By Shruti Menon Seeboo
CA Counselling Services (CACS), a leading provider of educational guidance and counselling services, will host a presentation and networking session on August 7 to address the evolving landscape of test preparations, psychometric testing, and career counselling. The event aims to equip local school headmasters and teachers with the essential knowledge and tools to effectively guide their students’ academic and career paths.
Psychometric tests offer valuable insights into a person’s aptitudes, skills, and interests. While often associated with recruitment, these assessments can also be instrumental in helping students discover their strengths and potential career paths. By understanding their students’ unique profiles, educators can provide tailored guidance and support.
CACS offers comprehensive psychometric testing services for both students and parents to facilitate informed decision-making about future educational and career trajectories. Tony Malik, Independent Director and Consultant at CA Counselling Services Ltd, will delve deeper into the importance of psychometric testing and how it can benefit students. Excerpts:
- Can you elaborate on the significance of psychometric testing in guiding students towards suitable career paths?
Psychometric testing is crucial in guiding students towards suitable career paths by objectively assessing their abilities, personality traits, interests, and values. It helps identify strengths and weaknesses, ensuring career choices align with natural talents and personal preferences. By providing a comprehensive profile, these tests enable informed, personalised advice, reducing bias and enhancing self-awareness.
This approach not only aids in selecting the right educational courses and initial careers but also supports long-term career planning, fostering confidence and satisfaction in professional decisions. Ultimately, psychometric testing ensures that students pursue careers where they are most likely to thrive and succeed. A student benefits most from taking them two to three times during their academic journey to track changes in their interests and abilities especially Form 3, Form 5 and sometimes Form 7.
- How does CA Counselling Services tailor its guidance to the individual needs and aspirations of students?
CA Counselling Services tailors its guidance by offering personalised counselling sessions that consider each student’s unique strengths, weaknesses, interests, and goals. Through comprehensive assessments, including psychometric tests, we identify individual aptitudes and preferences. Customised advice on educational and career paths is provided, aligning with students’ aspirations and market trends.
Additionally, we offer support in selecting suitable universities/institutions and courses, ensuring a match between the student’s profile and academic opportunities. Continuous mentoring and follow-up sessions further help in adapting plans as students’ needs and ambitions evolve, ensuring they are well-prepared for their chosen careers. Initial consultations and psychometric assessments enable us to provide customised solutions.
We provide one-on-one or group coaching for exams like SAT for USA, UCAT for medical in UK, Australia/NZ, and LNAT for UK Law or IELTS. Detailed information on countries, universities, and programs helps students make informed choices. We assist with applications, including personal statements, and provide continuous support until admission and visa procedures are complete. Our comprehensive approach ensures students feel confident and prepared for their academic journey.
- What are some key trends you’ve observed in the global job market, and how does CA Counselling Services prepare students to navigate these trends?
CA Counselling Services prepares students for key trends in the global job market by offering tailored career guidance. We focus on developing digital competencies, adaptability, and communication skills aligned with the rising demand for tech skills and remote work. Skills like digital literacy, data analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability are highly sought after by employers.
Our personalised counselling and psychometric assessments help students select relevant educational paths and institutions. Extremely important are Internships, co-op programs and project-based learning to ensure students are well-equipped for the evolving job market. They provide valuable real-world experience and increase employability. Sectors like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, healthcare and cybersecurity offer promising opportunities.
Networking remains a crucial aspect of job search success. Building professional connections through platforms like LinkedIn and attending industry events can open doors to new opportunities. Remote work opportunities have increased significantly, with more companies embracing flexible work arrangements.
- Could you share some success stories or testimonials from students who have benefited from CA Counselling Services’ programs?
Students have consistently praised CACS for its exceptional support and guidance. Many have reported dramatic improvements in their test scores, with one student sharing their experience of increasing their score from 1360 to 1440 in just a few months. This achievement was attributed to the structured lessons, expert guidance, and supportive environment provided by CACS.
Students have also highlighted the invaluable insights and tips shared by instructors, which significantly boosted their confidence and performance. The course curriculum effectively taught time management and strategic approaches to tackling challenging questions, contributing to overall exam success. Furthermore, the consistent monitoring of students’ academic progress and the provision of regular practice tests with detailed feedback have been instrumental in enhancing students’ understanding and performance.
- What distinguishes CA Counselling Services from other educational guidance and counselling providers?
CA Counselling Services stands out with its personalized, comprehensive approach to student guidance. Utilising psychometric testing, they create individualised profiles for tailored advice aligned with each student’s unique strengths, interests, and goals. Continuous one-on-one mentoring adapts plans as aspirations evolve, focusing on up-to-date market trends and practical skills development.
With a strong network of partnerships with top institutions, our guidance remains relevant. As an initiative of Campus Abroad, boasting 23 years of experience, we offer personalized guidance including aptitude test preparation and ongoing mentorship. Our dedicated team comprising experienced career counsellors, educators and industry experts empowers students, particularly in sought-after programs like Study in USA, ensuring they achieve career goals confidently.
- How do you ensure that students are well-prepared for standardized exams such as SAT, UCAT, and LNAT?
CA Counselling Services ensures students are well-prepared for exams like SAT, UCAT, and LNAT through tailored programs including personalised study plans and one-on-one tutoring. We offer high-quality study materials, practice tests, and expert instruction to build familiarity and confidence. Regular assessments track progress, while stress and time management techniques optimise performance.
Understanding each student’s needs, we create personalised study plans and provide various resources, including practice tests and review materials. Experienced tutors offer individualised support, guiding students to improve gradually while managing exam stress. The goal is to empower students to feel confident and prepared as they showcase their abilities in the exam room.
- Can you shed some light on the importance of country and institution selection in the educational journey of students?
Country and institution selection significantly impact a student’s educational journey, influencing education quality, career prospects, and personal growth. The right country exposes students to diverse cultures, enhancing global awareness and language skills, while a reputable institution provides access to world-class faculty and resources essential for academic success.
Aligning student goals with institutional strengths maximises learning experiences and career opportunities. Factors like living costs and cultural fit must also be considered for a supportive environment. Choosing the perfect country and institution is a transformative journey, shaping academic, cultural, and personal growth. It’s about finding a place where students thrive academically and personally, ensuring a fulfilling educational experience and setting them up for success beyond graduation.
Ultimately, this decision isn’t just about the student’s education; it’s about discovering themselves, creating unforgettable memories, and embracing a world of endless possibilities.
- How does CA Counselling Services support students in setting and achieving their academic and career goals?
CA Counselling Services supports students in achieving academic and career goals through personalised counselling, psychometric assessments, and tailored action plans. We help students identify strengths, interests, and aspirations, guiding them in selecting suitable courses and institutions. Regular personalised mentoring and progress tracking ensure students stay on course, while targeted resources such as study materials and test preparation boost academic performance.
Additionally, we offer career development support, including internships and networking opportunities, equipping students with confidence to succeed. With personalized support and ongoing encouragement, students gain the tools to pursue their dreams. Investing in students’ futures, CA Counselling Services becomes a partner in their success, guiding them toward achieving academic and career aspirations.
- In what ways does CA Counselling Services contribute to fostering a culture of self-awareness and personal growth among students?
CA Counselling Services fosters self-awareness and personal growth among students through individualized approaches by regular communication my emails and WhatsApp. Starting with psychometric assessments and counselling sessions, we help students understand strengths, weaknesses, interests and values. Goal setting promotes clarity on academic and career aspirations, while ongoing mentorship provides continuous support for exploration and development. Workshops on personal development, time management and stress management equip students with essential skills.
Emphasising adaptability and lifelong learning, CA Counselling prepares students for a changing global landscape. Through consistent communication and supportive feedback, counsellors nurture students’ growth, inspiring hope and empowering them on their journey of self-discovery and personal development. Additionally, CA Counselling Services emphasises the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning, preparing students to navigate and thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.
- Looking ahead, what are some upcoming initiatives or developments that CA Counselling Services is excited about?
Looking ahead, CA Counselling Services is enthusiastic about integrating virtual reality for career exploration, AI-powered counselling for personalised guidance, and expanding global internship programs. Enhanced online resources will offer interactive tools for skill development and test preparation, while mental health support services prioritize students’ well-being.
Excitingly, a new SAT exam preparation portal is underway, offering comprehensive study materials and AI-driven mock tests for effective preparation. With over 3,300 questions sorted by topic and difficulty levels, the platform offers comprehensive preparation. Utilising AI technology, it provides adaptive mock tests, mirroring real exam conditions for an effective study experience. Specialised counselling programs focusing on sustainability and green careers are also in development, aligning with emerging global trends.
Excitingly, a new SAT exam preparation portal is underway, offering comprehensive study materials and AI-driven mock tests for effective preparation. Additionally, our Training division operating under the brand-name Corp Advantage Training offers tailored programs for banking, finance, and management sectors, as well as soft skills, reflecting CA Counselling’s commitment to excellence in education and professional development.