Besant Technologies Academic Counsellor Interview: Rounds, Questions and Preparation

What the job involves

Academic Counsellors in upskilling and bootcamp companies guide prospective learners through course selection, career goals, and enrollment decisions. They handle inbound and outbound calls, conduct counselling sessions, explain curriculum and placement support, and follow up with leads to convert them into enrolled students. The role blends sales, customer service, and basic knowledge of tech courses and career paths.

Role and Industry Knowledge

1. 1

   What does an Academic Counsellor do in an upskilling company, and how is it different from a regular sales role?

   Explain that you advise learners on courses and career paths, not just sell. Highlight that you need to understand tech job roles, curriculum, and placement support to guide decisions.

2. 2

   Why do you want to work in the edtech or bootcamp sector, especially with a fast-growing company?

   Connect your interest in education and technology, and mention the growth of online upskilling in India. Show awareness that smaller companies offer faster learning and more responsibility.

3. 3

   What do you know about the courses typically offered by upskilling bootcamps?

   Name a few common tracks like full stack development, data science, cloud computing, and software testing. Mention that you understand the duration, tools, and target audience for each.

4. 4

   How would you explain the value of a bootcamp to a fresher who is unsure about spending money on a course?

   Focus on structured learning, hands-on projects, placement assistance, and industry-relevant skills. Compare it to self-study by highlighting mentorship and accountability.

Practical Scenarios

1. 5

   A working professional says they do not have time for a 6-month course. How do you handle this objection?

   Acknowledge their time constraints, then suggest weekend batches, recorded sessions, or flexible learning paths. Emphasise that upskilling can lead to better roles and salary.

2. 6

   A parent calls and says the course is too expensive. What do you say?

   Show empathy, explain the return on investment, and mention EMI options, scholarships, or placement support. Avoid arguing; focus on long-term career benefits.

3. 7

   You have a lead who attended a demo class but is not responding to calls. What is your follow-up strategy?

   Use a mix of calls, WhatsApp messages, and emails with personalised content like course brochures or alumni success stories. Space out follow-ups and ask if they have specific concerns.

4. 8

   A learner says they want a job guarantee before enrolling. How do you respond?

   Clarify what the company actually offers, such as placement assistance, interview preparation, and partner companies. Never promise a guaranteed job unless the company officially does so.

Behavioural and Situational Questions

1. 9

   Tell me about a time you convinced someone to do something they were initially hesitant about.

   Use a simple example from college, a project, or a part-time job. Show that you listened to their concern, addressed it, and gave a clear reason to agree.

2. 10

   How do you handle rejection or a day when most of your calls do not convert?

   Show resilience and a learning mindset. Mention that you review your pitch, take feedback, and stay motivated because not every lead converts immediately.

3. 11

   Describe a situation where you had to learn something new quickly to help someone else.

   Pick a real example, like learning a tool for a college project or helping a friend with a subject. Highlight your willingness to research and explain clearly.

4. 12

   How would you handle a learner who is angry about a batch schedule change?

   Listen without interrupting, apologise for the inconvenience, and offer alternatives like a different batch or recorded sessions. Escalate if needed and follow up to confirm resolution.

HR and Motivation

1. 13

   Why should we hire you for this Academic Counsellor role?

   Highlight your communication skills, ability to learn fast, and genuine interest in helping people build careers. Mention any experience in sales, tutoring, or customer interaction.

2. 14

   Are you comfortable working with monthly targets and making 50 to 100 calls a day?

   Say yes and show that you understand the role involves consistent effort. Mention that you are organised and can track leads in a CRM without losing follow-ups.

3. 15

   Where do you see yourself in two years in this company?

   Show ambition to grow into a senior counsellor, team lead, or trainer role. Emphasise that you want to master the product and improve conversion rates first.

4. 16

   What are your salary expectations for this role?

   Research typical fresher salaries for counsellor roles in your city. Give a reasonable range and mention that you are open to learning and growth opportunities.