To become a debt counselor, gain experience in the credit industry or obtain a degree in finance or psychology. Look for organizations that offer debt counseling services and provide extensive training. Specialize in a specific area and maintain a professional membership to stay up-to-date with the latest changes in the law and economy.
A person who wants to become a debt counselor can explore a number of possible career paths that will lead to working in this field, including gaining experience in the credit industry first or obtaining a university degree and then applying for work to debt counseling agencies. Most nations do not have formal regulations pertaining to debt counseling services and there are no specific requirements that need to be met. However, there are some steps people can take to be better debt counselors and increase their marketability as counselors.
The best way to become a debt counselor is to work for an organization that offers debt counseling services. These organizations are often looking for people with qualifications, experience, or both. People who already work in the credit industry have experience, while people with a bachelor’s degree in finance, psychology, and a related field have qualifications that would make them good debt counselors. Advice agencies often hire rolling appointments and it is wise to keep track of job listings and apply aggressively. A strong resume and interviewing skills are essential to success in landing jobs.
A new hire will receive training to become a debt consultant. The best organizations provide extensive training to all of their employees and prepare them for certification with a professional organization of debt consultants. When applying for jobs, people should look for agencies accredited by these organizations and should review the professional organization’s accreditation requirements and reputation to confirm that they are legitimate.
After receiving debt counseling training and meeting professional association standards, usually by taking an exam, a person can begin working as a debt counselor. Someone who has become a debt counselor may choose to specialize in a specific area, such as helping people with foreclosures or answering bankruptcy questions. Others focus on education and prevention and helping people consolidate and pay off debt. Someone with enough professional experience might consider starting a private counseling service or a new debt counseling business.
Once someone becomes a debt counselor, it is advisable to maintain a professional membership. This provides access to trade publications, conferences and other valuable resources. As the law is always changing along with the economy, it is very important to be aware of the most recent changes that may pertain to clients. This will allow a debt adviser to provide the most relevant and useful information to clients to help them manage their debt.
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