A credit counselor helps people settle their debt through education, budgeting and by providing other tools to reduce debt.

If money is a taboo conversation topic, debt is a completely restricted dialogue. But credit counselors make it their business to tackle this uncomfortable topic. Consumers turn to these professionals when they can’t see a way out of their debt.

Nicole Brown, an enrollment manager at Debt Reduction Services Inc. on Long Island in New York, gets to help people find a way out of their debt. "For me personally, the draw [to the job] was helping people," she says.

But it’s not an easy gig. Brown says it’s necessary for clients to come clean with the state of their finances, so she can get a clear picture of their debt and find the best way to help them out of that debt. "People aren’t proud to talk about their debt," Brown says. "Sometimes you have to pull information out of them."

After she gets a clear picture of a client’s situation, she figures out whether they can be helped by enrolling in a debt management program, which involves consolidating debt and talking with creditors to lower monthly payments. "It’s not a perfect solution for everyone," she says. For some consumers, the way forward is by declaring bankruptcy. Brown also offers advice on monthly household budgets and local resources like food banks or Medicaid.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5.4% employment growth for credit counselors between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 1,800 jobs should open up.

There are no specific educational requirements needed for becoming a credit counselor. According to Brown, credit counselors need to pass a background check, and they should display a desire to help people, but many companies provide on-the-job training. Still, job applicants who take a certified course through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or those with a background in business or finance might have an easier time landing a job.