The guidance associates are integral parts of a school's total educational program. They are focusing on needs, interests, and issues related to various stages of student growth. They would likely give students pieces of advice on how to deal with emotional conflicts and personal problems both in school and how to incorporate the same in their daily life. Some sessions they conduct involve career guidance where students are advised on which courses to do and which learning practices the students would maintain.

1. Counseling. Individual or group counseling sessions are conducted by qualified guidance counselors to help students know, understand, and accept themselves and others better.
2. Testing. Standardized tests are administered to know more about each student in order to meet his/her needs.
3. Information. This includes orientation programs, career guidance activities, and the provision of other necessary publications and materials.
4. Individual Inventory. Cumulative records for each student are maintained and updated. These records include standardized test results, personal and family data, attendance records, anecdotal records, interviews, feedback from teachers and personality ratings.
5. Placement and follow – up. Test scores and other information gathered about the student determine placement. Follow – up services are made for students with special needs.
6. Referral service. Students in need of assistance may be referred to the guidance counselors by the faculty or by their parents and peers. When complex cases cannot be adequately handled by the guidance counselors, a pool of specialists and agencies are recommended for consultation and referral.
7. Career Guidance. This is the guidance given to individuals to help them acquire the knowledge, information, skills, and experience necessary to identify career options and narrow them down to make one career decision. This career decision then results in their social, financial, and emotional well-being throughout. They may be in the process of choosing a stream or career, deciding whether or not they should change careers or jobs, re-entering the workforce, or maybe wanting to learn more about career guidance in general- a complete knowledge always helps. A good foundation begins with the basics. They come to the realization that it’s an overwhelming process, and they need to learn all about the what, how and why of the career guidance process.