Education consultants, who act as guides and enablers for students, need to be dedicated and keep themselves updated
Even though banking was her profession, for Swati Salunkhe, managing director, of Growth Centre, her true calling came in the field of education. “The story goes 13 years back when a short trip to the USA changed a lot of things for me.
I observed that almost all the universities and schools had ‘counselors’ who addressed issues concerning the normal students. This included course selection, academic issues, peer pressure, interpersonal skills, career shifts, adjustment in another country, and so on,” recalls Salunkhe.
She realized that in India, very few organizations offered this kind of in-depth understanding and guidance.
“I found that there was no one single source that could give me information and proper guidance.
I met a few educationists, academicians, and individuals, who helped me with some information about how I could possibly pursue a career in the same. Then, I went on to complete my post-graduation in guidance and counseling almost six years of fruitful banking service.”
Quantum leap
When she started her consultancy, she began with just herself and the operations were from home.
“Then I prepared questionnaires and did rounds of meeting school principals, and practicing psychologists, understanding the whole dynamic, along with attending programs related to the field. A year later, after the groundwork, I realized the potential of the field but was not very clear about the financial aspect.
Nevertheless, I decided to plunge into a small office set up with the name ‘Growth Centre[I] Pvt. Ltd. and to take things ahead. I was ready to put in the hard work and there was no looking back for me,” she smiles.
The best thing was that for Salunkhe, it was a concept and not a product of which the results would be known five years down the line. “I was talking about a concept that was not very popular.
Moreover, I was to convince people who probably had experience more than my age to use the service, but I was determined.
There were times when academicians made us wait for even five hours just to have a three-minute conversation and then rejected us.
But when you are convinced that what you are doing is right, sticking around helps. This also was an opportunity for us to come up with new products and services.
“Thus we began conducting seminars and talking about aptitude tests and their benefits. Once people understand the benefits, one has to just concentrate on offering the best service.
” Now the experience, a qualified team of psychologists, a thorough research team, and feedback from students have given Salunkhe the confidence that she made the right choice in pursuing this field and believes that such dedication ensures success for everyone.
The above Article Was Printed in Hindustan Times, HT Horizen 02nd February 2011
Frequently Asked Questions related to education consultants:
Q1: What is an education consultant, and what do they do?
A1: An education consultant is a professional who provides guidance and advice to students and their families on various aspects of education, including college or university selection, application processes, and career planning.
Q2: Why should I consider hiring an education consultant?
A2: Education consultants can offer expert advice, help you make informed decisions, and streamline the complex process of applying to colleges or universities.
Q3: How can an education consultant assist in college or university selection?
A3: Education consultants assess your academic background, interests, and career goals to recommend suitable colleges or universities, considering factors like location, budget, and academic programs.
Q4: What services do education consultants typically provide?
A4: Services may include personalized college recommendations, application assistance, essay editing, standardized test preparation, financial aid guidance, and career counseling.
Q5: Can education consultants help with international admissions?
A5: Yes, many education consultants specialize in assisting students with international admissions, including study abroad programs and visa requirements.
Q6: How do I choose the right education consultant for my needs?
A6: Consider factors such as the consultant’s expertise, reputation, success rate, and whether they align with your educational goals.
Q7: Are education consultants affiliated with specific colleges or universities?
A7: Education consultants should provide unbiased advice. Be cautious if a consultant appears to be pushing you toward specific institutions.
Q8: What should I expect during the initial consultation with an education consultant?
A8: During the initial meeting, you can discuss your academic and career goals, and the consultant will provide an overview of their services.
Q9: How much do education consultant services typically cost?
A9: Costs can vary widely, depending on the consultant’s experience, the range of services, and whether they charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. Inquire about pricing during your initial consultation.
Q10: Can education consultants help with financial aid and scholarship applications?
A10: Yes, many education consultants provide guidance on seeking financial aid, scholarships, and grants to help make higher education more affordable.
Q11: When should I start working with an education consultant?
A11: It’s advisable to start early, ideally during your junior or senior year of high school, to allow ample time for college or university application preparations.
Q12: Do education consultants guarantee admission to specific institutions?
A12: No, education consultants cannot guarantee admission, as it ultimately depends on the institution’s admission criteria and competition from other applicants.
Q13: Can education consultants help with career planning and advising on academic majors?
A13: Yes, many education consultants offer career counseling and can assist in selecting suitable academic majors based on your interests and goals.
Q14: How can I verify the credibility of an education consultant?
A14: Check their credentials, ask for references, read reviews, and ensure they are a member of a reputable professional organization like the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).
Q15: Can education consultants assist with postgraduate and professional programs, not just undergraduate admissions?
A15: Yes, many education consultants offer services for graduate and professional programs, including law school, medical school, and MBA programs.