Navigating the Future: Career Counselling at Springdales School

As the Career Counsellor at Springdales School in Dubai, I have the privilege of guiding our students as they embark on one of the most exciting, yet daunting, phases of their lives—choosing a career path. My role allows me to help students discover their potential, explore their passions, and equip themselves with the tools to make informed decisions about their futures.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping students identify the career paths that align with their strengths and interests. This process often begins with a one-on-one brainstorming session in my office, where we discuss their passions, goals, and ambitions. I also use psychometric aptitude tests, which provide a detailed analysis of a student’s skills and suggest careers that best fit their profile. These tests often spark great conversations and insights, allowing students to explore options they may not have considered before.

To complement our in-school counselling sessions, I organize visits to universities across Dubai. These excursions provide our students with real-world exposure to various fields of study and professional environments. For instance, we recently visited Middlesex University Dubai, where students participated in Business Management, Accounting, and Events Management workshops. Another memorable trip was to the Emirates Flight Training Academy, where students eager to become pilots spent a day at the academy, interacting with instructors and trainees and getting first-hand knowledge of the aviation industry.

We also explore creative fields, such as when I took a group of students interested in animation, VR/AR technology, and gaming design to the SAE Creative Media Institute. These experiences allow our students to engage directly with experts, ask questions, and visualize what their future could look like.

Competitions hosted by universities are another fantastic way for our students to challenge themselves and showcase their talents. Recently, our students participated in “Watts the Future” at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, where they designed sustainable, futuristic homes using software tools. I’m incredibly proud that our team won 3rd place in this regional event. Additionally, our participation in the Science and Engineering Fair hosted by the University of Dubai led to another success—one of our teams secured third place among schools across the UAE. These events not only foster creativity and innovation but also help students build confidence in their abilities.

Beyond universities, I also arrange visits to leading companies to give our students insight into the professional world. Our recent visit to Ernst & Young was a valuable experience, as students had the opportunity to observe and learn about careers in finance, auditing, and consultancy. Such visits are critical in helping students understand the diverse career options available and what it takes to succeed in the business world.

The final step of my counselling process is to guide students through the college application process. This can often be overwhelming for both students and parents, but I am here to ensure that every application is complete and strong. From drafting Letters of Recommendation to assisting with personal essays, predicted grades, and mark sheets, I make sure that each student is fully prepared to present themselves in the best light to their chosen universities.