I believe that all four elements are critical to the admissions process. It is important to understand what the students expectations are - then from there helping them build the foundation that is needed to help them succeed.
Great insight Stacey. It sounds like you have a good grasp on your role with your students. You are their partnet and it looks like you are wanting to build a great relationship with them.
I think that all are. It is important to be able to know the student and what their expectations are. It is our jobs to be as informative as we can be to help that student make the proper decision about what their future holds for them. Being honest and upfront about things helps in the end and also help to establish that rapport and respect.
Well stated, Tom! I agree that people skills play a vital role in working with students and their families. Discussing goals and aspirations can involve a great deal of emotion and it's great to hear that you recognize your people skills as essential in these discussions.
I feel that people skills make the world go round. Especially when it comes to Education. Feelings and emotions are touched when it comes to helping someone with their future, especially if it involves their career. Therefore, when speaking to an dwith someone on this topic, people skills are key.
It sounds like you agree that attitude can have a great impact on an admissions professionals success. I must agree that attitude seems to be weaved into the other three elements as well. Afterall, it all boils down to the choice to do something differently.
I believe that an admissions professionals attitude would be the most critical element. The other three skill sets are directly affected either negatively or positively depending on the attitude of the admissions professional.
I couldn't agree with you more, Kristin. Each of these skills, when used effectively, helps to build a meaningful relationship with the student and this is sure to last beyond the initial meeting. Great insight!
I think that they are all important. While they have different percentages of importance in the puzzle, mastering all four skills will surely help in creating a lasting impression with the potential students. Even if they do not end up choosing your school, the student will have left with a positive experience and could be a potential person who refers your school because of the great work you did building that relationship.
Very well said, Laura! Since attitude and people skills, when combined contribute to 75% of your effectiveness,it seems evident that they must be part of the ethical enrollment experience for your students. How do you use these two skills to ensure a positive experience for your prospective student?
I agree that attitude is very important! It's no suprise to me that it's 50% of the 4 key elements for success. I also believe that attitude combined with the necessary people skills will make for an ethical enrollment experience for prospective students. First impressions are everything and a bad attitude can send your prospective student to the competitor quickly.
That's great, Sam. It sounds like you really want to do what you can to help your students but you know that the ultimate decision and responsibility belongs to the student. Keep up the good work!
Excellent insight, Lauren! Your people skills can absolutely allow for you to connect to your students in a way that allows them to feel safe and comfortable with you and ultimately, begin to trust you. Once you are allowed "in" you can truly work with your student to explore what might be the best thing for them moving forward. And that can be a very powerful thing for a student has never had someone to help them do that. With that said, how do you ensure that you keep your students trust once you've been given it?
I couldn't have said it better myself, Leticia. It sounds like you recognize that a successful admissions professional must incorporate ALL of the skills into their daily interactions with students to be most effective, would you agree? As you strive to improve in each of these areas, I have no doubt that you'll positive results in your student interactions. Best of luck to you!
by making them know that im here to do everything I can to help them get into this new career...transferring the responsibility of that career choice back on their shoulders
You're right, Marji, students want to know that you care about them! Being able to relate to your student and connect with them is so important to your success as an admissions professional. How do you show your students you care?
Well stated, Cassandra! It looks like you believe the four elements are interdependent and the rep who uses them together consistently, with the student as the focus, will find great success, would you agree? How do you think this knowledge helps you in acting ethically with each of your students?
It sounds like you value the connections you have with your prospective students, Sam. People skills and sales skills are part of making that connection. How do you ensure you use these skills in the most ethical way when helping your student in their decision making process?
Makes sense, right? When you work at developing each element (product knowledge, sales skills, people skills, and attitude) your process will become natural and effortless. It sounds to me like you recognize the importance that each of these elements contributes to your success, Raj. I wish you continued success.
What a great motto to have, Jennifer! One of the most powerful things you can do for your students is to truly listen to them. And one of the quickest ways you can demonstrate this is to reflect back to your student what you heard was important to them. It sounds like you make a point to do this in your interactions with students, how do you find they respond to your attention?
