I think it is very important to be up front with students regarding the degree of intensity involved in our program. They must enroll understanding the demands of the curriculum, and be prepared to put in the hard work to succeed.
Sometimes young people choose careers based on what their parents think they should do to make the most income. It is important that a person be aware of the responsiblities of a career and not just the perks. I try to establish this by taking them on a tour and showing them the lab rooms and describing what they will be learning while they are there. If they get excited about what they see, then I know that they have an interest in that career path.
We like to get to know the students and ask them what they actually want to end up doing with their lives. If this program that they are enrolling for is their last step or are they planning on continuing education above and beyond. We like to personalize everything we do so that the student feels comfortable with our family type setting.
Christopher,
I like that not only is your school focused on the students' questions, but you are asking them questions as well to make sure you are serving them in the best possible way.
Kimberly Stein
I believe we should ask what they are looking to accomplish with their education and provide them with accurate and honest information always operating from integrity.
our director always says that you can never ask enough questions. We are sure to spend as much time as needed to ask the student more questions about what they want to do and have them talk to the correct departments to answer them
Nathan,
That's a great way to make sure they are actually "hearing" what you are saying.
Kimberly Stein
I think getting the student thorough and accurate information possible is important. If a student asks a questions regarding a specific program and the representative doesn't know the answer then bringing that student to the Program Chair, Instructor or Dean is helpful. Those individuals can accurately answer the students question in depth in regards to the college's specific program and this really supports the student in making the most informed decision.
Charissa,
I like the idea of making sure this is something they will still love 10 years from now.
Kimberly Stein
Complete information is always the most ethical and best for the students. Students have a right to know what they are enrolling in and what outcomes could be on the horizon.
I really let the student know that the disclosures protect them and the school as well. But also allows them to make a good decision about there future.
Do information checks and make sure that the student is actually understanding the material being presented to them and have them repeat what they understand to be true and comment whether they are correct or not. Then provide the correct info again.
During our interview process we spend alot of time getting to know the student and then walk them through a career profile to make sure it is a good fit.
One of the most important conversations to have with the student is to determine what they are passionate about. One of the first questions we always ask is why not several other career options and have them tell us why they want what they called for. This way we can determine if this is really something they are passionate about before we commit their time to something they won't love 10 yrs from now.
I make sure that a student leaves my office with all answers to our programs and direct them to our career service department regarding placement and salaries.
I am a CRS but have been an admissions representative. I would always meet with the prospective student, go over the career of choice, answer all questions, tour the school and also have the individual speak to the program chair being that they know the field and have usually worked in it.
Mandy,
Yes, even if you only offer one program, making sure it is the right program for the prospective student is important. Perhaps you could approach your school about beginning something like this.
Kimberly Stein
The process is designed to offer students choice after a fact finding process to determine the most accurate fit for each student. We work to find the best choice and then look at other options to compare and contrast programs.
We offer one program that is very specific - I like the idea of a student being able to take a 'career game' of some sort even for us - to determine if this field of study is a good match!
Marlena,
Yes,understanding the success of other student's with the same degree is a great way for students to understand their possible opportunities.
Kimberly Stein
