Bronco Spotlight: Elle Burgess

BS, psychology, 2013;  MA, counselor education, 2016

Current Job Title:

School Counselor

Current Employer:

East Grand Rapids High School

Describe your current job:

As a high school counselor, my duties include, academic, social, and emotional counseling to 9-12th grade students. In addition, I provide post-secondary career and college counseling for those students and families.

What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job, is participating in and/or observing student academic/social/emotional growth- students thriving in their environment and finding their happiness. The most challenging part of my job is wanting the student to experience academic success more than the student does. It's challenging to witness a student not reach their full potential, when they are bound for greatness and have all tools to be successful but don't use the tools!

What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?

Meet with your academic adviser! While in my undergrad years, my adviser guided me towards the academic pathway that I truly desired, just didn't know existed! I wanted to work with young adults but didn't envision myself as a teacher. I wanted to help people, care for people but not in a medical sense. Helping adolescents navigate tough life decisions, is a rewarding and fulfilling career!

What advice do you have for others pursuing a career similar to yours?

Complete a job shadow/internship at various levels. i.e Elementary, Middle and High School. Find your fit! 

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