Career Guidance Counselor/ University Advisor
About This Role
JOB DESCRIPTION: University and Careers Councilor
Position Title: University and Careers Councilor
Department: Secondary
Reports to: Head of Secondary
Location: EPG Schools, Kuwait
Hours of Work: As per the School Schedule. Flexibility in hours may be required to accommodate university application deadlines, parent evenings, and career events.
Purpose Statement
The University and Careers Councilor holds a crucial position that encompasses strategic leadership and thorough management of the school's careers guidance and university admissions programs. This role is essential to the academic framework of the school, ensuring that students in Years 7 to 13 receive personalized support as they navigate their educational and career pathways. The aim is to establish a strong guidance system that empowers students to make informed choices, realize their potential, and gain admission to prestigious universities worldwide.
Role Focus
The main emphasis of this role is to provide ongoing, expert guidance for students throughout their secondary education (Years 7–13). The councilor will devise and execute a comprehensive careers education and guidance program that aligns with the British curriculum (IGCSE, GCSE, A-Levels) while supporting the school’s commitment to academic excellence and student growth. Although this position is primarily non-teaching, a limited teaching load may be negotiated with the Head of Secondary, ensuring that the core responsibilities of the role remain unaffected.
Key Responsibilities
In addition to the general duties expected of a school councilor, the chosen candidate will be tasked with the following key areas:
1. Strategic Development of Careers and University Guidance
•Spearhead the creation and execution of a school-wide strategy for careers guidance and university admissions.
•Establish and uphold effective systems for monitoring student progress, career interests, and university applications.
•Create and provide extensive training for staff to equip them to effectively assist students within their tutor groups.
•Serve as the primary liaison for universities, external organizations, and professional entities to cultivate a robust network of support and opportunities for students.
2. Academic and Career Guidance
•Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions to assist students in choosing subjects for IGCSE/GCSE and A-Level streams.
•Guide students in recognizing their strengths, interests, and potential career trajectories through psychometric assessments and personal interviews.
•Assist students in exploring a diverse range of vocational, academic, and international higher education options, both within the GCC and globally.
•Organize and conduct career awareness events, workshops, guest speaker sessions, and university fairs for all secondary year groups.
•Participate in career awareness events, workshops, and university entry conferences for all secondary years.
•Support and help enhance the EPG Co-curricular activities, advising on those that significantly impact admissions to top-tier universities.
3. University and Post-Secondary Support
•Oversee and assist students with all facets of the university application process, including UCAS (UK), the Common Application (US), and systems for EU, GCC, and other international universities.
•Provide expert guidance on composing personal statements, requesting academic references, and preparing all necessary application materials.
•Manage the school’s process for providing predicted grades and school references, ensuring quality and uniformity.
•Conduct tailored workshops for students and parents focused on university admissions, scholarship applications, and navigating global education systems.
4. Leadership and Collaboration
•Effectively communicate with all stakeholders, including the Senior Leadership Team, Heads of Department, staff, students, and parents, to ensure a coordinated approach to student guidance.
•Deliver comprehensive analysis and feedback to the Senior Leadership Team regarding student destination data, application trends, and the effectiveness of the guidance program to aid strategic planning, along with maintaining records for EPG Alumni.
•Keep abreast of all changes in university admissions, curriculum requirements, and best practices by attending relevant training and networking with fellow professionals.
•Cultivate a school environment where students are ambitious, well-informed, and confident in their future pathways.
Person Specification
Essential
•A comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the British curriculum (IGCSE, GCSE, A-Levels).
•Demonstrable experience with international university admissions processes, particularly for the UK, US, EU, and GCC regions.
•Outstanding organizational and time-management abilities with the capacity to work accurately under pressure and meet strict external deadlines.
•A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant discipline.
•Advanced ICT skills, with experience using management information systems (MIS) and university application platforms.
•The capacity to foster effective and professional relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
•A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and confidentiality.
Desirable
•Experience in a similar role, ideally within an international school context in the GCC.
•A background in teaching along with a valid teaching qualification.
•Familiarity with psychometric and career assessment tools.
•Graduates from prestigious universities (e.g., Russell Group, Ivy League) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Personal and Professional Conduct
The University and Careers Councilor is expected to consistently demonstrate high standards of personal and professional conduct, acting as a role model within the school community. This includes treating all individuals with dignity and respect, safeguarding student well-being, and upholding the ethos, policies, and practices of EPG.