This year, Gen Next Education introduced a revolutionary AI-powered career guidance platform—College Genie. Even before its public launch, our Founder & CEO, Girish Ballolla, in his quintessential style, exclaimed with stars in his eyes and the broadest smile, “Captain, I finally have a worthy co-pilot for you!” Having known Girish for the last decade, I can confidently say that nothing excites him more than turning brilliant, futuristic ideas—often unfathomable to most—into reality.
When I first started using Genie to supplement my counseling responsibilities, I was intrigued yet apprehensive. I was excited about this ‘elixir’ that promised to cut the mundane aspects of counseling in half. But a lingering doubt crept in: “Would I still be relevant as a counselor?” At Gen Next, our roles are dynamic, and while I embrace new responsibilities, student counseling has always held a special place in my heart. After the initial fascination with Genie’s capabilities wore off, questions like “What if students no longer need my advice?” began to surface.
Adapting to Genie
For today’s generation—where ChatGPT is the go-to for everything—introducing students to an AI-powered counselor wasn’t a challenge. They took to Genie like fish to water, eagerly exploring its capabilities. For me, however, it meant rethinking my counseling methods to integrate this tool effectively. Once I adapted, the results were promising.
Although I’ve yet to complete a full advising cycle with Genie as my co-pilot, much of the labor-intensive work during the application season is done. And I can safely say my doubts are now at rest. Genie has proven invaluable, answering students’ questions at any hour and providing non-judgmental guidance. As Samanvi, one of my curious 12th graders, aptly put it: “Genie is the best! She never judges me or my questions, no matter how basic they seem.”
Streamlining the Counseling Process
Previously, my counseling began with an introductory call to understand a student’s priorities, which would then guide the creation of a university longlist. Now, students share their preferences with Genie, which generates a tailored list of 25–30 universities. We review this list together, narrowing it down to a balanced shortlist of ambitious, moderate, and safe options.
Similarly, brainstorming for essays has evolved. Genie provides tips tailored to specific application prompts, giving students a strong starting point. For activity sections, students describe their experiences to Genie, which then crafts concise, platform-appropriate entries.
When admission decisions arrive, Genie supports students in evaluating each option, factoring in the all-important fit. This guidance doesn’t replace my role but enhances it. My focus now is on teaching students to ask the right questions—ensuring they extract the most value from Genie while still benefiting from human empathy and insight.
Blending AI with Human Empathy
Despite its strengths, Genie can’t replicate emotional understanding. For example, Samanvi was nervous about a potential college interview. While Genie offered practical tips and mock interview support, she admitted, “Genie doesn’t know me like you do. How will it adapt if I get nervous?” In such cases, I step in for final mock interviews, ensuring students receive both the confidence AI builds and the nuanced guidance only a human can provide.
In schools, where counselor-to-student ratios often exceed 25:1 during admission season, Genie can be a game-changer. It complements school counselors by handling repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on deeper, more personalized interactions—much like how I use Genie to amplify my own impact.
Embracing the Future
As we close 2024, Genie and I have hit our stride, complementing each other seamlessly. While I’m still inundated with questions after sessions and presentations, every school we introduce Genie to asks the same concerned question: “Will careers like yours become redundant with AI?”
The answer lies in adaptability. Resistance to change is natural, but technology—when embraced—opens doors to new possibilities. AI, like Genie, is here to stay, and instead of replacing us, it elevates our roles. My journey with Genie has reinforced my relevance as a counselor while enhancing my ability to meet students’ needs more efficiently.
After four fulfilling years at Gen Next, I’ve gained a wealth of experience in international education—and now, I can proudly add prompt engineer to my ever-evolving skill set.
