Advancing Professionalism in College Admission Consulting


Leading IEC Professional Development 

HECA’s mission is advancing professionalism in college admissions consulting, and we expect our members to maintain the highest level of professionalism, knowledge, and expertise. We offer an amazing array of professional development opportunities each year, ensuring HECA IECs stay current in college admission trends, connect with experts from across the higher education landscape, and uphold the highest ethical standards in the profession.

Annual Conference

Packed with dedicated networking sessions, notable guest speakers, topical breakout sessions, a college fair for IECs, critical roundtable discussions, and campus visits, HECA’s annual conference is highly anticipated every year! 

College Knowledge

These unique webinar series are designed to enrich professional growth, expand knowledge of higher education institutions, and helping HECA IECs more effectively guide students and families: 

  • Beyond the Brochure
    Get the inside story directly from college representatives. Discover new programs, distinctive offerings, and hidden gems that will make a significant difference in your educational consulting advising.
  • Major Talks 
    Dive deep into specific academic majors. This series helps you better understand ideal high school preparation, key program elements, and student outcomes to guide students.
  • Specialty Spotlight
    Explore distinctive college themes and learn what defines high quality programs. Experts join us to showcase institutions excelling in specific areas—such as art and design, HBCUs, or LGBTQ+ affirming campuses—and highlight emerging trends.


College & University Representatives

who would like to be part of HECA's programming for our network of professional independent educational consultants are invited to submit an interest form.

College Tours

HECA IECs are committed to providing families the most accurate, up-to-date information about colleges and universities. Our member-only college tours ensure exceptional opportunities to network with admission professionals and explore campuses firsthand.


College & University Representatives

who would like to showcase their campus to knowledgable, professional IECs are welcome to complete this form to connect with our College Tour committee.

Education Abroad

To raise awareness about the educational opportunities offered by universities around the world, Education Abroad programming provides resources for members like suggested policies, detailed documents, college presentation videos, and ten-minute "taster" interviews with university representatives so that HECA members can build or update their knowledge about opportunities for students to study outside of the United States.


University Representatives
who are interested in being interviewed or presenting a session for HECA IECs are encouraged to complete this interest form.

Learning Labs

HECA brings together members who share interests and expertise at virtual and in-person roundtable discussions throughout the year. Our member-led Learning Labs serve as a pivotal opportunity for sharing ideas, learning from one another, and advancing the profession.


Learning Labs are an exclusive HECA member benefit. If you have an idea for a new Learning Lab, we'd love to hear more! Please submit your proposal here.

Members Mentoring Members

With an emphasis on shared learning for professional growth, HECA’s peer mentoring program pairs cohorts of members to build their resources, skills, and knowledge base while developing a collaborative, informal partnership with a fellow HECAN.

Professional Development Institute

An interactive professional development training program, HECA’s PDI provides practical knowledge, skills, and tools to level up your IEC career to the next level. Held annually, both virtually and in person, PDI inspires both  and support you as you provide services for students seeking higher educational opportunities.

Webinars

Whether newer to the profession or tenured consultants, HECA members access an amazing array and depth of professional development presentations and discussions enabling them to stay current in college admission trends, network with one another, connect with experts from across the higher education landscape. Recordings are available on demand for members.

Interested in presenting a webinar for HECA's membership?  Please submit a proposal here.

If you have proposals for or would like to contribute to HECA professional development, let us know about your interest by completing the relevant form(s) provided here:


Questions or comments about HECA’s professional development offerings? Please contact the Director of Professional Development.