Career Development Professional or employment counsellor gives advice, coaches, provides information to, and helps people who are planning, looking for and managing their life or work direction. They may work in a variety of settings but usually work in offices, conducting private interviews with clients and in classrooms or boardrooms where they conduct group sessions. Depending on the organization, career development professional's work hours may include some evening and weekend work. Employment counsellor has post-secondary education in a related discipline like psychology, education, social work or human resources development. They should enjoy consulting with people, compiling information and working with clients to develop innovative solutions to problems. A career development professional should have the following characteristics: • patience, understanding and the ability to listen non-judgementally • a genuine interest in and respect for people from all walks of life • excellent oral and written communication skills and presentation skills • objectivity and tact • the ability to motivate and inspire clients • good organizational and planning skills • the ability to work effectively with other professionals and community agencies.