Consulting Business Climate

June 4, 2009 | 1 comment

Given the state of the economy, it’s no surprise that I am getting two or three calls each day from members wondering “what I’m hearing” from colleagues around the country. Everyone’s wondering if what they are seeing in changes to client needs, number of students seen in their offices, calls for colleges, schools, and programs is typical.

The short answer is ‘there is no typical.’ I’m hearing widely varied reports. Many college consultants are indicating that they continue to work with a similar number of students as compared to past years. There are several, however, who noted that the number of rising seniors is down, but they are are seeing INCREASED demand from rising sophomores and juniors. Of course the news is not as positive in some part of the country, most notably the Midwest.

Also mixed is what I’ve been hearing from school consultants. It seems that news of budget cutbacks in school districts around the country has led to a mini-surge (in some communities) of parents feeling the need to explore educational alternatives as their concern grows that cutbacks will begin to negatively impact their child’s education. This surge in interest includes all options: local independent schools, charter schools, home schooling, and boarding.

Perhaps the area where I have heard the greatest impact relates to services for students with behavioral or emotional issues. As home values sink and investment funds evaporate, families feel unprepared to meet the high cost of specialized programs. It is not reported universally that this decline has taken hold, but it seems to be a more serious impact than in other areas of consulting.

I find great value in hearing these reports from members, but even better are those who share creative ideas for how they are adjusting to these changes. I’ll share some of those ideas soon, and invite you to let me know what you are doing or seeing in your part of the country.

Posted by Mark Sklarow, IECA Executive Director