Standing on the 18th floor of an open-framed high-rise building, wearing a hard hat and surveying the open floor plan, I could never have imagined that this path would one day lead me to become an independent educational consultant (IEC).
My career began as an interior architect, where I spent over 12 years designing collaborative and holistic interior office spaces for corporate clients. These projects challenged my creativity as I worked to design environments that energized and inspired productivity. I continued working until I was nine months pregnant with my first daughter.
Raising my two daughters became my next career, and I applied my professional expertise to community projects. Drawing on my experience working with executives and professionals from Apple, Merrill Lynch, and Wells Fargo Bank, I successfully raised thousands of dollars to support an art docent program. This program brought fine art and art history lessons to the small public school district my daughters attended in Monterey, California, enriching their educational offerings. When approached to become the art director of the school district program, I jumped at the chance and accepted. There, I discovered my creativity helped students find their imaginative side, foster cognitive development, and, most importantly, nurture their self-worth and creative expression.
I thought I had found my dream job, but everything shifted when I became friends with my daughter’s IEC, JoAnn. I was captivated by the college application process, and while giving my daughters the freedom to work independently, I quietly absorbed everything I could. After they left the nest, and with JoAnn’s encouragement—now as my mentor—I began pursuing the UCLA College Counseling Certificate Program. Balancing family and my teaching responsibilities, I took three years to complete the program, never giving up on becoming an IEC. While still teaching, I started working with a few students under JoAnn’s guidance. Then COVID changed everything.
While still teaching remotely, I was invited into a discussion group formed by one of my UCLA teachers with a diverse community of members from all over the world. This welcoming group, which met three times weekly, is where I learned about IECA. Several people in the group were members and encouraged me to join.
Being cooped up at home with only a computer, I found the IECA resources and community to be a significant connection with the outside world. I eagerly looked forward to College Conversations, where Marilyn O’Toole and Joanne LaSpina warmly welcomed me to join in learning critical information about colleges and their updates on changes occurring during the pandemic. Their insightful questions to admission officers had me create pages of notes, which allowed me to become better equipped as an IEC and helped me navigate my students through challenging times. Monthly Associate & Student Members Virtual Roundtables popped up on my screen to join, and participating gave me confidence that I understood the “world of college counseling.” The first IECA conference I attended was virtual. It was terrific; there were so many choices of sessions that were incredibly engaging and further broadened my understanding of the profession.
IECA’s seamless transition to a virtual environment gave me the essential knowledge to grow as an IEC and fostered meaningful professional relationships and friendships. This support proved critical in launching my practice. It allowed me to channel my creativity in a new direction, evolving my approach to incorporate the skills I had cultivated throughout my previous careers.
I retired from the school district and attended the San Diego IECA conference in fall 2022, which marked a pivotal moment as I began meeting people I knew from virtual sessions in person for the first time. I was struck by the kindness and support of everyone I encountered. Meeting the wonderful and warm people I had met countless times on Zoom in person was heartfelt. I was motivated when seeing individuals with diverse life experiences unite with a shared purpose—to help students navigate their high school and college application journeys.
Now, I take advantage of everything IECA has to offer. I’ve been on IECA college tours, gaining valuable insights and firsthand observations that I can confidently share with my students. Spending five days on a bus with over 50 fellow IECs is a truly unique and enriching experience, full of idea-sharing and meaningful conversations that deepen my understanding of our shared mission. Additionally, I have become fearless in joining and participating in roundtables, affinity groups, and my regional group. These communities provide me with countless ideas, inspiring me to continually learn, grow, and refine my practice. Last year, I joined the Outreach Committee, further deepening my connection to the IECA community. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with fellow members to promote the value of IECA and share why it is an essential organization to join.
Reflecting on my work with this year’s senior class, I am honored and proud to guide my students through this pivotal time in their lives. Using my creativity to help them uncover their interests and connect them with their futures is incredibly rewarding. IECA has been instrumental in fueling my continued improvement in my practice and shaping the care and commitment I bring to each student. For this, I am truly grateful!
By Linda Jang, IECA Associate (CA)
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