CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 2

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 2

Educational and Career Plan

Career planning is a lifelong process that entails acquiring the necessary academic
qualifications, working on an individual’s skills, getting a job, and climbing up the professional
ladder. Long term and short-term plans always take this format, even though things might be a
little bit different when trying to match expectations with the reality on the ground. Career
planning starts by identifying personal skills, interests, and passions. Having a realistic career
plan is a crucial part of professional and personal growth and development. Having a plan for the
future is an effective way of ensuring that there is a specific set timeline for accomplishing
certain goals, and a slid plan ensures that one does not lose motivation or focus. A plan enhances
accountability, provides inspiration, and provides one with an opportunity to maximize the true
potential. Career planning is about asking oneself what life after graduation will look like. In
today’s world, having a job is a necessity of life because knowledge acquired at the college level
needs to be applied in real-life settings. That way, an individual develops professionally,
personally and aids in the development of society. My career plan is a success story detailing
way through which I hope to leave a positive impression in the lives of veterans by helping them
transition from military life to civilian life and aid in the overall re-integration into society.

Degree Plan

My intended concentration area is general psychology. I want to work with the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) where I will be providing services to the veterans. The
field of general psychology is quite wide, and it involves very many other disciplines under it.
Basically, students investigate the behavior of humans. They look into how humans think, learn,
as well as develop both socially and emotionally. Degree programs in this area are quite broad,
but as one goes to higher levels such as Master’s, the area of specialization narrows down. I want

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 3
to pursue a master’s degree and learn how to help people deal with trauma because I hope to
work with the American veterans, who have been through quite a lot in life; their behavior has
also changed quite a lot over the years, hence a master’s degree in this field will be useful to me
in my career path. The master’s degree in this field will equip me with the necessary knowledge
and skills to provide the required services to this group of people. I will specifically be taking the
comprehensive exam. I chose the exam option because it will provide me with an opportunity to
sit for a comprehensive exam that will cover a wide base of material and qualify me to earn my
master’s degree. I am choosing this option because its nature appeals to me the most.
Course Number Course Name
PS501 Foundations of Professional Psychology

1903A

PS512 Research Design in Applied Behavior Analysis

2001A

PS517 Advanced Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis

2001A
Not Scheduled

PS527 Implementing Behavioral Change

2002A

PS507 Ethics for Behavior Analysts

2003A

PS532 Clinical Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis

2003A

PS555 Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum

2004A

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 4

PS600 Comprehensive Exam

2004A

Licensure/Credentialing Plan

Required Licensure/Credentialing
Veteran counselors are classified under rehabilitation counselors. A veteran counselor is
required to have a masters’ degree in rehabilitation counseling or one related to counseling. A
veteran counselor is required to obtain a license after fulfilling educational requirements. A
candidate must apply for and take an exam the National Counsellor Examination (NCE) that is
issued by the National Board of Certified Counsellors (Counselor License, 2019).
Steps and Requirements
A professional counselor must have earned a master’s degree from a program that is
accredited by the council for the Accreditation of Counselling and Related Educational Programs
(CACREP) for him or her to be licensed (Counselor License, 2019). In Florida, not all programs
that are accredited by CACREP qualify for professional counseling licensure. For the program to
qualify, it must comprise of eighty quarter credits or sixty-semester credits. It must also include
courses in each of these areas: human growth and development, counselling theories and
practices in; ethical, legal, and professional standards, counselling in community settings,
substance abuse, group theories and practice, diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology,
human sexuality, lifestyle assessment, and research and program evaluation. Another
requirement for licensure is that candidates are required to complete 1000 hours of field
experience, that is sponsored by the university as part of their master’s programs. This can
include either practicums or internships (Counselor License, 2019). Also, candidates who want

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 5
to be licensed as family counselors must complete at least one practicum or internship. The state
of Florida does not, however, specify the number of hours that must be completed. Before a
candidate can be licensed as a counselor, he or she must have completed at least 280 hours of
contact with clients.
Additional Requirements
Upon receiving the license, it must be maintained and renewed accordingly. Licenses
expire every 31 st March at midnight of every year that is odd-numbered. Professionals are
expected to renew their licenses. However, before they can have them renewed, they must have
completed thirty hours of advancing education from providers that are already approved.

Career Plan

Career Goals
In three years, I will have graduated with a Master’s degree in general psychology.
Success for me will be achieving this goal. I will have worked for more than two years to acquire
this degree, so this will be a great achievement for me. At graduation, my goal is to have
completed the requirements for my licensure. At this stage, my aim is to have completed 1000
hours of field experience, that will have been sponsored by the university as part of my master’s
program. I will be a few steps to fulfilling the licensure requirements.
Within the first three years, I aim at having acquired my license after fulfilling all the
licensure requirements in the State of Florida. After which, I hope to join a community-based
Vet Center that provides veterans with therapy treatment, counseling, community outreach and
referral to Veteran Affairs (VA) department. My passion has been to work with this special
group of people because their dedication to providing service to this country inspires me. I will
finally have gotten an opportunity to work with and help them cope with life’s changes. Working

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 6
in the armed forces affects both the emotional and emotional wellbeing, and I will be there to
help these individuals transition.
In the next five years, I hope to have gotten a foundation in my career as a veteran
counselor. I hope to start at the community level because other higher organizations working
with veterans require experience. I will gain my experience at the community level and acquire
additional education. With the availability of online programs, I will study online while I work. I
will take evening classes and weekend classes at times to ensure that I sharpen my skills at
becoming the best veteran counselor in the center. As a veteran counselor, I will help them
transition from military life back to civilian life. My goal will be to help veterans manage or
overcome obstacles that have affected their personal, professional, and social lives. I will be
dealing with veterans who will have developed disorders related to trauma experienced while in
the war fields, such as guilt and grief. My goal will be to help them access other services as well
other than counseling such as medical care and career training. I will also help in counseling
their families readjust and know how to take care of their family member.
In the next ten years, I will have gained a wealth of experience and acquired educational
education. I will be an experienced and well-qualified veteran officer renowned for her efforts in
helping veterans re-enter civilian society and get re-integrated in their community. I will have
acquired enough expertise to practice independently, and use my professional expertise and
judgment to make decisions about treatment options and services that can help improve the
health and general well-being of veterans (Psychology School Guide, 2019). My goal is to be
working with combat veterans and provide counseling services to them even those that have been
sexually traumatized while working in the armed forces. I aim at being competent in conducting
psycho-social analysis

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 7
Additional Education, Licensure, or Credentialing
Veteran counselors have various opportunities to continue with their education at the
University even after being licensed. As such, to be able to meet my career goals, I will enroll at
the University of Florida Counseling and Wellness Center, where I will take extra classes in
different topics such as addiction and group therapeutic approaches. Other topics that I will
register for include Florida Law and Ethics, human trafficking, opioids, and domestic violence
(Human Services Guide, 2019). To be able to meet the licensure renewal requirements for the
State of Florida, I will take the home study package, where I will be in a position to study online
while at home and ensure that I fulfill the requirements that will allow me to have my license
renewed.
Career Center Resources
I will use the career center resources to equip myself with the necessary skills on how to
position myself in the job market, find an internship, and even a volunteer opportunity during my
master’s program. Volunteering before graduation will help me form network relationships
which will be useful when I will be searching for a job. Also, I will use the resources to learn
how to develop my resume, specifically the fundamentals of building a resume that will increase
my chances of securing employment. Upon graduation, I will join the career networking
platform and connect with alumni and other professionals where we will connect around career
topics. This forum will be beneficial to me when deciding on the additional topics to study as I
acquire additional education and sharpen my skills as a veteran counselor.
Other Purdue Global Resources
Purdue Global Resources specifically, the Writing Center will help me consult with
individuals who will help me sharpen my writing skills. The consultants at the writing center are

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 8
trained in tutoring writing, and they have also been through the experiences of having to attend
multiple classes while at the same time working at a part-time job and as an intern so as to fulfill
the degree requirements. As such, they will provide me with advice on how to juggle between all
these and still complete my degree successfully and in time. I will also use the consultants to
boost my confidence and reassure me of my strengths. I will be able to know my strengths and
identify what I can do to make the most out of them. I will use the resources to improve my
personal statements, cover letters and resumes. Writing does not end after completing my degree
program. I am aware that strong personal statements and resumes stick out among the best in job
applications. I want to constantly improve mine so that I do not have to use the same resume
twice without making improvements. Also, I will be taking extra lessons after completing my
master’s program, and I will need to write exams and emails to my instructors. Writing resource
center will come in handy by helping me communicate better and effectively. Learning is a
lifelong process, and I want to continue using the writing center to continuously learn and make
a better version of myself.
Resources Outside of PG
My career success will be limited by my involvement in professional societies, my
interaction with mentors as well as my readiness to be mentored. As such, I will read
professional publications done by these societies as they will be instrumental in my career
advancement. They are published by professionals who have a wealth of experience. Therefore, I
will use them to get better positioning in my career and use the tips and advice provided to
develop myself professionally. Interacting with these professionals will also help me develop
professional excellence because they have the expertise that I may not be having since they have
been in the profession quite longer than I have. I will join these professionals and use the

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 9
resources within them to row my professional interests as we sharpen our skills together. Also, I
will have mentors in my line of career who will provide me with professional socialization and
offer me support to facilitate my career success.
Conclusion

Overall, my career plan provides me with professional direction and a well thought out
plan of where I hope to position myself in the professional field. It outlines the knowledge, skills,
and network that I require to achieve my goals. A significant proportion of my life will be spent
achieving my career goals and trying to achieve success in my profession. As such, it is
important to have a guide or a plan that will provide direction and keep me on track throughout
the process. My career plan gives my professional achievements true meaning, a life, and a
purpose. I have for the longest time wanted to work in the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs
(VA). However, I understand that passion and interest must be matched with academic
qualifications. This career plan is a guide to the achievement of my professional success.

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 10

References

Counselor License. (2019). Counseling Licensure Requirements in Florida. Retrieved 29 August
2019, from https://counselor-license.com/state-licensure/florida/
Human Services Guide. (2019). Florida LPC Counselor Certification | FL Counseling Licensure.
Retrieved 29 August 2019, from https://www.humanservicesedu.org/florida-counseling-
license.html
Psychology School Guide. (2019). Veterans Counselor | Education Requirements and Job Duties.
Retrieved 29 August 2019, from https://www.psychologyschoolguide.net/counseling-
careers/how-to-become-a-veterans-counselor/

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 11

Licensure/Credentialing Requirements

Education Requirements for Counselors in Florida
Education and Coursework
Licensed professional counselor (LPC) candidates in Florida must earn a master’s degree
from a program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related
Educational Programs (CACREP). Not all CACREP-accredited programs automatically qualify
for Florida counseling licensure, however.
The program must also comprise 60 semester credits or 80 quarter credits and include
courses in each of the following areas: counseling theories and practices; legal, ethical, and
professional standards; human growth and development; substance abuse; diagnosis and
treatment of psychopathology; counseling in community settings; human sexuality; social and
cultural foundations; group theories and practice; research and program evaluation; individual
evaluation and assessment; and career and lifestyle assessment.

Practicum and Internship
As part of their master’s programs, LPC candidates must complete 1,000 hours of
university-sponsored field experience, which can include internships and practicums. LMFT
candidates must also complete at least one internship or practicum, but the state does not specify
a required number of hours. Both types of candidates must complete 280 hours of direct client
contact.
Source: https://counselor-license.com/state-licensure/florida/

Educational and Career Plan

Career planning is a lifelong process that entails acquiring the necessary academic
qualifications, working on an individual’s skills, getting a job, and climbing up the professional
ladder. Long term and short-term plans always take this format, even though things might be a
little bit different when trying to match expectations with the reality on the ground. Career
planning starts by identifying personal skills, interests, and passions. Having a realistic career
plan is a crucial part of professional and personal growth and development. Having a plan for the
future is an effective way of ensuring that there is a specific set timeline for accomplishing
certain goals, and a slid plan ensures that one does not lose motivation or focus. A plan enhances
accountability, provides inspiration, and provides one with an opportunity to maximize the true
potential. Career planning is about asking oneself what life after graduation will look like. In
today’s world, having a job is a necessity of life because knowledge acquired at the college level
needs to be applied in real-life settings. That way, an individual develops professionally,
personally and aids in the development of society. My career plan is a success story detailing
way through which I hope to leave a positive impression in the lives of veterans by helping them
transition from military life to civilian life and aid in the overall re-integration into society.

Degree Plan

My intended concentration area is general psychology. I want to work with the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) where I will be providing services to the veterans. The
field of general psychology is quite wide, and it involves very many other disciplines under it.
Basically, students investigate the behavior of humans. They look into how humans think, learn,
as well as develop both socially and emotionally. Degree programs in this area are quite broad,
but as one goes to higher levels such as Master’s, the area of specialization narrows down. I want

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 3
to pursue a master’s degree and learn how to help people deal with trauma because I hope to
work with the American veterans, who have been through quite a lot in life; their behavior has
also changed quite a lot over the years, hence a master’s degree in this field will be useful to me
in my career path. The master’s degree in this field will equip me with the necessary knowledge
and skills to provide the required services to this group of people. I will specifically be taking the
comprehensive exam. I chose the exam option because it will provide me with an opportunity to
sit for a comprehensive exam that will cover a wide base of material and qualify me to earn my
master’s degree. I am choosing this option because its nature appeals to me the most.
Course Number Course Name
PS501 Foundations of Professional Psychology

1903A

PS512 Research Design in Applied Behavior Analysis

2001A

PS517 Advanced Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis

2001A
Not Scheduled

PS527 Implementing Behavioral Change

2002A

PS507 Ethics for Behavior Analysts

2003A

PS532 Clinical Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis

2003A

PS555 Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum

2004A

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 4

PS600 Comprehensive Exam

2004A

Licensure/Credentialing Plan

Required Licensure/Credentialing
Veteran counselors are classified under rehabilitation counselors. A veteran counselor is
required to have a masters’ degree in rehabilitation counseling or one related to counseling. A
veteran counselor is required to obtain a license after fulfilling educational requirements. A
candidate must apply for and take an exam the National Counsellor Examination (NCE) that is
issued by the National Board of Certified Counsellors (Counselor License, 2019).
Steps and Requirements
A professional counselor must have earned a master’s degree from a program that is
accredited by the council for the Accreditation of Counselling and Related Educational Programs
(CACREP) for him or her to be licensed (Counselor License, 2019). In Florida, not all programs
that are accredited by CACREP qualify for professional counseling licensure. For the program to
qualify, it must comprise of eighty quarter credits or sixty-semester credits. It must also include
courses in each of these areas: human growth and development, counselling theories and
practices in; ethical, legal, and professional standards, counselling in community settings,
substance abuse, group theories and practice, diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology,
human sexuality, lifestyle assessment, and research and program evaluation. Another
requirement for licensure is that candidates are required to complete 1000 hours of field
experience, that is sponsored by the university as part of their master’s programs. This can
include either practicums or internships (Counselor License, 2019). Also, candidates who want

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 5
to be licensed as family counselors must complete at least one practicum or internship. The state
of Florida does not, however, specify the number of hours that must be completed. Before a
candidate can be licensed as a counselor, he or she must have completed at least 280 hours of
contact with clients.
Additional Requirements
Upon receiving the license, it must be maintained and renewed accordingly. Licenses
expire every 31 st March at midnight of every year that is odd-numbered. Professionals are
expected to renew their licenses. However, before they can have them renewed, they must have
completed thirty hours of advancing education from providers that are already approved.

Career Plan

Career Goals
In three years, I will have graduated with a Master’s degree in general psychology.
Success for me will be achieving this goal. I will have worked for more than two years to acquire
this degree, so this will be a great achievement for me. At graduation, my goal is to have
completed the requirements for my licensure. At this stage, my aim is to have completed 1000
hours of field experience, that will have been sponsored by the university as part of my master’s
program. I will be a few steps to fulfilling the licensure requirements.
Within the first three years, I aim at having acquired my license after fulfilling all the
licensure requirements in the State of Florida. After which, I hope to join a community-based
Vet Center that provides veterans with therapy treatment, counseling, community outreach and
referral to Veteran Affairs (VA) department. My passion has been to work with this special
group of people because their dedication to providing service to this country inspires me. I will
finally have gotten an opportunity to work with and help them cope with life’s changes. Working

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 6
in the armed forces affects both the emotional and emotional wellbeing, and I will be there to
help these individuals transition.
In the next five years, I hope to have gotten a foundation in my career as a veteran
counselor. I hope to start at the community level because other higher organizations working
with veterans require experience. I will gain my experience at the community level and acquire
additional education. With the availability of online programs, I will study online while I work. I
will take evening classes and weekend classes at times to ensure that I sharpen my skills at
becoming the best veteran counselor in the center. As a veteran counselor, I will help them
transition from military life back to civilian life. My goal will be to help veterans manage or
overcome obstacles that have affected their personal, professional, and social lives. I will be
dealing with veterans who will have developed disorders related to trauma experienced while in
the war fields, such as guilt and grief. My goal will be to help them access other services as well
other than counseling such as medical care and career training. I will also help in counseling
their families readjust and know how to take care of their family member.
In the next ten years, I will have gained a wealth of experience and acquired educational
education. I will be an experienced and well-qualified veteran officer renowned for her efforts in
helping veterans re-enter civilian society and get re-integrated in their community. I will have
acquired enough expertise to practice independently, and use my professional expertise and
judgment to make decisions about treatment options and services that can help improve the
health and general well-being of veterans (Psychology School Guide, 2019). My goal is to be
working with combat veterans and provide counseling services to them even those that have been
sexually traumatized while working in the armed forces. I aim at being competent in conducting
psycho-social analysis

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 7
Additional Education, Licensure, or Credentialing
Veteran counselors have various opportunities to continue with their education at the
University even after being licensed. As such, to be able to meet my career goals, I will enroll at
the University of Florida Counseling and Wellness Center, where I will take extra classes in
different topics such as addiction and group therapeutic approaches. Other topics that I will
register for include Florida Law and Ethics, human trafficking, opioids, and domestic violence
(Human Services Guide, 2019). To be able to meet the licensure renewal requirements for the
State of Florida, I will take the home study package, where I will be in a position to study online
while at home and ensure that I fulfill the requirements that will allow me to have my license
renewed.
Career Center Resources
I will use the career center resources to equip myself with the necessary skills on how to
position myself in the job market, find an internship, and even a volunteer opportunity during my
master’s program. Volunteering before graduation will help me form network relationships
which will be useful when I will be searching for a job. Also, I will use the resources to learn
how to develop my resume, specifically the fundamentals of building a resume that will increase
my chances of securing employment. Upon graduation, I will join the career networking
platform and connect with alumni and other professionals where we will connect around career
topics. This forum will be beneficial to me when deciding on the additional topics to study as I
acquire additional education and sharpen my skills as a veteran counselor.
Other Purdue Global Resources
Purdue Global Resources specifically, the Writing Center will help me consult with
individuals who will help me sharpen my writing skills. The consultants at the writing center are

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 8
trained in tutoring writing, and they have also been through the experiences of having to attend
multiple classes while at the same time working at a part-time job and as an intern so as to fulfill
the degree requirements. As such, they will provide me with advice on how to juggle between all
these and still complete my degree successfully and in time. I will also use the consultants to
boost my confidence and reassure me of my strengths. I will be able to know my strengths and
identify what I can do to make the most out of them. I will use the resources to improve my
personal statements, cover letters and resumes. Writing does not end after completing my degree
program. I am aware that strong personal statements and resumes stick out among the best in job
applications. I want to constantly improve mine so that I do not have to use the same resume
twice without making improvements. Also, I will be taking extra lessons after completing my
master’s program, and I will need to write exams and emails to my instructors. Writing resource
center will come in handy by helping me communicate better and effectively. Learning is a
lifelong process, and I want to continue using the writing center to continuously learn and make
a better version of myself.
Resources Outside of PG
My career success will be limited by my involvement in professional societies, my
interaction with mentors as well as my readiness to be mentored. As such, I will read
professional publications done by these societies as they will be instrumental in my career
advancement. They are published by professionals who have a wealth of experience. Therefore, I
will use them to get better positioning in my career and use the tips and advice provided to
develop myself professionally. Interacting with these professionals will also help me develop
professional excellence because they have the expertise that I may not be having since they have
been in the profession quite longer than I have. I will join these professionals and use the

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 9
resources within them to row my professional interests as we sharpen our skills together. Also, I
will have mentors in my line of career who will provide me with professional socialization and
offer me support to facilitate my career success.
Conclusion

Overall, my career plan provides me with professional direction and a well thought out
plan of where I hope to position myself in the professional field. It outlines the knowledge, skills,
and network that I require to achieve my goals. A significant proportion of my life will be spent
achieving my career goals and trying to achieve success in my profession. As such, it is
important to have a guide or a plan that will provide direction and keep me on track throughout
the process. My career plan gives my professional achievements true meaning, a life, and a
purpose. I have for the longest time wanted to work in the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs
(VA). However, I understand that passion and interest must be matched with academic
qualifications. This career plan is a guide to the achievement of my professional success.

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 10

References

Counselor License. (2019). Counseling Licensure Requirements in Florida. Retrieved 29 August
2019, from https://counselor-license.com/state-licensure/florida/
Human Services Guide. (2019). Florida LPC Counselor Certification | FL Counseling Licensure.
Retrieved 29 August 2019, from https://www.humanservicesedu.org/florida-counseling-
license.html
Psychology School Guide. (2019). Veterans Counselor | Education Requirements and Job Duties.
Retrieved 29 August 2019, from https://www.psychologyschoolguide.net/counseling-
careers/how-to-become-a-veterans-counselor/

CAREER PLAN OF A VETERAN COUNSELOR 11

Licensure/Credentialing Requirements

Education Requirements for Counselors in Florida
Education and Coursework
Licensed professional counselor (LPC) candidates in Florida must earn a master’s degree
from a program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related
Educational Programs (CACREP). Not all CACREP-accredited programs automatically qualify
for Florida counseling licensure, however.
The program must also comprise 60 semester credits or 80 quarter credits and include
courses in each of the following areas: counseling theories and practices; legal, ethical, and
professional standards; human growth and development; substance abuse; diagnosis and
treatment of psychopathology; counseling in community settings; human sexuality; social and
cultural foundations; group theories and practice; research and program evaluation; individual
evaluation and assessment; and career and lifestyle assessment.

Practicum and Internship
As part of their master’s programs, LPC candidates must complete 1,000 hours of
university-sponsored field experience, which can include internships and practicums. LMFT
candidates must also complete at least one internship or practicum, but the state does not specify
a required number of hours. Both types of candidates must complete 280 hours of direct client
contact.
Source: https://counselor-license.com/state-licensure/florida/