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If you want to become a higher education consultant, you
typically must hold an advanced degree yourself — at minimum, a bachelor’s
degree. You also should have a passion for learning, because a higher education
consultant should serve as a role model or mentor for prospective students. You
should glean all the information you can about the entire college admissions
process and the options for the degree programs available, and you should
possess foundational knowledge about adolescent psychology and development. It’s
also wise to familiarize yourself with what is available for higher education
careers so you can pass on that advice to students who inquire about the
opportunities that their degrees might open for them.As you pursue your options
to become a higher education consultant, also called a college admissions
counselor, consider a few suggestions that address work in higher education.
First of all, if you don’t already hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in
education, psychology or a related field, you need to achieve that initial goal.
After you have earned that degree, or if you already have one, you should take
advantage of professional training opportunities offered by universities or
professional associations for college admissions consulting. You also can
volunteer at a high school guidance office or a non-profit organization
dedicated to providing prospective college students with college planning
advice. Numerous professional organizations also offer professional development
workshops and provide the opportunity to network with other higher education
consultants. Before you take that step to become a higher education consultant,
however, it’s important to consider the qualities or traits you should possess.
Obviously, a consultant works with people, so you need to have excellent “people
skills” as you work in higher education with students and their parents. Other
soft skills relevant to consulting in higher education are good communication
skills, both in listening and speaking; a genuine desire to help students
achieve their academic goals; and the capacity to encourage students who might
feel frustrated or discouraged at some point along their educational journeys.
After you become a higher education consultant, you should stay current with
important higher education topics and events. Take advantage of professional
development opportunities, or consider pursuing additional higher education or
some other type of training that will hone your skills and keep you sharp for
those students who seek a higher education consultant. This will, in essence,
demonstrate your ability to be a role model and exemplify the wisdom of your
decision to become a higher education consultant. |
