Joining college is a dream of every person, and the interesting part is where a person gets to choose the course to study. In as
much as this gives an unforgettable experience it comes with serious challenges that leave a person frustrated. Most of the students joining college have less or no idea what to study, how and which college to join as well as the application and admission process. A college counselor is a professional with expertise, knowledge, and passion for higher education and may of help to a person joining college. Hiring a college counselor is vital, and the followings are the qualities and benefits of hiring the best college counselor.
What to look for when hiring a college counselor
The following things may be crucial to consider when choosing a college counselor since there are many out there, but not all of them may be of help.
a.Membership to a professional body
Professional organizations such as the independent Education consultant Association regulate and monitor the services offered by their members. Therefore the best college counselor should be a member of such an organization to guarantee he or she meet the qualification and experience threshold set by the organization.
b.Well updated
A counselor should have the latest information about the colleges and courses available to give relevant information. A counselor should
be visiting colleges, attend seminars and workshops as well as keeping in touch with emerging issues in colleges. It is crucial to choose an updated counselor to reap maximum benefits.
c.Professional qualifications
A counselor should possess minimal professional qualifications like a diploma and degree from an accredited institution. Should also have a
working experience of at least three years and one can be sure that the counselor is qualified and competent.
d.Available when needed
It is crucial to ensure that one hire a counselor who is readily available when needed as well as one can get communication on time. The very busy counselor may not help as sometimes a person may need some vital information, and the counselor may not be available.
e.High ethical standards
A college counselor should be a person of high moral standards, and one should carry due diligence to ascertain his or her moral
standing. One should avoid counselors with questionable character as well as unethical behaviors in their work.
The benefits of a college counselor
The major benefit of a college counselor is to ease stress and anxiety when a person is joining college. A counselor helps a person make
an informed choice and help a person overcome even the unforeseen challenges. A counselor equips and prepares a person for college life, and the study shows most of the student who seeks the help of a counselor complete college and graduate. A college counselor helps the student on how to get finances as not all student comes from able families. A person can save money as the counselor helps in advising a person on application procedures, which may be an expensive endeavor for a person who is not well informed.