Why counsellors should be making friends and influencing people

When I first started out as a university counsellor 18 years ago, I was new to the role and had no contacts. Reflecting on my work at that time, I realise how much more effectively I can work with students now by drawing on the expertise and knowledge base of the many networks I have carefully cultivated.

Networking is an essential skill for school counsellors who aim to support students in their academic, career and personal development. By building strong professional connections, counsellors can enhance their own expertise, expand opportunities for students and strengthen the school’s support system. 

Why networks matter

A school known for strong counselling services attracts students and parents who value guidance and support. Active networking allows counsellors to contribute to their school’s reputation by securing student success stories, fostering partnerships and positioning the school as a leader in student development. 

The education and job markets are constantly evolving, with new career paths, skill demands and support needs emerging regularly. Counsellors who actively network stay updated on these changes, ensuring that they provide students with the most relevant and timely advice.

Who should you be networking with?

1. School counsellors

Connecting with school counsellors locally and globally is extremely helpful. If you need information about specific institutions that you have no direct knowledge of, you can reach out to your network for their input, particularly if you are dealing with applications to institutions around the globe.

A counselling network also allows you to collaborate, arrange and promote events.

And networking among school counsellors creates a professional support system where best practices, resources and student-support strategies can be shared. A counselling community enhances the effectiveness of guidance services and fosters collaboration when addressing student needs.

2. University recruitment staff

Building a network of recruitment staff and signing up for newsletters is an invaluable way of learning about opportunities.

Having personal contacts in admissions or recruitment offices ensures that your questions are answered more efficiently, or that you can find solutions more effectively.

You can arrange events at your school more easily, because your network will inform you of any planned visits to your area or country ahead of time.

And you can put your school on the map by building a relationship based on mutual trust. The nature of international recruitment is mostly based on these connections and contacts. In addition, some scholarship programmes, internships and mentorship opportunities are accessed through referrals. Having a network of contacts therefore means that your students gain access to the most beneficial opportunities.

3. School alumni 

Your school alumni can become invaluable connections at different institutions – with whom you can then put your current students in touch. You can even formalise this by having your graduates as ambassadors at popular institutions, and they can organise departure events for your students.

Alumni can also provide you with comprehensive and up-to-date careers knowledge to share with students who wish to research career paths related to specific degrees.

4. Professionals and professional organisations

Representatives of professional organisations can provide a wealth of information as well as offering help with careers and accreditation advice where relevant.

Establishing relationships with local businesses, organisations and higher education institutions can help counsellors create direct pipelines for student mentorship, job shadowing and volunteer opportunities.

Networking with community leaders can lead to partnerships that benefit students and the school.

And if you want to find a mentor or look for a new role for yourself, building your network is of paramount importance. You can use this network to find your dream job – for example, by reaching out to someone in a similar role who inspires you. They can offer guidance or help you pinpoint potential opportunities.

5. Voluntary work

Volunteering can link you to different organisations where students may also be interested in gaining work experience.

This type of work adds diversity to your network and is therefore of immense value. Having recently started volunteering for Project Access, I have met a range of professionals with very different backgrounds, including people who have worked in admissions offices in different countries and students from elite universities around the globe. This is pertinent to my role at school, and has been a great way to deepen my knowledge.

How to expand your network

1. LinkedIn

Connecting with professionals in education, mental health and career guidance enables you to build a strong professional network and discover new opportunities. LinkedIn also allows you to engage in discussions, share insights and join relevant groups. It is a particularly efficient way of keeping in touch with international recruitment staff who often switch institutions or positions.

2. WhatsApp groups 

Joining or creating groups for counsellors, educators and parents allows quick sharing of resources and job opportunities, as well as collaboration on student support strategies.

3. Facebook groups 

These provide a platform to engage with counsellors globally, exchange best practice, and stay updated on industry trends. Examples include: UCAS Advisers and the Dutch Higher Education Counseling and Admissions Group.

4. Industry events

Attending education and counselling conferences, workshops and seminars allows you to network with experts, learn about new methodologies and form partnerships with institutions and organisations.

5. Counsellor fly-ins

These are invitation-based events where counsellors visit universities or institutions, allowing them to build relationships with admissions officers, learn about programmes first-hand and therefore better guide students on study options.