Newton School Academic Counsellor Interview: Rounds, Questions and Preparation

What the job involves

An Academic Counsellor in EdTech guides prospective students and working professionals through course selection, career planning, and enrollment decisions. Daily work involves high-volume outbound and inbound calls, understanding learner goals, explaining program outcomes and fees, and coordinating with sales and academic teams to meet enrollment targets. In media and entertainment EdTech, you may also counsel learners for creative programs like content creation, design, or digital marketing.

Role and Industry Knowledge

1. 1

   What does an Academic Counsellor do differently from a sales executive in an EdTech company?

   Highlight that a counsellor first diagnoses learner goals and career gaps, then recommends a program as a solution. Mention that sales is transactional while counselling is consultative and builds trust for long-term referrals.

2. 2

   Why do you want to work in EdTech, specifically for media and entertainment programs?

   Connect your interest in education with the growing demand for creative skills like video editing, design, and content strategy. Show awareness that media EdTech helps learners build portfolios and freelance careers.

3. 3

   What do you know about the typical learner profile for a media and entertainment EdTech program?

   Describe working professionals, college students, and career switchers who want practical, portfolio-based learning. Mention that they often compare programs on placement support, mentor quality, and flexible timings.

4. 4

   How would you explain the return on investment of a paid EdTech program to a hesitant parent?

   Focus on outcomes like salary hike, portfolio projects, and placement assistance rather than just course duration. Suggest sharing alumni success stories and a clear fee-to-salary comparison.

Practical Scenarios and Problem Solving

1. 5

   A lead says the program is too expensive and stops responding. How do you re-engage them?

   Show empathy, ask about their budget and career urgency, and offer EMI or scholarship options if available. Suggest sending a short success story of a learner from a similar background.

2. 6

   You have 50 leads in your CRM and only 4 hours left in the day. How do you prioritise?

   Segment leads by intent, recency, and program fit. Call high-intent leads first, send personalised WhatsApp or email follow-ups to the rest, and update the CRM with clear next steps.

3. 7

   A learner wants to join a program but their parents are against it. How do you handle this?

   Suggest a three-way call or a parent-specific webinar to address concerns about safety, fees, and job outcomes. Emphasise that the learner should make an informed decision with family support.

4. 8

   You missed your weekly enrollment target by 30 percent. What do you do next?

   Analyse call quality, lead source, and conversion stage to find the gap. Ask your manager for a call review, adjust your pitch, and plan extra follow-ups for warm leads.

Communication and Counselling Skills

1. 9

   How would you counsel a learner who is confused between a short-term certificate and a full PG program?

   Ask about their time availability, budget, and career goal. Recommend the certificate for quick upskilling and the PG program for deeper specialisation and placement support.

2. 10

   Role play: A learner says, 'I have no prior experience in media, can I still get a job after this course?'

   Acknowledge the concern, then explain that portfolio projects and internships bridge the experience gap. Mention that many EdTech programs include mentor feedback and interview preparation.

3. 11

   How do you handle a learner who is angry because they missed a live class and wants a refund?

   Listen without interrupting, apologise for the inconvenience, and check the refund policy. Offer alternatives like recorded sessions, a doubt-clearing session, or a batch change before escalating.

4. 12

   What questions would you ask a learner in the first two minutes of a counselling call?

   Ask about their current role, career goal, preferred learning format, and timeline. This helps you tailor the pitch and avoid sharing irrelevant program details.

Behavioural and HR Questions

1. 13

   Tell me about a time you convinced someone to change their mind.

   Use the STAR method: describe the situation, the resistance you faced, the approach you took, and the positive outcome. Keep it concise and focus on your listening and reasoning skills.

2. 14

   How do you handle rejection or a week with zero enrollments?

   Show resilience by focusing on what you can control: call volume, pitch quality, and follow-ups. Mention seeking feedback from seniors and staying motivated by long-term learner impact.

3. 15

   Are you comfortable making 80 to 100 calls a day and working some weekends?

   Be honest and positive. If you are comfortable, say so and explain how you manage energy and time. If not, clarify your flexibility without sounding resistant.

4. 16

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

   Show ambition to grow into a senior counsellor, team lead, or trainer role while mastering program knowledge. Avoid saying you want to move out of counselling or sales entirely.