Your high school counsellor may not be as available to you as your teachers, yet they are one of the most influential persons in your life. A high school or college counsellor is usually quite educated about what students really need, thus utilizing their services efficiently can be extremely advantageous to your future.
These are some questions that your counsellors may be able to assist you with.
1. How would you describe yourself as a person? When did you realize you wanted to be a counsellor and why?
This question is more of an icebreaker than an exact science. Talking to an adult you don't know can be intimidating, and you're not using your counsellor's resources if you act shy and nervous around them. Getting to know them is a good first step toward developing a relationship with them in which you can rely on them anytime you require assistance. Simply paying them a visit once or twice and waving at them whenever you see them can be enough to break the ice.
When you feel at ease with your counsellor, you can go to them for even the tiniest pieces of guidance, allowing you to continue building that relationship while also having someone to vent to, self-correct, or advise you.
2. What qualities do interviewers seek in students, particularly those with little work experience?
Once you graduate from high school or enrol in college, the number of interviews or meetings you attend changes dramatically. When applying for jobs, schools, internships, volunteering, and other opportunities, an interview is typically necessary. It is one of the most important aspects of the selection process since it allows the employer/admissions officer to see you as a person rather than numbers on a piece of paper and see how you interact with others. Inquiring about simple things like your appearance to more tough questions like the finer elements of your prospects can boost your confidence and guarantee that you go into interviews properly prepared and aware. Counsellors, like any other adult, have gone through dozens if not hundreds of selection processes and a good counsellor will be direct about what you need to do and where you're doing well, so make the most of it.
3. Where can I find internships and scholarships? What requirements do I need? What jobs should I take?
Internships provide students with significant experience and allow them to form vital relationships that will benefit them in the future. It can be difficult to find these opportunities because they are not well promoted, but counsellors go through this process every year and assist students in a variety of situations. Counsellors frequently have a network of peers who are active with students and can provide you with an advantage against recruiters. Many students work part-time during the school day, and while this is primarily an individual endeavour, you might consult your counsellor about time management skills.
4. Should I consider international universities? Cost of going there and my future opportunities?
With the benefits that speaking English as a language offers, you can travel anywhere in the globe. Price points and campuses appeal to all recruits, and countries such as Canada and Europe may be the best option for you. Knowing what's going on in the world can help you comprehend your options better. If you are not a citizen of the United States, the states may appeal to you because of their vast resources and prominence. It is a challenging process to apply to the United States because it entails multiple steps, ranging from the SAT to specialized courses and volunteer responsibilities. Requesting a counsellor or administrator from your school who is familiar with the United States can severely aid your future.
5. How do I find the best-fit college or university for me? How do I pick my major and post-university plans?
Any student's primary concern is their college or post-high school plans. Each year, the university's application standards and general quality of accepted students rise, making it a very selective and difficult procedure. When dealing with other students, your counsellors connect with a variety of universities on a regular basis and have done so for several years. They can assist you in determining your strong areas as well as what your transcript reveals about your college profile. Counsellors are also trained in career management and can assist you in narrowing down your interests and focusing on a major. Many students do not pursue a regular university education, despite parental pressure and customary advice. Your counsellor might be a fantastic source for specialized guidance on other sources. If you want to follow a route that involves a lot of practice, you should learn about the arts, trades, and other experience-based career pathways. Even if a counsellor doesn't have a lot of information, simply informing them about your choice and doing some research together may be enough to help you figure out your career path.
6. What to do if I'm struggling in a class or did poorly on a test? Their strategies on being a student?
Counsellors, like any other teacher, can assist you in improving your weak areas. Counsellors also have weak subjects and, as a result of their work with entire schools, have a variety of learning and time management skills. You must be honest about your flaws and personal difficulties that may interfere with education, which should not be a problem if you maintain a relationship without a counsellor. Exams and quizzes are frequent types of tests used all over the world, and there are a plethora of tactics that work for a wide range of individuals. You can discover some on the internet, but your counsellor can help you practise them and track your progress to determine your optimal test-taking approach and preparation. They can also assist you in adapting to different teachers' learning methods, as teachers are frequently short on time and may not be able to do so on their own.
7. Letter of Recommendation
Many students only have 1-2 classes with their teachers over the course of a year as students take more courses and schools begin to offer a greater selection of courses. The length of time may not be enough for you to get to know a teacher, and that teacher may not be able to discuss your extracurricular activities. Your counsellor, on the other hand, can provide you with a recommendation that takes into account your extracurricular activities, work habits, and overall personality over the course of three to five years, depending on when you decide to form a connection with them. Because you discussed these possibilities with them previously, your counsellors are likely to know exactly what to write on the recommendation based on your university and major, and they may include information that caters to those topics. A solid letter of recommendation is crucial since it addresses everything about you as a candidate that isn't based on objective facts. When it comes to picking applicants, your ability to work in a team atmosphere and the attitude of your prior "employer" or leader toward you are important considerations.