Work ethic
The Admissions Representative must enter the college setting with a foundation of having worked hard along with a strong belief to do it "the right way." A true concern to come to work to do just that, work and give the employer your best effort will result in positives for all concerned. The bottom line is always the student.
Natalie,
That is good to hear! We are in the business of providing education and changing lives.
Patty Aronoff
In order to represent the institution I work for,I have to feel that we are giving the best opportunities for the students out there. If its just about the numbers, that's not the place for me.
Ashley,
You have the best of both, student and employee.
Patty Aronoff
It is always best and required ;) to be honest. I am actually a student in the program and work there as well so it is so fulfilling to give a real honest answer to all questions coming from my own experience.
I agree 100%! I have worked as an admission's rep for the last 13 years and I have seen so many "unethical" practices used. It makes my skin crawl to hear such things. Students will remember and respect you if they feel that they were treated fairly and that you did not "slam" them into a program they were inquiring about. We are all held to "goals" and "numbers" and I realize that is why those things are done. I believe it is still inexcusable, though. You must pride yourself on your work ethic.It will pay off in the end and make you a much better representative!
Paul,
Finding the right fit for both the student and the school should be first and foremost. We are only as successful as the student who completes. If they drop out of school, we need to examine the reasons behind it.
Patty Aronoff
It should also be remembered there is a difference between working hard and working ethically. Working hard is always a good rule. Rarely is a school right for everyone. In working hard, yes you try to sell your school, but you also need to provide all the information a prospect needs to determine if the school and the student will be a good fit. Sometimes it is not, so you must help the student be able to figure that out.
Remember, a student that graduates may very well bring in other students. A student that has a bad experience will drive potential prospects away.
Jonathan,
If we operate strictly by the numbers, we are losing ethical responsibility and accountability in a world of opportunity. We change lives.
Patty Aronoff
I agree that it can never be about the numbers. There are major ethical concerns regarding admissions that require super high standards. I don't really think there is ever a fine line ethically because facts are facts and when someone tries to sway opinion by being esoteric or indirect then the line has been crossed.
Mark,
It is a contract between both parties and both sides must fully understand their responsibilities. The question would remain on whether we should go forward just to write the contract. A student who does not complete their program does not advance the school in the long run. It is not just about first day sits.
Patty Aronoff
False. There must be satisfaction among both parties. We can aspire to make the student happy at all costs but then "cross the line" of ethicial deleamas and find outselves in a position that is unacceptable. Some admissions reps will promises the "world" to the student because they need the numbers that day. But in reality, if they would simply stay truthful and speak only to that which is true according to policies and State rules, they may not get the sale that day, but they will keep their jobs and demonstrate this to their coworkers.
Ralph,
Work ethic is number one with employers. It will set you apart from the competition.
