I believe understanding ones product is the most criticsl element for an admissions professional.
Lacking knowledge of your product will only serve to undermine your goal of enrolling the potential student.
Also, lack of knowledge can lead to misleading and manipulating the potential student.
Understanding your products is an essential, especially when working with students. The key to remember is that each of the four elements is important to your success.
Great Observation, Duy. Attitude really is everything when working with others and the "right" kind of attitude can definitely contribute to positive first impressions. I'm curious, what do you believe the "right" attitude consists of?
I think you're right. I've seen so many negative instances that are so comical. Sometimes you might be having a bad day but you must learn to keep it seperate.
Understanding your total product line is something that i really stand by. Knowledge is the best way to inform the potential enrollee. Be ready at any questions will save time and the appointment will flow much smoother.
Attitude of an admissions representative will set the initial tone of the energy that is currently at the school. I believe that first impressions are very crucial since that is all the prospect would have to go on about your school.
It sounds like you feel strongly about knowing what you have to offer and how to be objective about presenting this information to your students. How do you feel the other 3 elements influence how you do your job on a daily basis?
I am falling into the product knowledge camp. I know the programs that my employer offers and a present it objectively. I provide the facts and compare and contrast that with other options in the marketplace and let them make an informed decision. I tell the student that they should not take my word for it, look it up yourself!
Each of these four elements can be compared to the pieces of a puzzle. It's critical to have the right balance of each intricate skill to perform an admissions role ethically. Any missing piece would leave the puzzle, or admissions process, in this case, incomplete.
Thanks for sharing your insights on the remaining elements, Maurice. It looks like you have a great understanding of how each of these plays a role in your day to day success!
Thank you Shannon. The other three elements assist in the daily interactions by:
Sales Skills - Being able to understand how to properly sell a program to a potential student makes the job of selling so much easier. If you know exactly how to sell and what to say, there is no guessing envolved, you have all the skills needed. And it saves time and makes you more efficient.
People Skills - Being able to talk and interact with people of so many different backgrounds makes it easier to build a connection with each potential student. In turn, it will make it easier to communicate with each individual. Knowing that there is no script needed, we can make assessments by honing in on the people skills.
Attitude - This is a very important for daily interactions. Even though we may have met with 10 potential students in one day, each of them only met us once. So that first impression needs to be strong and enthusiastic each and every time.
Good point, Maurice. It is absolutely necessary that an admissions professional is confident in their knowledge regarding their school, programs, and so on. How do you think the other three elements assist you in your daily interactions with students and their support systems?
I believe that the most critical elements would be product knowledge. Students come to the school with many questions, as well as their parents. If they are not confident in your knowlege of the school, they will not stay. It is very easy to lose someone's trust by not knowing answers to their questions.
I belive the elements are critical because it gives both parties everything they need. For the admissions rep, they are aware of what is needed to be able to proide information to the prospective student. For the student, it gives them confidence in the school and gives then a great starting off point.
Great awareness on how each of these four elements has a part in your success, Karina. I'm curious, how do you demonstrate your attitude to your students?
I also believe that the four elements are important but if i will have to enumerate them in my opinion they will go in this order:
1-prouct knowledge (you have to be confident in what you are selling and what you have to offer in other to build trust)
2-People Skills( you have to be friendly and attentive with the prospect ,not everybody it's the same not everybody likes to be treated the same way)
3-Attitude (always positive )
4-Sales Skills(need to know when it's time to close your sale)
Brian, that made me laugh. You are right though. I wonder what specifically about people skills do you think are so valuable?
Without people skills we would have a job, robots would do it for us.
Great point Luz! Yes, an admission's rep becomes well-rounded and effective by using all four elements.
Hi Jean
I think all 4 elements are the most important key on the admissions successfull process. Because the combination of these is the BEST WAY to give better advice to our prospectives students.
I love this response, Christine. You're right, you need each of the four elements to be successful when working with students. Great insight.
