Education counselors play a vital role in the career planning process of students. In the clutter of hundreds of desired career options, these counselors assist students in making sensible career decisions. They evaluate a student's abilities, interests and skills through interviews, personality and aptitude assessments, etc. They match if the mutually chosen career path is best suited to the candidate's profile, interests and limitations.
Educational counselors also collaborate with parents, teachers and other school staff in a bid to monitor and evaluate educational progress, update them about individual growth so that the student has the best chance of success. They also carry out workshops and seminars in schools and colleges to provide a wide range of educational and occupational information.
In an exclusive interview with James McLaughlin, Associate Director, freshman Admissions, where he stated the contrast practice of Education in India and the United States.
What difference do you find between the Education system in India and the West?
The traditional mindset that has been so focused in preparation of examination is still having a major impact on the student’s mindset. The history of education in the United States has been based on providing opportunities for students that are radical in the framework.
What is the Importance of counseling in the education sector when it comes to recruitment?
I think it’s crucial. Counseling is not just restricted to Recruitment alone. Counseling goes beyond helping students connect to universities. The first and foremost role of Counseling is to allow people to realise their strengths in themselves. The role of a counselor is so diverse that it is difficult to measure the true value of counseling.
So, according to me, Counseling is not only crucial for recruitment but also to help young people to fill in their true potential.
How has been your journey as a counselor in the Education sphere so far?
I have always enjoyed working with the young people especially with those in the adolescent stage. I myself was impacted by a few key teachers who were serving unnecessarily in a traditional counseling role. Now, working with students and coming from outside to the United States and globally particularly India has been a great inspiration to me. It’s always for me an opportunity to learn.
There are cases when I learn more from my students than they have learnt from me.
What is the mindset of students in Drexel University regarding the importance of Counseling?
In our university, advisors and counselors work in several capacities. Drexel University was founded way back in 1891. So, with 126th year of existence, the focus in Drexel has been to engage students not only at academics but also having a practical edge in our unique curriculum. So advisors and counselors are positioned in a strategic place throughout the student’s experience.
