Knowing Your Product
In order to give an informative interview, all admissions persons should be aware of their institutions and its offerings. its important to have a training that reflects that and weekly staff meetings to provide updates and changes being made.
Stephanie,
Many students do not know what they want to do, only know they want to change their lives. Finding the right educational experience takes effort. There is nothing more discouraging than not finding the right connection to their future.
Patty Aronoff
I was surprised to see that some students come in to our school with no idea of what they want to do (our school focuses on very specific types of programs).
I have actually met with the chairs to try to get more information on their programs because I am not the most technological person, but sometimes I found that they were talking above my level. I ended up doing my own research online to find out what the programs would lead to career-wise. What kind of setting would they be in? What is a typical day in their line of work? What personality style matches best to each program?
You can't help a student pick a program if you don't really know what the end result of graduation leads to.
Brashel,
We must give true and correct information or we are breaking the law. Your taking the right path.
Patty Aronoff
Aillen,
Honesty and integrity are the only way.
Patty Aronoff
Jenny ,
Meetings are opportunities to ask questions and grow as a team.
Patty Aronoff
If you do not know the answer there is nothing wrong with saying, let me research that and I will get back to you. Rather than give the incorrect answer I would take the time to go over the information. The student will appreciate that you took the time to provide them with the most current information.
I agree believing in it is just as important, but also honesty is a really important part of presenting the product.
Weekly staff meetings are great. There is no better way to be a productive team than to come together and talk about whats going on.
Autumn,
You have a step ahead of others having completed the program. You bring a unique perspective to the interview.
Patty Aronoff
I completely agree! Our institution is smaller than most, but it allows us to work closely with one another and communicate to stay up to date.
Additionally, I believe my knowledge of our institution is greatly helped by the fact that I graduated from our program. Knowing the program first hand helps me set realistic expectations for prospective students so that they may determine if our school is a good match for them.
Salomon,
Your clients will quickly see through you if you do not believe in it. If not, they will begin to question the information you are providing.
Patty Aronoff
I think not only knowing your product , but believing in it is just as important.That is why my first week here i spent a lot of time with department chairs and professors as well.
Annette,
It is always better too ask for help than to mislead by providing incorrect information. Be true to yourself and your client...ask.
Patty Aronoff
The importance of knowing your product can not be stressed enough to the admissions personal. When in doubt never guess is the way we work things. It does help when everyone knows it is ok to ask for help when ever necessary.
Natalie,
There is nothing worse than an admissions representative selling a program that they don't really know. The risk of misleading the students becomes so great.
Patty Aronoff
