So you are interested in a career in counseling.

In this episode of Bison Breakthrough: From College to Career, I reconnect with Paul Angelucci, whose career pathn highlights the value of persistence, reflection, and embracing a non-linear professional journey.Paul currently serves as an Embedded Counselor for Residential Well-being at Virginia Tech while also working as an outpatient counselor with National Counseling Group. In addition to his clinical work, he contributes to his community through service on the boards of several nonprofit organizations.Throughout the conversation, Paul reflects on how his experiences in residence life, student leadership, retail management, and higher education helped shape the skills he now uses in counseling and mental health work. He discusses how leadership roles such as being a Resident Assistant helped develop communication, crisis response, and interpersonal skills that translate directly into clinical practice.The episode also explores the role of self-concept and limiting beliefs in career development, the process of pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, and the steps required to become a licensed outpatient therapist.Paul offers thoughtful advice for students who feel uncertain about their career path, emphasizing that success often comes from stacking experiences, staying open to growth, and trusting the process while continuing to take meaningful action.