Global Counsellor Award Winner – Buket Ayaz

How does it feel to win Counsellor of the Year – Gulf and Central Asia at the first ever Global Counsellor Awards? 

Winning the Counsellor of the Year – Gulf and Central Asia at the inaugural Global Counsellor Awards is an incredibly humbling and exhilarating experience.

It’s a validation of the dedication and passion I have poured in to my role as a school counsellor and certified educational planner and I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Times Higher Education.  

Tell us a little bit about your career background and how you became a school counsellor. 

My journey into the field of college counselling began with a desire to make a positive impact on young minds and support them through their educational and personal development journey. With a background in education, I embarked on this career path equipped with empathy, resilience and a commitment to fostering holistic growth in students.

My initial exposure to higher education advising began during my Fulbright Scholar journey, where I found myself guiding students through the application process for the critical language scholarships offered by the Department of State. As word spread about my Fulbright Scholarship award, students sought my assistance with scholarship applications in the US, recognising my experience and expertise in the field.

It became evident to me that this was not only an opportunity to educate young minds but to collaboratively shape their academic journeys. Since then, I have been committed to this path. 

What is the counselling profession like in your region? 

In the UAE, the counselling profession thrives within a tightly knit community, characterised by collaboration, support and continuous learning. There are strong links between schools, with counsellors often working hand in hand to share best practice, resources, and insights.

This sense of camaraderie fosters professional growth and ensures that students receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs. Our WhatsApp group is always buzzing with resource-sharing and problem-solving day and night.

How can counsellors boost the profile of the profession within their region? 

To elevate the visibility and credibility of the college counselling profession within our region, college counsellors can adopt a multifaceted approach.

This involves fostering collaborative partnerships with industry and universities, actively engaging with organisations like Times Higher Education to access professional development opportunities, and ensuring they stay abreast of emerging trends through continuous learning – their peers/colleagues are always ready to help.

By actively participating in industry events, collaborating with educational institutions and leveraging resources offered by reputable organisations, counsellors can effectively showcase their expertise and contribute to the advancement of the profession. 

What sort of trends are you seeing in counselling within your region? 

We are witnessing increasing interest among students in exploring educational opportunities beyond traditional destinations.

New countries are emerging as popular study destinations, offering diverse academic programmes and cultural experiences.

Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on adopting innovative counselling techniques and initiatives, such as mindfulness practices in college counselling, career exploration workshops and community outreach programmes. 

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about joining the profession? 

My advice to anyone thinking about joining the counselling profession is to approach it with a genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of students.

Embrace continuous learning and self-reflection as this field requires empathy, resilience and willingness to adapt to evolving needs of the industry. It is certainly not a desk job.

Seek mentorship from experienced college counsellors, engage in professional development opportunities, and stay connected with the broader counselling community to thrive in this rewarding career path.