The consultant gives the family and the individual time to consider all their options. The consultant joins with parents, students, and school counselors to identify a student’s potential. Consultants also lead the student through all the aspects of the college admission process. This can remove a lot of stress from new students when they are applying to college for the first time.
A professional educational consultant belongs to the Independent Educational Consultants Association. One such person who works in the consulting of education jobs is Dr. Stone and she has spent her professional career teaching at colleges with large campuses. This makes her perfect for giving real insight into college living and academia. She is certified in college admissions and has acted as a recruiter for the University of California, Berkley.
Another venue of educational consulting jobs that Dr. Stone has created in her practice is resolving school issues. She can determine if or when a child should begin school and where the student can be most successful. In such counseling sessions she interviews and evaluates school programs, both public and private. She also evaluates programs for gifted and talented children. She is ready to consult on anything regarding the needs a student has in school. It is the consultant’s job to see the student has a gratifying educational experience.
As an educational planner/consultant, Dr. Stone spends a good deal of time visiting local schools as well as colleges and universities throughout the country to be able to get the up-to-date view of trends and perspectives in education. Consultants work in an office and see clients on a regular basis. They usually do this part-time but can spend full-time hours when necessary.
Other jobs as part-time professional education planners or consultants are beginning to appear more frequently. It is a profession that is expected to see its peak over the next several years. Another way to go is through a consultancy firm. A firm has several consultants on staff and they can specialize in different aspects of educational planning as well as career guidance.
Vocational and Career Planning
''Today’s world is complex and many options must be considered. However, many individuals are fully cognizant of their own capabilities or of the ‘fit’ between their aptitudes, interests, and personalities. Yet career choice depends upon identifying these areas in one’s life.
A company called Career and Educational Planning Associates has joined forces to consult with people who seek a direction for education and training; or with those who have a desire to change careers later on in life; or want to find a second career after retirement. This is Career and Education Planning.''
Source: Career and Educational Planning Associates, Stanley Rosner, Ph.D., Publications
This firm has a five-step vocational assessment program to help people who are looking for a new career or to find the school that fits best with their needs.
- Step 1—Initial Interview
The planner/counselor interviews the client and during the interview he/she gets and education history, a list of hobbies, and interests from the client. The counselor also determines characteristics of the client which are important in choosing the right career.
- Step 2—Testing
In the second session with the planner/counselor the client undergoes tests in areas in which they have an interest. Assessments are done using aptitude, intelligence, and personality tests.
- Step 3—In-Depth Analysis, Discussion, and Interpretation of Results
In the third session with a planner/counselor the client’s results are discussed and specific recommendations are made for planning a career or school path.
- Step 4—Job Search or College
In the fourth meeting the planner/counselor helps the client prepare a resume and refers him/her to job resources to find a job or to the training schools that can help prepare the client for their specific job path. Counselors help with applications and interviews. If additional education is required, counselors review school or college selection.
School and College Selection
- Interview with student and family.
- Fill out a questionnaire regarding school-related concerns.
- Counselor will research colleges and training programs.
- Present the list of colleges and training programs to family.
- Assist in choice.
- Set up the campus visits.
- Assist in preparing school applications, college essays, and other items the school might request.
- Step 5—Ongoing Support
Support is provided to the clients all the way to seeing him or her settled into the new college or training school for vocation.
This is professional educational planning in a nutshell. It is expected this field will become popular in the next decade. It is predicted the market will also need part-time people to do these jobs where there might be one client at a time to support with services. The job field could be anywhere. An educational planner could be hired by a community to seek out educational classes for children, adults, parents, and senior citizens. The planner until now has set up his/her own office and practiced that way as a sole proprietor. Now there are firms that hire many planners (counselors) that take care of several clients.
