Training is essential regardless of strong sales background
Sometimes people may not fee that it is important to continue training if they feel that they have a strong background in sales, but regularly training is essential to successful completion of every interview and enrollment process.
When admitting prospective students, it is important to not get hung up on selling them an new opportunity. I look forward to meeting with a prospective student, and being informed and up to date about all areas that may affect them. Giving an overview to the student will help them see themselves in their potential role.
Also, the training provides us as admissions representatives to showcase the benefits of the desired program, without compromising the integrity of the school.
I agree! That has always been one of my favorite quotes! The more you know, the more you will be able to help others and answer their questions. I always want to know everything that is going on and any changes that are made - I feel it keeps me up to date and make me more helpful.
I feel that training is essential no matter what kind of background that you have. Things are constantly changing and you need to stay not only up to date, but it never hurts to practice and re-train to make sure that you have a full grasp on your job.
I agree, you have to know the product you are selling and keeping up to date on current training will help you be successful.
A sales background helps in this job but it is vital to know how the whole enrollment process works. I think that when you can sell a product you are doing a service for yourself but, when you can engage in answering questions during an interview you are creating a customer experience that sells itself.
No matter how much sales knowledge or talent a representative has, knowledge of the product or service they are representing is critical in order to be able to sell effectively.
Sales skills are best utilized when working hand in hand with strong product knowledge...the best salesperson may be able to sell a broken pen to someone but the news of the broken pen will travel quickly...critical to know the product you are selling and what benefits may be applicable to your potential student.
In general, potential students are more interested in what you know, versus strong sales tactics.
Training and continuing education makes you a more confident and professional agent.
I think it would be unprofessional and an ill advised decision to downplay the importance of trainings and continued education. We can always learn more and should strive to do that.
I think it is vitally important that each individual be trained in their respective department. Whether you've been working in sales/recruitment for 10 plus years or starting in the field for the first time, you still need to have a firm understanding of your departments procedures, policies, etc in order to work with in the boundaries of the rules and regulations that have been set.
I agree. Sales experience is definitely a benefit; however, admissions rep's roles are to guide the students with accurant program, institution information to help them decide if this is a great investment. We have to adhere to the State's laws and regulations, because you can return a pair of shoes or clothing and get your money back, but you can't return a program to get your money back if you decide months later it's not what you were informed it would be. You will still be responsible for that portion of financial aid used by the school and have nothing to show for it. Therefore, knowledge of the laws and regulations behind recruiting helps you to to become customer service oriented vs. sales.
Continued training is vitally important to an admissions position as well as other positions in the work force. We have some many laws, rules, etc that change and can affect companies and the employees. In the admissions positions you may have something change in the school you are working for or in the state in which you work. If not for meetings and small training sessions you would never know. In my expereince, a staff meeting or individual meeting with a supervisor is a piece of training that you need to take. We as people learn everyday, so you can think that we are trained on something everyday of our lives.
I feel like a school affilated background also helps in recognizing the thoughts and worries of the average student and being able to be more effective in helping them.
It also encourages relevancy and ability to relate to some obstacles potential students may be facing.
Excellent point! Agents should never get into a habit of viewing prospective students as numbers. Each person has a different story and as an agent our job is to assist each as an individual. It is important to stay current on the policies and practices to stay compliant with admissions but I believe other additional training on the personal component is equally important.
Continued training is indeed important. Additionally, while sales experience certainly aids in this field, I personally feel that we should strive to focus not on the sales aspect of admissions work, but on knowing how to identify student needs and meet them. Sales psychology can and does help with achieving this, but I think there is a danger in seeing students as numbers as opposed to individuals who need help achieving their educational goals.
Continued training makes you better at your job. Knowledge is key to success.
