Counsellor resource: five ways to build bridges in a solitary profession

Having spent more than 15 years as a comprehensive college counsellor in the field of international education, I’ve discovered the value of building a strong professional network. In an industry that can sometimes feel like a solitary island, connecting with other counsellors and admissions representatives has been a game-changer for both my personal growth and my confidence as an international counsellor.

Here are five tried-and-true strategies to help you build bridges in our shared professional journey. 

1. Collaborate with other schools

Working in isolation, whether you’re a seasoned counsellor or new to the community, can be a challenge. Even if neighbouring schools are viewed as “competitors”, it’s crucial to recognise that counsellors share common goals. To start, check if there’s an existing counsellor network in your area. If not, it only takes one motivated person to initiate and build one, perhaps through a simple group chat or as a dedicated counsellor website for your region. 

Collaboration, initiated through partnerships or joint initiatives, strengthens professional relationships. For example, if your school hosts many university visits and a nearby school doesn’t get as much traffic, it’s a chance to invite them to events and create mutually beneficial connections. 

Also, organising workshops or counselling events together fosters networking opportunities, allowing counsellors to share practices and resources. These connections can become particularly useful during challenging times within the community.

2. Join professional organisations

Membership of international counselling associations such as NACAC, IACAC, IECA, HECA, ASCA, and ISCA opens doors to a vast network of professionals. Whether you are a comprehensive counsellor, school-based college counsellor, or an independent counsellor, there is an association for everyone. 

Actively participating in events and discussions offered by these organisations is key to overcoming the challenges of working in a smaller community. It not only contributes to personal growth but also enhances the overall success of counselling programmes.

3. Attend conferences and workshops

While budget constraints might limit attendance for some, seeking out local or international professional conferences remains a highly recommended strategy.

These events provide outstanding opportunities for networking and connecting with counsellors who are likely to share similar challenges. The people you meet at conferences often become valuable connections, offering insights and perspectives beyond those that formal sessions provide. 

There are many conferences out there that give you ample opportunities to grow and learn; some are free and some come with a cost.

Some examples of these are:

• International ACAC Summer Conference
• BMI and Times Higher Global Education Forums
• NACAC Conference
• CIS Global Forum
• And many smaller regional fairs.
   

4. Attend university fly-in programmes

University fly-in programmes are unique opportunities to experience university campuses first hand. Fly-ins are immersive experiences that allow counsellors to gain insights into programmes, engage with current students and establish connections with admissions representatives. Beyond the benefits for personal growth, attending fly-ins is a fantastic way to forge lasting friendships and professional relationships with other university counsellors.

Fly-ins, often low-cost or free, empower counsellors to build lasting relationships with university representatives and peers due to the often intimate nature of these programmes. They can also add a layer of credibility to counsellors’ recommendations. Being able to tell students and parents “I recommend this university because I have visited the campus and even stayed in the dorm” significantly enhances the impact of your guidance. 

To find out about these programmes you can always express your interest about visiting a specific university to your regional representative and ask them if they organise fly-in programmes. When I inquire about these I try to back the request up with statistics showing how many of my students on average apply to their school each year and how this would help me advise them in a more informed way. If you are apprehensive about asking directly, talk to other counsellors and ask them which programmes they have attended. And, if all else fails, Google.

5. Connect with other counsellors on social media platforms

Embrace the power of social media to connect with counsellors globally. As your network grows, the algorithm might suggest profiles of other counsellors who share your interests and with whom you have mutual connections. Regularly sharing projects and challenges, and following others, provides a window into the diverse experiences of other counsellors. Engaging in discussions and seeking advice online fosters meaningful connections, creating a virtual space for professional development.

Utilising online platforms such as LinkedIn can be an easy way to see what others are doing and connect to share ideas. And, yes, Facebook is still also a great one. Facebook groups dedicated to counselling professionals are great for connecting and learning. Some of the membership groups I refer to regularly include the Dutch Higher Education Counselling and Admissions Group, the International ACAC Community and the Spain Higher Education Counselling & Admissions Professional Group. Engaging in discussions, sharing resources and seeking advice in these groups contributes to building a supportive online community.

THE Counsellor has Instagram and LinkedIn profiles that can be used to find key resources for counsellors and connect with other counsellors around the world. 

I hope that the strategies shared above will help serve as a guide to navigating the challenges and joys of being an international counsellor. Building a strong professional network is not just about career development; it’s also about creating a support system that enhances the impact we can have on our students. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and approach each step of this journey with intention – and remember, you’re not alone on this journey.