Eye on Ivy guides Pakistani students to global opportunities and success

LAHORE: Due to the lack of proper guidance concerning education and career choices, the potential of bright young students often goes to waste or they miss out on the best opportunities, according to Shanza Khan, CEO and Head Counsellor of Eye on Ivy.

Located in Lahore, Eye on Ivy was founded by Shanza Khan with the mission to offer guidance and provide optimal opportunities for students entering higher education. The institution specialises in addressing the educational and career counselling gaps that exist in Pakistan.

In an effort to rectify these issues, Shanza Khan introduced psychometric tests for children to evaluate their inclinations and tendencies. She noted that Pakistan’s educational culture tends to emphasise curriculum learning, often leaving little room for extracurricular and co-curricular activities.

Shanza Khan explained, “In Pakistan, the focus is primarily on academic grades, but in countries like the United States, a diverse range of activities and achievements are highly valued in the college admissions process.” She emphasised the importance of not only listing awards but also specifying their level, whether at the school, inter-school, provincial, national, or international level, especially when applying to top-tier universities like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, or MIT.

Shanza Khan stressed that Pakistani parents often wake up to these realities too late, resulting in missed opportunities for their children. She advocated for starting career counselling and preparation in the ninth grade, a practice common worldwide.

Eye on Ivy provides psychometric tests free of charge to students to assess their personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses. These tests draw from global data to identify students’ unique qualities, helping to suggest suitable career paths. The results are discussed with parents and students, and educational opportunities, internships, and fellowships are offered accordingly.

Furthermore, Eye on Ivy offers year-round opportunities, including fellowships, internships, and online courses, with consideration given to the financial circumstances of the students’ families.

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Shanza Khan advised students to explore shadowships and internships to gain practical experience and make informed decisions about their educational and career paths. She noted that computer science is a popular choice among students in South Asia, emphasising the importance of preparing children for the future through a specialised curriculum and early career counselling.

Lastly, Shanza Khan expressed the desire for recognition and media support for students who have benefitted from Eye on Ivy’s guidance and are studying at various institutions and universities abroad. She emphasised the importance of acknowledging their achievements and contributions to society.