India’s population mostly has youth. These students and young adults find themselves in confusion when it comes to deciding their career paths. Most of them wish to settle or move abroad for their higher education. But settling abroad is more than just a decision. It requires planning and proper implementation of the plans. Students often miss important deadlines or struggle to follow each step. This leads to them being rejected from their dream college.
This is what a study abroad counsellor does. A study abroad counsellor helps students figure out their overseas career or educational endeavours. The job of a study abroad career counsellor has been in demand in recent times. It offers a good salary package and job satisfaction. If you are someone who wishes to enter this field and are planning to start a study abroad consultancy, here is a beginner's guide study abroad blog for you.
WHAT IS STUDY ABROAD COUNSELLING?
A study abroad counsellor helps students decide their career plans abroad. A student who is planning to go abroad for their higher studies consults a study abroad counsellor. They help them make a suitable plan. A study abroad counsellor helps students find their dream country, college, and course. They also actively help in the application and visa processes to ensure that the plan is executed smoothly.
There is a set of skills that a study abroad counsellor must have to provide their clients with the best possible solutions.
SKILLS REQUIRED FOR BECOMING A STUDY ABROAD COUNSELLOR
If you are someone who is wondering how to start a counselling business, here are some must-have skills you need to learn to make your business successful.
- A study abroad counsellor must have strong communication skills.
- A study abroad counsellor must be empathetic towards students.
- A study abroad counsellor must have good interpersonal skills and can establish rapport with the client.
- A study abroad counsellor should have good problem-solving skills.
- A study abroad counsellor must have good and in-depth knowledge of international education and related processes, such as the visa process.
- A study abroad counsellor must have good knowledge of the tools for study abroad consultants.
GUIDE TO ESTABLISHING A COUNSELLING BUSINESS
Forming a strong business base can be a difficult task. Here is a setup consultancy step-by-step.
STEP 1: CREATE A BUSINESS PLAN
A business plan is an important document that anyone looking to establish a business should form. A business plan is a blueprint of all the things that the counsellor wishes and needs to achieve. Their agenda and how they would achieve it should be mentioned. The plan helps understand the counsellor’s strengths and manage their weaknesses well.
STEP 2 LEGAL PROCESS
It is really important for any business owner to follow legal processes. If you are looking to open a study abroad counselling centre, where you would be contacting foreign colleges as well, it is important to prove your authenticity and legal papers. The legal permits act as proof of your authentication.
STEP 3 COLLEGE CONNECTIONS
Connect with colleges, both in India and abroad. Some of the colleges in India provide scholarships and student exchange programs that can help students to get into top universities abroad. Connection with college allows you to learn about the application process and requirements.
COURSES FOR STUDY ABROAD COUNSELLOR
In order to have better knowledge of the job requirements and skills required, students can pursue courses related to study abroad counselling. One such course is the Certified Career Counsellor for International Studies. This course helps you establish your business in the field of counselling.
HOW TO CREATE A STRONG CLIENT BASE?
If you are also wondering what happens after the legal processes, or what if you establish your business but have no clients, here are some tips that can help you build a strong client base.
TIP-1 SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Social media is a boon in this world of technology if used correctly. As a study abroad counsellor, you can post regular content on social media platforms such as your website. You can also post on platforms used by your target audience, like Instagram or LinkedIn. This will help you in building a solid client base and drawing clients through your creative social media marketing efforts.
TIP-2 WEBINARS AND WORKSHOPS
As a counsellor, you can hold webinars and workshops, taking students and your clients through a strong plan and career path to establish for themselves. You can tell them about the various courses, colleges and careers blooming abroad. You can contact and collaborate with NGOs, schools, and colleges. Organise offline drives and workshops.
TIP-3 REAL RESULT STORIES
Real-life results and oral testimonies play an important role in convincing or attracting clients. It presents them a proof of the results. For any business, it is an important tool. As a new study abroad counsellor, you must record results and testimonies. You can use them in your blogs or posts on social media platforms to market yourself.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q.1) What are the skills required for becoming a study abroad counsellor?
Ans. In order to become a counsellor, here are some skills you must have
Communication skills
Problem-solving skills
Interpersonal skills
In-depth knowledge of colleges
Effective use of tools
Q.2) How can I establish a business in counselling?
Ans. In order to establish a business in counselling, make a strong business plan, complete all the legal processes and connect with colleges and universities.
Q.3) How can I market myself as a career counsellor?
Ans. In order to market yourself as a counsellor, use social media marketing techniques. Conduct and join webinars and workshops where you can promote yourself.
Q.4) How do I build a strong client base?
Ans. In order to create a strong client base, collaborate and connect with colleges and schools where counselling for overseas education may be required.
Q.5) What are the tools used by a study abroad counsellor?
Ans. A study abroad counsellor generally uses various types of psychometric tools to analyse and understand the interests and aptitude of clients.
