Why having a Diploma of Counselling on your CV shows you have the skills employers value most
There’s much more to any career (including STEM careers!) than just knowing your stuff. Sure, it’s super important to be across all the ins and outs of your chosen area of expertise, but it’s also crucial you know how to communicate, work well in a team and show empathy and support to those around you.
It’s why we often remind you that soft skills (or human skills) will set you up for success in STEM careers.
It’s also why, when we heard about the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling (VET) through Torrens University, we were intrigued.
To find out more about how counselling skills can help in careers, no matter what path you choose to go down, we spoke to Torrens University’s Kelly Kaciuba, a senior lecturer and the course coordinator of the diploma.
Fast 5 with Kelly Kaciuba
CwS: Hi Kelly! Why are counselling skills so important in careers?
K: Counselling skills are fundamentally human skills. The ability to listen deeply, communicate effectively, build rapport, respond empathetically and support others through challenge is valuable across countless professions.
CwS: What industries can these skills be used in?
K: These skills are transferable to areas such as community services, disability support, youth work, aged care, education, health services, case management, coaching, leadership and people management roles. Even students who pursue careers outside of counselling often tell us that the communication and interpersonal skills they gained have transformed the way they work and relate to others.
CwS: Why do you recommend doing a VET Diploma of Counselling through Torrens University?
K: It’s designed to be practical, supportive and highly skills focused. Students don’t just learn counselling theories – they develop the communication, helping and reflective practice skills that underpin effective counselling relationships. Through workshops, simulated practice opportunities and applied learning activities, students are encouraged to build confidence in using these skills in real-world contexts from the very beginning of the course.
CwS: The course is 100% online too. What are the pluses of that?
K: Studying online allows our students to engage with learning from wherever they are, while still benefiting from regular interaction with educators and peers. They can access resources at times that suit them, revisit learning materials when needed and participate in live sessions designed to build both competence and connection. For many people who may not otherwise have access to tertiary education, the online environment makes study possible.
CwS: Do students learn from industry experts?
K: Yes. Our students learn from educators who bring extensive industry experience across a range of counselling and community service settings. Many continue to work within the profession while teaching, allowing them to share current practice examples, ethical considerations and insights into the realities of counselling work. This connection to industry helps students understand not only the theory, but how it translates into practice.
Diploma of Counselling fast facts
Course name: VET CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
Study mode: Online
Course duration: 1 year full-time
Australian Counselling Association accredited: Yes
Pathways: Many students continue on to the Bachelor of Counselling
Click here to find out more about the Diploma of Counselling at Torrens University.
This article was brought to you in partnership with Torrens University.
