Doreen Helmke

I am passionate about education and I believe  preparation is the key to optimizing  and maximizing a students college selection choices. I help expose and match students to opportunities that will define their college choices and potential careers. I believe that enhancing students' experiences differentiate their applications.  

Working with students has always been my passion. I tutored for many years prior to college consulting.  In addition, I have taught college planning  classes at the Monmouth Country Park System and the Parsippany Library System. I am also a firm believer in giving back to community.  Each year I take on pro bono work for qualifying students in the Morris County area.  I had also had a fulfilling career as a senior executive in industry.  Having interviewed hundreds of candidates during my professional career, I know what hiring managers are looking for in candidates and I use this knowledge to help students find and prepare for interviews and internships. 

College admissions process is always changing, especially in these times.  To stay current I am a professional member of the  Independent Educational Consultants Association  (IECA) and  a member of the New Jersey Association for College Admissions Counseling (NJACAC),  National Career Development Association (NCDA)  and   Gap Year Association. Each of these associations sets membership requirements consisting of years of specialized experience, education and training, and a commitment to continuing education including college visits. I participate in IECA meetings virtually with admission counselors from a variety of colleges both in the US and abroad. I attend National College Fairs hosted by the NJACAC. I attend webinars on current topics such as changes in the college admissions process due to COVID-19, LGBTQ college events, and racial equality in colleges. I attend regional meetings with IECs where I learn and share best practices and have intimate meetings with regional admissions officers from colleges across the country.  I personally visit 10-15 schools a year. Please see some of the insights from my visits here. I attend the NJCACAs part of the NCDA I keep current on career trends and I attend webinars on career development. I attend webinars on Gap Year trends and best practices. I believe in giving back and I support several pro bono students every year. Each of these associations sets membership requirements consisting of years of specialized experience, education and training, and a commitment to continuing education including college visits.