Equal parts empathetic listener and eagle-eyed editor, Empowerly counselor Pam P. is a valuable collaborator on a variety of personal projects—a glowing sentiment echoed by her many ecstatic students. Pam pushes her pupils to achieve their full potential while also thriving in their personal lives. With a compassionate ear, she provides the expert guidance, wisdom, and attention to detail that so many students need to get over the procrastination hump in college admissions—and avoid burning out in the process.
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This interview is Installment 15 in our Coffee with a Counselor series. To read more profiles like this, check out other posts right here on our blog and subscribe to our newsletter!
About Pam
Pam holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Southern California, where she received the highly competitive Presidential Scholarship. As a college counselor, she is passionate about discovering each student’s unique experiences and qualities. Furthermore, she is a talented editor who aims to surprise and delight the admissions committee by showcasing what makes each student stand out.
Pam specializes in helping students interested in pursuing business in the tech or entrepreneurship fields. She has successfully helped her students secure internships at global companies like Meta, TikTok, Microsoft, BCG, and Disney. Her students have been admitted to top universities like USC, UCLA, Brown, Amherst, Williams College, and UT Austin, among others.
Pam currently works as a college and career counselor with Empowerly and lives in Los Angeles, California.
How did you hear about Empowerly? How did you get started as a counselor in the first place?
“I first heard about Empowerly through an article in Forbes while researching EdTech and the evolving trends in college admissions. As someone passionate about education and technology, I was intrigued by how Empowerly uses data and personalized guidance to help students navigate the competitive college landscape.
I got started by doing pro bono work in LA, partnering with the Saturday Business Academy nonprofit. There, I helped high school seniors apply to UC and Cal State universities. It was such a rewarding experience to guide students through the admissions process, especially for those who may not have had access to extensive resources. That work solidified my passion for helping students reach their full potential, and it felt like a natural progression to continue supporting students through college counseling professionally.”
“I’ve gained a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed…”
What experiences make Pam a great counselor?
“With my MBA and a diverse career background that spans startups to Fortune 500 companies, I’ve gained a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed as a college candidate with ambitions in corporate America. Being a chronic career changer has also given me a unique perspective on how to navigate different career paths, adapt to change, and leverage skills in various industries. This experience helps me guide students with not only their college applications but also with long-term career planning, ensuring they are well-prepared for the professional world.”
How would you describe your approach to counseling?
“My approach to counseling is a mix of being a therapist and a cheerleader. I’m here to support my students emotionally, help them stay motivated, and offer encouragement throughout the process. At the same time, I can be prescriptive when necessary, providing clear direction and actionable steps to keep them on track. I also make it a priority to get to know my students beyond just their grades and test scores. Building that deeper connection allows me to become their confidant, offering personalized guidance that aligns with their unique strengths, goals, and challenges.”
Do you have a particular student success story to share?
“Yes, one particular student success story that stands out is from last year when I worked with [KB]. She was such a go-getter, with a clear vision of wanting to attend USC’s prestigious film school. Despite the school’s acceptance rate being less than 1%, we worked hard on her application, and she got in!
Her drive was inspiring—she got into 70 schools overall. [KB] also skipped several grades and opted for virtual school to take on more rigorous coursework, constantly pushing herself to achieve her goals. Her story is a testament to dedication and perseverance.”
What is something you’ve learned from your students?
“One thing I’ve learned from my students is the importance of staying on top of Gen Z trends and their cool new lingo—it keeps me connected to their world. They’ve also exposed me to a whole new range of opportunities that didn’t exist when I was in high school, like innovative tech tools, internships, and programs that help them explore careers and passions early on. It’s exciting to see how much more they have at their fingertips and how they navigate these opportunities with creativity and ambition. They’re constantly teaching me to evolve and adapt.”
One piece of advice you would tell students now?
“One piece of advice I’d give students now is to embrace uncertainty and take risks. Don’t be afraid to explore different paths, even if they seem outside of your comfort zone. The world is changing quickly, and being adaptable and open to new experiences will set you up for success in ways you can’t always predict.”
What is a piece of life advice that has stuck with you?
“A piece of life advice that has stuck with me is: ‘Don’t wait for the perfect moment—take the moment and make it perfect.’ It reminds me to stop waiting for ideal conditions or timing and to take action with what I have, making the most of every opportunity. This mindset has helped me embrace challenges, stay proactive, and find growth in unexpected places.”
Final Thoughts:
The phenomenal counselor community at Empowerly understands the importance of each unique student’s journey. To start, all you have to do is ask. Book a free consultation below to receive a customized recommendation for your college application plan.
Sophia Minhas
