Anybody can be an immigration agent/guide but it takes someone special to be a career counsellor. Becoming a counsellor is not just a profession; it’s a calling to help students or applicants realise their dreams while shouldering the responsibility of accurate guidance and support.
To begin the journey of becoming a career counsellor catering specifically to students’ needs, here are the top 5 tips:
1. Empathy, Patience, and Compassion
Beyond the academic and procedural aspects, an immigration career counsellor must have a heart that resonates with the aspirations and anxieties of students. A counsellor should be able to understand where the student is coming from when they share their story or experience related to a visa. For them, it is a matter of life and death as their dreams are higher than the world.
2. In-depth Knowledge
Staying updated with ever-changing immigration policies and educational trends is important. It is pertinent because incomplete information can put the career of a student at stake.
You as a counsellor should be a walking encyclopedia, adept at deciphering the latest visa requirements, scholarship opportunities, and cultural intricacies of your chosen destination. Don’t hesitate to tell students about your experience, qualifications, and track record of successful student placements.
3. Active Listening and Personalised Guidance
A counsellor should be a good listener to understand a student’s aspirations, fears, and circumstances. They just want to be listened to with patience and compassion. So, lend them an ear to make them feel that you are always there for them.
Every applicant is unique, so the approach to guidance should be flexible. The counsellor should study the student’s file thoroughly so that the right course of study, college, and country can be suggested.
4. Transparency and Honesty
Open communication with applicants will encourage them to speak their hearts out with you. You should be readily available to answer students’ questions, address their concerns, and keep them updated on every step of the process. You should be able to explain complex procedures in layman’s terms and encourage open dialogue, not shrouded secrecy.
Students value transparent and honest advice. Remember your word makes your world. So, guide students honestly through the challenges and not paint a rosy picture to mask potential hurdles. It will put students at ease and set you apart from others in the industry.
5. Assurance and Support Throughout the Journey
A counsellor should understand that the journey doesn’t end with a visa; it extends to settling in a new country. Applicants want assurance that they are in safe hands and therefore expect ongoing support post-visa approval. So, be in touch with them even after they have landed at their dream destinations.
The Bottom Line
With these qualities, a counsellor can win over the trust of students.
When considering the assistance of the best PR immigration consultants in Chandigarh, students can find the guidance they need. These consultants don’t just facilitate the visa process; they become companions throughout the entire journey. They prioritise the qualities mentioned above, ensuring that students feel understood, guided, and supported.
The role of an immigration career counsellor isn’t merely about facilitating paperwork or securing visas. It’s about being the guiding light that illuminates the path for students, helping them navigate the web of uncertainties and choices.
