Should agents disply awars/medals in their office?
Considering the state doesn't like to say this is a selling position. Should reps display their awards for top rep of quarter or any awards given due to enrollments?
I think it's a wise idea to have your license in your office for 2 reasons.
First, if you are asked during an interview to provide evidence that you are properly credentialed to provide said services, having your license in your office is an easy snatch and grab. You know exactly where it is and you know exactly where to place it again when the transaction is complete.
2nd, keeping your license visible serves as a visual reminder of the work we invested to be credentialed and how easy it will be to lose all the work we invested by carelessness and the lack of integrity. moreover, it just makes your office look more professional at the end of the day.
Because I work in an online environment, I see no harm in showcasing your rewards and accomplishments for your hard work, especially since students are never exposed to our online environment.
As for the brick and mortar schools, It can come off quite offensive to a student who does not understand the meaning of rewards for success. All they see is themselves being another number or another notch in someones belt.
I agree with you both! I was surprised how many responses did not feel this would be appropriate. I have worked hard for my students, and in return have received numerous awards for my success.
At the end of the day, though, Jenna you made a strong point. The photos/thank you cards/graduation programs/etc. mean much more to me, and that's what it's all about.
Where I work, the students are not really in our office. However, in positions I have held in the past, I displayed a lot of thank you notes. Many times these notes were very detailed in how I helped the student to reach their goals. These notes are very energizing, and are very motivating to help me maintain and improve my positive customer service.
I feel if you worked hard enough that someone reconized your hard work you should be able to display your award or medals. As long as you did not break any rules or laws.
We talk alot about our students developing credentials for their career. I think that awards, diplomas and accomplishments of the agent reinforce the need to document career credentials and illustrates that to prospective students.
I have several awards for a job well done. I chose not to display them in my office. Often times a potential student may see these items in less than a positive light. I like to display thank you cards and photo's of my students children instead.
I feel that if tastefully displayed that awards/medals can be an encouragement for the prospective student. I agree with most of the comments that were made we should not be affraid of the things that we have accomplished as long as we are compliant and maintain our integrity. Being proud of achieving our goals and striving to make things better... Isn't this what we are asking our students to do? Take stock in themselves? Strive to be something better. To decide on becoming something other than...
I think for sure you should. I gives you credability right away. It shows you are good at what you do and you are an expert!
I would agree with Frederick on this topic. Although awards can be misguiding they are not faced to students and should not be. I believe employee of the month and quarter should encompass a variety of things other than total numbers in the end.
It is important that the award represents great customer service, staying compliant, working hard for your students, and performance. If the awards are given out for those reasons (or possibly others) they are a great tool to try and motivate others to achieve that level with their students.
Something I take pride in most at my desk is not necessarily my performance award but the notes and graduation announcements I receive from students. That is what helps drive me everyday!
I struggled with putting up my awards, etc. But after some thought, I decided that I should put them up. Reason number 1 for this is simply that I worked hard for the recognition. Secondly, I do believe that it shows those that I interview that they should have confidence in what we are doing because I've received awards for being good at it. It's all about confidence, as a student and an admissions rep.
Joe:
I think its great if an agent can show prospective students some of their own accomplishments, especially since they themselves are on a JOURNEY to COMPLETE something that can possibly better their lives and lives of their families.
I think that advisor/agents should display their awards. It demonstrates their hardwork and their dedication to their school and to the student. The awards that should be revealed upfront are customer satisfaction awards.
Agreed. I believe the students shouldn't see that your the top rep for the most enrollments for the 2nd quarter. You want the student to feel as if they have a name and their just not a number in your books.
I agree with Whitney. Typically, awards don't say anything about numbers. The awards we display are for things like "Respect" and "Outstanding Achievement". I think this just shows that we work hard to give prospective students the best.
I think displaying awards gives prospective students the confidence that you have helped several other students previously and are well qualified to help them, too.
I think it depends on the type of award it is and what it states on the actual certificate. If it is one that specifically states the agent was rewarded for the number of students they enrolled, then it should not be displayed. This may give the prospective student the idea that the agent really does not care about them, just the enrollment.
However, if it does not show that information it should be displayed. Seeing that the agent the student is working with has been recognized can give them a sense of comfort.
I agree because students see what you have achieved. You must be very good at your job and make all students very aware of what the school is about and they have built that trust with you in order to enroll.
With everthing that is going on in the state house. I feel displaying awards is a bad idea.
