How do I love thee, IECA? Let me count the ways.
I love thee community.
The sharing and encouragement given by all.
I love thee professional development.
From webinars to conferences. The knowledge I gain is invaluable.
I love thee peer groups.
My twice-a-month session has led to friendships that extend beyond our work.
I love thee college tours.
The rolling out of the red carpet as well as the insights not seen on a prospective student tour allow me to bring added value to my clients.
I love thee discounts.
Who doesn’t love getting a great deal on their IEC certificate classes?!
I love, well, you get the point.

I may not be Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and I’m certainly no poet, but I am a HUGE fan of IECA. I joined as an Associate member in 2019. It was sheer luck, and a smart Google search, that brought me here. I was looking for knowledge, support, and a network of professionals who could help me develop my skills and build my business. I found all that and more in IECA.

As I nervously walked into the Atlanta conference in 2019, imposter syndrome screaming in my head, I was warmly greeted by the IECA staff. Over the course of the three days, my fears melted away. I put faces to the daily posts on the IECA Member Network. Professional members gladly shared their knowledge, connections, and handouts with me. Over meals, I spoke with other new IECs and realized that I wasn’t alone. By the time I headed home, with a suitcase full of brochures and giveaways and a head filled with new ideas, I knew I had found my professional home.

During COVID, I “visited” colleges though the virtual College Conversations and attended the online conferences, continuing to build my knowledge. I attended the monthly Associate & Student Members Virtual Roundtable, where I connected with other new IECs and dove into the topics du jour. I read the Member Network posts by colleagues and came to appreciate the sharing of information by everyone. I also found the courage to start sharing my fledgling knowledge with others.

Fast forward to today. I’m a newly minted Professional member with my IEC certificate from UC Irvine (with my 10 percent IECA discount!) and an ever-growing network of peers. Of all the amazing resources that IECA provides, my network is what I value most. I have collaborated with specialists to help students with specific needs that are beyond my knowledge. I have learned ways to improve my business, work more efficiently, and reduce my potential exposure to liability. I have continued to learn about colleges, the application process, and ways to better serve my students.

Most importantly, I have found my people. People who continually build their knowledge and skills and willingly share with others. People who hold themselves to high ethical standards. People who want to see everyone, especially our students, succeed. People who I am proud to call my friends.

How do I love thee, IECA? I would love to count the ways, but they are simply too numerous to count. And that is why I belong.

—Eleanora Ferrante, MBA, MA, IECA (NY)

Last updated on October 23, 2023