Counseling, helping, and social service careers strive to give clients support and improve their well-being and quality of life. Depending on the job title, clients may range from children to seniors and topics may include diverse issues such as abuse, mental health, ministry, marriage and family, education, and many more.
Career Guide
Meet with a Career Coach
Discuss your interests in this field further with a career coach!
Designing your major
Your major may or may not be directly related to your career choice, and it’s only one of many factors to consider when exploring career fit.
School of Public Health
- Community Health
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Recreational Therapy
- Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Youth Development
O'Neill School of Public & Environmental Affairs
O'Neill Career HubLearn about careers in the field
- Art Therapist
- Career Counselor
- Child Welfare Specialist
- Clergy
- Healthcare Social Worker
- Health Educator
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Mental Health Counselor
- Mental Health Worker
- Occupational Therapist
- Patient Support Advocate
- Probation Officer
- Recreational Therapist
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Safety Coordinator
- Social Justice Educator
- Speech Therapist
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Youth Center Director
Ready for more specifics?
Search the job titles to learn more details about the profession:
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Learn through experience
Join a student organization
Student organizations can help us clarify our interests and build experience. Here are a few ideas of organizations in this area:
- A Kid Again IU
- Bridges International
- CHAARG at Indiana University
- Colleges Against Cancer at Indiana University
- College Mentors for Kids
- Counseling Psychology Student Organization
- Culture of Care
- Habitat for Humanity
- HOSA Future Health Professionals at IU
- IU Dance Marathon
- Kids for CASA
- NAMI on Campus Club at Indiana University - Bloomington
- Psi Chi
- Psychology Club
- Social Work Student Association
- You See Me
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering in the community has many benefits for the community and for your personal and professional development. How can you use your knowledge and skills to make a difference?
Major Choices Podcast: On the Helping Professions
Episode 6: I Just Want to HelpThere are many ways to explore careers, through research, gaining experience, and talking with other people. Your career coach is here to mentor you and help you find ways to explore that fit you best.