Independent educational consultants are professionals who provide students and their families with individual attention and first-hand knowledge of hundreds of educational opportunities. They are certified to demonstrate their competence and value, and specialize in college admissions and helping students prepare for college transition. An independent education consultant (IEC) helps families navigate the college admissions process by matching a student's skills, goals, and needs with specific schools to determine what options are appropriate. The Independent Educational Consultant Certification Program provides the knowledge and skills needed to build a business practice, as well as the necessary knowledge to navigate the college admissions process.
To become an IEC, there are no real requirements, however, to establish credibility, you might consider getting an independent educational consultant certificate. Before hiring an IEC, it is important to ask if the person has an independent educational consultant certification and what professional membership they have. Go to the IECA and HECA websites, use the search tools for consultants in your area, research online, make phone calls and interview any professional who seems worth spending your time. Make sure your child meets and maintains a good relationship with the consultant before you put your money.
Some consultants offer comprehensive packages; others bill by the hour. The best consultants have years of experience with dozens of clients, have visited hundreds of universities, and know both teenagers and the process well. An often-repeated misperception is that independent education consulting primarily serves the needs of wealthy families. However, seeking the services of an independent education consultant may be the smartest investment a family can make. What does an independent education consultant do? Well, we advise students and families throughout the college admissions process. We use our first-hand knowledge and experience to help students explore their options and discover the perfect school for them.
Education consultants work closely with parents to make sure they know how to support their students' application process and help them plan for college entry. If educational consultants choose to work independently, they must be certified to demonstrate their competence and value. Once you know what type of educational consulting company you want to start, you should discuss your options with a business accountant, a business lawyer, and use the services of any small business tutoring program in your local area to get your business off the ground smoothly. Even if you choose not to follow that path, you can work independently by finding and hiring your own clients, creating your own consulting company or working for an established consultancy firm. The IECA offers numerous educational events each year across the country, including Webinars & Virtual campus tours, conferences, summer institute, retreats, symposiums and workshops. Attending professional conferences, networking with college admissions representatives, and keeping up with industry news are just a few of the other tasks expected from an independent education consultant. Jeffrey Haig, founder of Strategic College Consulting, completed his bachelor's degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and an MBA and PhD in Education (with scholarship) from the University of Southern California (USC).
By now, you may be convinced that hiring an independent education consultant is the best option for you. Complete the form below to download a brochure & learn more about American University's online education programs.
