of participants felt more confident in their  knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of career advising after completing the certification. 

 

Voices from the Field: What Participants Had to Say 

The qualitative impact of the certification course was just as powerful as the data. One participant noted: 

“Overall, I was dreading another interactive workshop. But this experience was beneficial for my role and to the students we support! I was happy to have had this experience, and grateful for the opportunity to implement this knowledge in my day-to-day work.” 

Another shared: 

“The course gave practical tools that I can use in my classroom with my students. Lots of tools to add to my toolbox.” 

The Future of Career Development in South Carolina 

By certifying frontline professionals in advanced career development practices, SCTCS is setting a new standard for career advising statewide. The ripple effect of credentialed advisors means more students will receive targeted, informed support as they navigate postsecondary education and workforce options. 

This initiative is also part of a broader effort to build a statewide culture of career pathway planning, especially for students in underserved communities. With plans to expand the CAT-A training, SCTCS aims to further strengthen the network of advisors to help South Carolina’s future workforce thrive. 

Career Development Starts with Empowered Advisors 

The success of the CAT-A certification shows that investing in career development training for educators yields real, measurable outcomes—for students, schools, and the state economy. As South Carolina continues to lead by example, it offers a powerful model for how education systems across the U.S. can elevate their career development efforts. 

Looking to Improve Career Development in Your School or Organization? 

Whether you're an educator, administrator, or workforce leader, now is the time to invest in career advisor training. Contact the ICAD team to learn how similar programs can be implemented in your region.