I think it is important to disclose all relevant information in the perspective student’s interest. Those items that may benefit the student and those items that may not. For example, it is important that a student knows up front that some quarters they will have Saturday classes. This may cause them to not be able to come, but it is better they are informed and choose not to come, than be misinformed, attend class and then be upset later on because we mismanaged their expectations.
Admission representatives should take the time to find out the strengths, passions, motivation, and long term career goals of a prospective student before identifying a good program fit.
I focus on asking enough questions to really find out how and why the prospective student decided to choose a particular progam. Asking enough questions and really listening to the student is key. More importantly, I make sure the student actually reads the disclosures and all the information in their packet.
Our website offers a career assessment the student can take to see what field best suits them. Typically this seems to help the student make a good decision if they are torn between choosing a program.
Yes! This is very important. We have a career page that shows all of our programs and we always have the students look through all of them and we highlight any programs that might be of interest. I can't tell you how many times a student comes in for one program and switches it during the tour. That is why tours at different colleges are so important. It allows students to really see what is out there.
One of the things we do is that we ask a lot of questions to the student in order to make sure that the student truly understands the program that they are choosing. We ask questions such as what do you think you will do as a blank?, do you have any hesitations with being a blank?, or what specifically do you want to do when you become a blank?... Another strategy we use in order to make sure that the program of choice is the right decision is making a list of pros and cons. This helps the student to see visually whether this is a good choice or not. I think the most important conversation to have with a student is zoning in on what their passion is in life and where they want to take that passion. College is a big investment for any student so getting them into the right career choice is vital.
Recruiters should ask the students lots of open-ended questions. Find out their likes and dislikes. Find out what career field they really see themselves in. Guide the student into the proper career field. Obviously people's interests change but if they start out their working life in a career they truly like this will definitely be a plus.
I believe the most important item to discuss with a potential student is to find out why they are wanting to make a change. Finding out why they have came to your school will also help you in identifying what type of program they may be interested in.
Outside of regular training and monitored planning sessions, it is what the admissions person says to the student when no one is watching that continues to be a concern for schools. I think training on integrity and having reps understand the consquences for both their employment and the school is the best route to take.
Since my school is transportation related, it is very important that we inform each student the
life style changes they will have to make to be
successful. Many prospective students are not
well informed on our industry, and it is our
responsibility to ask questions regarding their
current personal situation and how their decision
will impact their family.
Ask lots of questions that will really make the student think about what is best for them.
During the interview, we have a "what do you expect from our school?" question. Generally the prospective student replies with "a good education". I like to take this opportunity and elaborate on the support structure of our staff and student services. I explain that we are here to help them succeed and progress through the course. It's more than just getting an education. It's also about being in a positive learning environment and knowing that everyone here cares about their success.
I think you should show a perspective student all programs especially during a tour so that they can be knowledgable as to what is all out there. Some people say they know what they want but in all actuality they don't so when you have a hands on degree program its always good to give a tour!
I think asking them about their future and where they see themselves is very pertinant to their success and it drives the realty of their next steps.
Why do you want to better yourself/ What are you looking to accomplish?
Is this something that you're serious about?
Can you build (X number) of (training) hours per week into your life?
Do you enjoy a challenge/learning new things?
Are you a starter AND a finisher?
I agree. Before our institute will enroll a perspective student, all perspective students are required to meet with a facility member. During this process, our facility member will ask multiple questions to help determine which course of study best fits the perspective student.
If at any time during this meeting, our facility member believes that, the potential student will not benefit from attending our school. Our facility member shall inform and/or advise that potential student that our school does not offer their desired educational requirements.
We discuss in detail their likes and dislikes of the particular interest. We also have a "career like game" except its just the page of all of our programs and we go through and make sure before preceeding that there is no other interest in any other area. We interview the students in detail and try to uncover any potential road blocks that might come up to help them discover solutions before getting into school so that they feel comfortable and are able to succeed.
We let the prospective student know that the process of enrollment is only the first step towards graduation. We talk alot about class schedules, tutoring, and the support group here at the school to help them acheive their goal.
Asking potential students "Why is education important to them" and "What they hope to accomplish by receiving a degree in that specfic field", opens up a conversation between admissions representative and student. This also allows student to elaborate and think about what they are doing.
I believe that being completely honest with each student and working for the best interest of the student is the best way to ensure that the student has all the information they need in order to make their decision. We also provide the students with third party proofs such as bls.gov and encourage the student to do their own research about their career.
