Info Swaps
I have a love/hate relationship with Info Swaps. Every time I come to IECA and see hundreds of people and tables with information in the grand ballrooms, I become a bit overwhelmed and uncharacteristically shy. I usually fortify myself with the treats that are set out before diving into the crowd – perhaps the goal of that tantalizing food is to lure other suddenly shy consultants into the room!
So for the last two days, I had to take a deep breath and plunge into the gauntlet and work the room. Though I dreaded it initially, soon I was back in my comfort zone. It’s great to catch up with old friends and contacts from the world of schools, colleges, and programs. I get to follow up on kids I’ve placed, or had apply to college, and am also armed with new “shopping lists” for students I am working with. Not only do I get the chance to reconnect with dear colleagues, but I always walk away with new contacts, new hidden gems I just learned about, and new ideas for a student. I also get to talk through scenarios with school and programs representatives face to face and think through possible solutions with them.
It’s a reminder, too, of how our young and inexperienced students must feel when they go to a college fair and have to put themselves out there. It’s not easy – and only gets slightly easier with experience! But is it worth it? Absolutely!!!
I’d like to thank all those schools, colleges, and programs, too, for coming. I think that many of them must share my feelings, only they are working the opposite side of the table. But if they didn’t come to IECA, and put their organizations or institutions out there, it would be a whole lot harder for us as consultants to learn about them – and that means we would be far less likely to refer students. So thanks for coming!!!
Posted by Becky Grappo, IECA (Oman)
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