Graduate Students and New Professionals

ACCA is excited to support graduate students and new professionals through the Graduate Students and New Professionals Committee. This important stage of the counseling journey brings unique opportunities, challenges, and experiences as emerging counselors develop their professional identities and transition into the field.

The committee was created to address the needs of students and new professionals by providing opportunities for connection, professional growth, mentorship, networking, and shared resources. Through these efforts, this committee aims to create supportive spaces where emerging counselors can build relationships, exchange ideas, and access guidance throughout their transition into the profession.

Graduate students and new professionals are encouraged to reach out if interested in learning more, getting involved, or serving on the committee. The committee will also host a monthly support space in Fall 2026.

With Warm Regards,

Janeyshka Ortiz-Flores, Psy.D., MFT
janeyshka@gmail.com
Member-at-Large, Graduate Students and New Professionals

Congratulations to our 2026 ACCA Emerging Leaders

Congratulations to our 2025 ACCA Emerging Leaders

Past Emerging Leaders

Involvement & Leadership Opportunities

One of the three member-at-large positions on the ACCA Executive Council is reserved for a graduate student. In addition to the Graduate Students and New Professionals Committee, all of the other ACCA offices and committees are open to graduate students and new professionals.

Professional Development Opportunities

Networking is an important activity for future college counselors and ACCA provides that in spades! State and national conferences, workshops, the ACCA Listserv (ACCA-L) – all provide opportunities to meet with college counselors, exchange ideas, foster mentor relationships, and discover resources. After all, graduate students are the future of the college counseling profession!

 ACCA sponsors the Emerging Leader Grant which covers fees to support attendance at the ACCA national conference; many state divisions also offer assistance to students.

ACCA also offers Research Grants that are open to all ACCA members, including graduate students and new professionals. This could be an important financial resource for support towards your research project.

Job Opportunities

College counseling employment opportunities are advertised by various state college counseling divisions, on the ACCA listserv (ACCA-L), and through following the ACCA Job Board. Feel free to contact the GSNP chair or Member-at-Large for Graduate Students with any questions.