A New Direction Begins
After nearly a decade of working in the IT industry, I felt a shift coming in my professional life. By 2004, I had gained valuable technical experience, developed strong communication skills, and built a solid understanding of data and systems. But I wanted to do more—something that involved helping people directly and making a lasting difference.
That’s when I stepped into the world of education consultancy. The decision to start my own consultancy wasn’t just about business; it was about creating opportunities for students to build a better future. Over the next 10 years, I poured my heart and skills into this work, and the results spoke for themselves. I’m Amit Kakkar, and this is the story of how I built an award-winning education consultancy that helped countless students achieve their dreams of studying abroad.
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
When I began in 2004, the international education space in India was growing but still filled with confusion and misinformation. Many students and families didn’t know where to begin. I started by offering honest, clear guidance on how to apply to foreign colleges and universities—step-by-step, with transparency.
My initial setup was modest. I had a small office, a laptop, and a strong will to succeed. But what made the biggest difference was trust. Families began to refer others, and slowly but surely, my consultancy started growing.
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
From the start, my focus was never to process as many applications as possible. Instead, I aimed to deliver high-quality service, giving each student personalized attention. I treated every application as a unique project—understanding the student’s background, goals, academic strengths, and personal preferences.
This approach helped me build a reputation as someone who truly cared, and that reputation quickly became my biggest strength.
Collaborating with Top Institutions Worldwide
As the consultancy grew, I began collaborating with colleges and universities around the world—in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and beyond. These partnerships helped me offer better options to my students and also allowed me to negotiate attractive commissions for the consultants working with me.
Over the years, I developed a strong professional network that helped students get admissions faster, secure better scholarships, and navigate complex visa processes more easily.
Ensuring Transparency in Every Step
One of the key principles I followed was complete transparency. From application timelines to visa rules and financial requirements, I made sure that students and their families had accurate information. This built lasting trust and helped me grow through referrals and word-of-mouth—without relying on aggressive marketing.
The Awards and Recognition
Between 2004 and 2014, my consultancy was honored with the Best Consultants Award eight times in ten years. These awards weren’t just about numbers—they were about quality, ethics, and success stories.
Each award was a reminder of the thousands of hours spent guiding students, preparing documents, solving problems, and following up with institutions across the globe. They were also a testament to the amazing team of consultants who shared my vision and commitment.
Stories That Stay With Me
Over the years, I’ve helped students from different financial backgrounds, academic levels, and regions. Some were top-ranking students aiming for Ivy League schools; others were unsure of their path but willing to work hard. What united them all was a desire to grow—and I was honored to help them take that step.
I remember a student from a small town in Punjab who didn’t even know how to apply online. With our help, he ended up graduating from a Canadian university and now works in the tech industry abroad. There are hundreds of such stories, and each one still brings me pride and joy.
Challenges Along the Way
Of course, no journey is without its share of challenges. Immigration policies changed often. Different countries had different rules, and keeping up with those changes required constant learning. I invested time in completing certifications related to Study in the USA and Study in Canada, so I could offer the most updated advice.
There were also times when students were misled by fake agents, and we had to help them recover and start over. In those moments, I realized that the real role of a consultant is not just to process documents but to stand by the student every step of the way.
Building Long-Term Relationships
Even after students got their visas and flew abroad, our connection didn’t end. Many kept in touch, sharing their experiences and seeking further guidance—for post-graduate options, work permits, or even helping their siblings apply.
That long-term relationship became the foundation for everything I did. As Amit Kakkar, I wasn’t just a consultant. I became a mentor, a guide, and sometimes even a friend to those I worked with.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
The decade from 2004 to 2014 was one of intense learning, success, and fulfillment. It taught me how powerful honest guidance can be. It also showed me the impact a single consultant can make when driven by purpose and values.
Since then, I’ve expanded into other industries, including real estate, healthcare, events, and visa consulting. But no matter where life takes me, my roots as an education consultant remain strong.
Final Thoughts
Building an award-winning education consultancy was never just a job—it was a mission. I wanted to make international education accessible, transparent, and life-changing for every student I met.
To this day, those 10 years remain some of the most meaningful in my journey. They shaped who I am as a consultant, as a leader, and as someone who continues to believe in the power of opportunity.
