It sounds as though you take a very thorough approach with your students when discussing the options in front of them. How have your students responded to this approach when you've used it?
I analyze the process step by step with the student, explain the benefits of obtaining an education, depending of their situation go to a piece of paper and write two colums (pros of going back to school and the other one Threats, Basically a small SWOT analysis of their life) and afterwards I allow them to make a decision.
Excellent observation, Emmanuel. There are times when our institution and the prospective student are clearly NOT a fit. Understanding that this can happen and being prepared to assist the student in exploring other options is not only offering great service to your student, it also helps you to maintain your ethics and integrity.
Thanks for sharing, Zachary. It sounds like you are passionate about the role you play in helping students determine how they can reach their goals. I'm sure that this comes through in your student interactions. Keep it up!
I love this part of my job. It feels so rewarding to assist someone in making such an important decision. I spend a lot of time researching not just other schools, but new career options that are being developed as technology continues to progress so rapidly.
We have to understand that not everyone will be the right candidate for the institution. Offering other alternatives can show a sign of trust and these students can bring others that might fit the criteria we are looking for.
Excellent points, Lori. It's wonderful to be a resource to your students. However, proceeding with caution is critical. The last thing you want to do is give your students the wrong idea about another school and what it has to offer.
Nicely stated, Lori. Exploring all options with your student truly can help them in considering what might be in their way and start to generate options that will work best for them.
May I respectively say that we need to proceed with caution when it involves sharing information about another school. Just be careful that you do not unintentionally lead student to believe that you have an expertise about a competitive school. In as much as we want to "help" there's a fine line about representing another school, where you do not work. We also want to avoid disparaging remarks about another school, in an effort to make our school seem like the better choice. Sometimes people find themselves going down this unethical path, although not intentional.
Hi Leticia! Very well said. This exploration is so vital because it allows the admissions rep to gain insight into the prospective student's perception. In my experience, it also uncovers the student's fears or worries associated with making a decision. It is so important that we learn this so we can appropriately respond and deal with these issues.
Thanks, Lori
Excellent approach, Kathryn. It sounds like you truly enjoy your opportunities to get to know students and their specific circumstances to help them get to where they hope to go. I'm sure your students appreciate your care and sincerity. All the best to you as you continue to work with your students to achieve their desired goals.
Honestly, I genuinely care for each and every (potential) student that I interact with. It is important to me to try to understand what the student’s wants and needs are. And, if that does not meet what out school offers, I always inform students what their options are from here.
I also feel like I need more information about what other options are out there for our prospective students. Educational programs and degrees are changing constantly and I want to be able to provide my prospective students with the right up to date information.
Absolutely, Madelyne! I imagine that your prospective students appreciate the fact that you prefer to give them the chance to explore all of their options in order to make the best decision for them.
I like to explore my Students options with them, giving them the opportunity to research their options even if it means not attending my school,
in this way it will build trust with the student and can also result in recommending some one to our school.
Some days are better than others. As a professionals we have to remember to keep personal things out of your professional work.
Thanks for sharing, Duy! It sounds like your number one priority is your students - that's fantastic. Keep up the great work.
You know, I really believe that I'm here to help my potential students and not to confuse or just to take advantage of them. I think it's also good that I can create a sense of trust for them that I have their best intrest in mind. As I said, I'd rather them make the right choice that fits their life.
Exploring all options with your student definitely gives them the opportunity to think through a variety of scenarios in regards to their life. It also helps you to understand how each of those options works best with their current situation. I get the feeling that you appreciate having these discussions with your students, Maurice. Keep up the good work?
I feel it is best to always ensure the person knows of all of their options regardless. Many students end up changing their mind, or in the future decide to give it another try and may need to have that information so they can re-consider their options.
