EdUp Career Schools "The Scoop"

Tune in to "EdUp Career Schools: The Scoop" for an insightful discussion on the critical importance of prompt lead contact in the admissions process.

Join us on this enlightening episode of EdUp Career Schools "The Scoop," as we delve into the detrimental effects of toxic workplaces and uncover practical solutions.

When admissions and finance unite, incredible things happen. More students navigate the process, kickstart their training, and step into the careers they've always envisioned. Today, I'm thrilled to have Mr. Darius Goldman, the owner, here with me to delve into Meratas, its workings, the types of schools it collaborates with, and how we can enhance our student services. 

Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with Darius—your gateway to empowering students and transforming their educational journey. 

Key Topics of this Video:

• Emphasis on education and the pivotal moment that created Meratas

• Empowering schools to underwrite and admit their own students based on merit

• Flexible Payment Plans and Lender Marketplace

• Target Schools and Trends in Education

• Challenges in Student Financing

• Addressing the challenges faced by alternative education providers

• Perception of Career Education in Higher Education

• Involvement of Admissions and Financial Aid Teams

• Teaching Resilience and Analytical Thought to Children

Timestamps of this Podcast

00:00:01 A platform for schools to underwrite and admit students based on merit.

00:04:44 Student loan platform and its benefits.

00:13:49 Financial aid and student loan options for schools.

00:20:51 Education, problem-solving, and resilience.

In the ever-evolving landscape of education and team leadership, fundamental insights emerge as pillars of success. Adapting to change is indispensable, as it presents opportunities for growth and innovation. The cultivation of a cohesive team culture transcends mere professional competence, emphasizing the alignment of values and goals. Setting expectations that are both ambitious and attainable is an art, providing a clear roadmap for collective success. True leadership extends beyond personal achievements to empower team members to surpass their potential. Harnessing creativity, from virtual games to personalized coaching, proves to be a potent motivator. The resilience to navigate challenges in admissions, akin to a roller coaster ride, is a key attribute, turning obstacles into stepping stones for professional growth. 

For those navigating the complexities of the education sector or steering remote teams, these lessons serve as foundational principles, guiding through the twists and turns of careers with sagacity and resolve

Key Topics of this Video:

• Preference for the education industry over criminal justice or law enforcement

• Establishing relationships with students and admissions representatives

• The need to build trust and connections

• Creative strategies for keeping online teams motivated

• Challenges of setting and managing expectations in an online setting

• Quicker, more efficient educational models and technological advancements

• Admissions is a noble profession

• Opportunity to inspire, motivate, and break generational boundaries through education.

Timestamps of this Podcast

00:00:01 Managing a remote team in the education industry.

00:03:16 Advisor role transition and connection with students.

00:08:32 Managing remote teams and setting expectations.

00:13:48 Leading and motivating remote teams.

00:18:14 Career education, leadership, and expectations.

In this episode, I am joined by Jami Hornbuckle, Vice President for 3E Content Strategy with 3E Enrollment Marketing, Inc., to discuss marketing and advertising in higher education. Jamie shares her passion for higher education and the transformative power of education. Jami explains that effective marketing in higher education requires nuanced storytelling that conveys the institution's unique value proposition and resonates emotionally with prospective students and families. It's crucial to go beyond facts and data and make meaningful connections by telling compelling stories about real student experiences. She emphasizes that it's not just about broad messaging to reach a wide audience, but also about precision targeting to find students who will be a great fit for a particular institution.

Tune in to learn more about effective marketing strategies in the higher education space.

Key Topics of this Video:

• Importance of authenticity in marketing and advertising

• The power of storytelling in higher education marketing

• Impact of higher education on lives, families, and communities 

• The need to understand and articulate what makes a school unique

• The importance of speaking the student's language in marketing

• The value of showcasing immediate outcomes for students

• Avoiding generic stock photos and creating relatable content

• The significance of videos and photos that highlight the student experience

• The need for concise and snackable content in marketing materials

• Starting with the "why" and understanding the institution's value proposition

Timestamps of this Podcast

00:01:43 The power of storytelling.

00:05:33 Marketing authenticity and empathy.

00:08:50 Transparency in tuition.

00:12:07 Authenticity and stock photos.

00:16:07 Student representation and advertising.

00:20:33 Immediate outcomes for students.

00:23:36 Start with the why.

00:28:01 Bringing your authentic self.

#motivatewithkat

In this episode,  I am joined by three industry veterans, Dayna Lee, Vanetia Moore,  and Didtra White who share their insights and experiences. The conversation focuses on the impact of turnover on students and the need for leaders and executives to understand and address the issue to retain talented professionals.

In addition we explore the high turnover in higher education admissions departments. The guest speakers share their insight about the reasons behind the turnover, including advisors not meeting expectations or feeling that sales is not their forte. Moreover, the speakers emphasize that leaders have a significant impact on their team by encouraging and trusting them. 

In this video, you will be able to learn: 

• High turnover in higher education admissions departments

• Challenges faced by admissions advisors

• Lack of support and trust from management

• Unrealistic expectations and pressure from leadership

• Balancing the needs of students and the demands of the job

• The importance of building relationships with students

• Financial obstacles faced by students and the role of admissions in addressing them

• The impact of toxic work environments on advisors

• The disconnect between upper management and frontline advisors

• The decision to leave the admissions field and reasons for doing so

Timestamp of this Podcast

00:00:09 High turnover in higher education.

00:02:37 Why choose higher education?

00:06:43 Diversity of students and impact.

00:10:42 Changing lives through education.

00:12:09 Admissions can be challenging but fun.

00:17:21 Admissions advisors face significant challenges.

00:23:27 Education system challenges.

00:29:02 Admissions teams need better support.

00:31:09 Unrealistic expectations and lead flow.

00:37:46 Workplace pressure and lack of support.

00:39:54 Leaders must support and trust their team.

00:44:03 Leaders need positive impact and consistency.

00:50:18 Leaders need proper leading.

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In this episode, I discuss the issue of high turnover in sales teams, specifically in the admissions departments. I highlight micromanagement as a major cause of this problem and encourage leaders to reflect on whether they may be contributing to it. Furthermore, I will share my personal experience as a new leader and emphasize the importance of stepping back and observing before making changes. The episode also provides four key indicators of micromanagement to help leaders identify if they are guilty of it. The episode aims to address the issue and prevent further loss of team members due to micromanagement.

Timestamp of this Podcast

00:00:28 - Micromanagement is a major cause of high turnover.

00:00:53 - Sharing personal experience of being a micromanager in the past.

00:01:55 - Emphasizing the need to address the issue to prevent losing team members.

00:02:01 - First sign: Having a hard time delegating due to lack of trust. Constantly checking in instead of giving space.

00:04:19 - Second sign: Needing approval for every task instead of trusting staff's expertise.

00:06:43 - Third sign: Needing to be CC'd on everything shows lack of trust in staff.

00:09:25 - Fourth sign: Discouraging independent decision making and disregarding others' opinions.

00:11:56 - Encouraging leaders to put themselves in their team's shoes.

00:13:37 - Conclusion and encouragement for leaders to improve.

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In this episode, I discuss how to choose the right path and build a successful career in admissions advising. Deciding if this field is the right fit for you requires evaluating your communication skills, emotional resilience, innovation, and positivity. Effective advisors must listen closely to students, empathize with their stories, think creatively about solutions, and stay upbeat. I provide insights to help new and experienced advisors excel by focusing on the key skills of communication, stamina, innovation, and an optimistic mindset. The right outlook and approach are essential to effectively guide students on their admissions journey. This career allows you to make a difference in students' lives but also requires resilience. By highlighting the advice and experience shared in this episode, I aim to help advisors at any stage of their career reflect on their suitability for this rewarding yet challenging role.

Timestamp of this Podcast

0:00:00 Introduction to the topic of admissions in higher education 

0:00:26 Questions about the suitability of admissions advising as a career

0:01:30 Importance of effective communication in admissions advising

0:05:07 Need for emotional stamina in dealing with students' personal stories

0:07:01 The role of innovation in overcoming challenges in admissions

0:10:28 The significance of maintaining a positive mindset as an advisor

0:12:42 Importance of being a great communicator and listener

0:13:37 Tracking activity and identifying strengths and weaknesses

0:14:35 Emphasizing innovation and thinking outside the box

0:15:02 Maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on opportunities

0:16:05 Evaluating personal suitability for the role

0:17:47 Resources and training available for leaders and advisors

0:18:19 Announcement of upcoming guests and conclusion

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In this episode, we will discuss the importance of the safety of kids in school. Tabatha Barron shares her personal experience of her niece getting put on the wrong bus multiple times in one year, which inspired her to create the KYKS platform. Tabatha Barron explains that her background in engineering and experience with technology led her to develop a solution that complements our lives rather than taking over them. She emphasizes the need for greater awareness about this issue and shares examples of other children being misplaced or left unattended. Tabitha's goal is to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of children.

Tabatha is a hardworking, self-motivated mother of two who understands the immense importance of child safety. With an engineering degree and 15 years of experience, Tabatha is a problem solver who believes technology should play a larger role in organizing and improving everyday life. 

In this video, you will be able to learn: 

The importance of school bus safety 

The prevalence of children being placed on the wrong bus 

The need for a solution to protect children.

The role of technology in addressing the problem 

The impact of misplaced children on their families 

The need for better communication and accountability in schools

Key Topics of this Podcast:

00:00:21 -  Importance of school bus safety.

00:10:30 -  Improved school dismissal process efficiency.

00:12:08 -  School bus ridership is declining.

00:19:33 -  School bus safety is concerning.

00:23:05 -  Lack of transparency in missing children statistics.

00:29:22 - The school bus system needs improvement.

00:34:50 -  Listening to and valuing children.

00:40:46 -  Parents must demand change in schools.

Connect with me:

#motivatewithkat

In this episode, we will be talking about the changing environment of leadership in the 21st century with Geordie Hyland. Effective leaders understand the importance of establishing a clear vision and goals for their team. By articulating a sense of purpose and direction, leaders can secure buy-in from team members who comprehend the objectives they are working towards. With alignment on the vision and goals, confusion diminishes while motivation rises. Leaders must not only set the vision but also communicate it clearly and consistently to provide their team with a shared understanding.

With over 20 years of entrepreneurial leadership experience, Geordie Hyland is a passionate CEO skilled at strengthening human capital and communities. He excels at building high-performing teams and partnerships, creating transformational learning experiences, and managing P&L. 

In this video, you will be able to learn: 

• The emphasis on student ROI and the value proposition of ACE, including affordable tuition and credit for prior learning.

• The importance of leadership in higher education and the difference between managing and leading a team.

• The skepticism surrounding traditional higher education and the growing awareness of the value of career education.

Key Topics of this Podcast:

00:02:22 - Student success and programmatic outcomes.

00:05:29 - Affordable tuition and low debt.

00:10:58 - Leadership and the online learning community

00:14:43     - Getting team buy-in. 

00:20:18 - The future of career education.

00:22:03 - Importance of online education. 

00:27:37 - Overcoming limitations and growth.

Connect with me:

#motivatewithkat

This episode discusses the pitfalls of leadership and the importance of understanding the full story before stepping into a leadership role. The emphasis is the responsibility that leaders have for their team members' feelings and the need for empathy and effective communication. Furthermore, it also highlights the importance of emotional and mental stamina for leaders, as well as the accountability they have for their team members' actions and choices.

In this video you will be able to learn:

• Leadership requires responsibility for the feelings of team members, even if they are indirectly affected.

• Leaders should show empathy and pay attention to their team members' well-being to maintain productivity.

• Emotional and mental stamina are crucial for leaders, who should take time to rest and regroup.

• Leaders are accountable for their team members' actions and should address toxic or underperforming individuals.

Key Topics of this Podcast:

0:01:17 -  Introduction to the topic of leadership and its pitfalls

0:02:17 - The responsibility of a leader to care for their team's feelings

0:05:26 - The importance of emotional and mental stamina for leaders

0:08:07 - The need for leaders to show vulnerability and authenticity

0:10:14 - The accountability of leaders for their team's actions and choices

0:12:18 - The difficult decision to let go of toxic or underperforming team members

0:16:00 - Tips for effective communication and delivering tough conversations

0:18:06 - The importance of self-care and taking breaks as a leader

0:19:02 - The potential for growth and improvement in leadership skills

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The role of an academic advisor has evolved to encompass coaching students on various aspects of their education. While advisors have traditionally helped students select courses and monitor degree progress, many now take a more holistic approach focused on students' overall development. Effective advisors exhibit coaching skills like motivational interviewing, goal-setting, and accountability to empower students to make informed decisions. They create development plans, give feedback, and provide encouragement. However, advisors cannot control student behavior. Their role is to guide students to realize their potential. Advisors enable success through strategic communication and by building trust. 

Shift your advising approach to incorporate coaching techniques like motivational interviewing and strategic goal-setting that empower students to achieve their highest potential

Key Topics of this Podcast:

0:02:18 - Lex's journey in higher education 

0:03:39 - Lex's passion for coaching and advising

0:06:05 - Lex's experience with a student similar to her background

0:08:12 - The importance of effective communication as an advisor

0:09:31 - Qualities of a coach: charisma, concise communication, and vision

0:12:43 - The downside of coaching: inability to control students' actions

0:14:36 - Strategies for supporting students throughout the enrollment process

0:17:13 - Lex's aspirations for her coaching career

0:19:49 - Advice for admissions professionals and individuals seeking personal growth

Key Topics of this Video:

As an advising officer, your job is to give the student the information so that they can enroll and are not supposed to be their therapist.

Memorable Quotes from this Episode

“People rarely advocate for students or express their feelings.”

“Advisors should inform, not counsel students.” 

“Hearing different stories builds empathy.”

“Coaching a first-gen student without support was fulfilling.”

“Students need to open up or they'll disappear from fear.”

“Advising shapes me through students' diverse stories.”

“Some students don't follow through but stay positive.”

#motivatewithkat

Terance Gonsalves is a partner and chair of the education practice at the law firm of Alston and Bird. In this episode, he is here to discuss the new regulations and low enrollments in higher education joined by my co-host Deborah Solmor. Deborah shares her experience in the higher education space, while Terance offers his expertise as a legal professional. The guest provide insights and solutions for the challenges faced by schools in the current climate. The episode is informative and aims to alleviate some of the stress faced by educators and administrators.

In this video, you will be able to learn

1. Gainful employment regulations require career programs to meet metrics showing graduates find jobs and repay loans. They protect students and were reinstated, effective July 1, 2023.

2. Programs may be cut if they don't meet metrics. But enrollment may stay stable as schools change programs.

3. Regulations mandate reporting, like telling students if they didn't meet metrics. Students must acknowledge this. Some programs like culinary schools may struggle as grads often start in low-paying jobs.

4. Training and empowering admissions advisors is key. Advisors need tools and knowledge for effective, compliant talks with students. They monitor call quality and build rapport to understand needs and guide students.

5. Advisors are essential to a school's success. Resources and support help them guide students to good outcomes, benefitting both. 

   
   

Timestamps of this Podcast:

00:02:39 Journey in higher education. 

00:07:06 Admissions compliance in higher education.

00:07:39 Financial Aid Regulations.  

00:14:22 Secret shopping for misrepresentations.

00:15:00 Department of Education's secret shopping.   

00:20:22 Gainful employment regulations explained.

00:23:13 Gainful employment regulations.

00:27:00 Disclosure and transparency in education

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Pedro Santana is the Director of Enrollment Management Experiences at Stetson University. In this episode, Santana shares his experience in improving the student experience and how his background in customer service helps him approach higher education with a consumer mindset. Santana stumbled into higher education but found a passion for improving the student experience and making every day better.

In this video, you will:

1. Gain insights into viewing students as consumers. 

2. Understand the importance of improving the student experience.

3. Learn the significance of motivation, goal setting, and mentorship in higher education. 

4. Know Pedro Santana's optimistic and adaptable approach to changes in higher education.

5. Realize the challenges of not focusing on students as consumers and not meeting enrolment numbers.

6. Recognize how engaging with students and conveying the value of higher education can enhance.  

   
   

Key Topics of this Podcast:

0:04:31     -  Understanding student experience as a key 

0:06:50    - Balancing higher ed ideals with customer service    

0:07:25    -  Improving enrollment process through observation    

0:08:30   -  Setting goals and staying motivated for success 16:34 Setting achievable goals and breaking into steps 

0:17:09     -  Smaller goals enable bigger goals achievement 

0:18:01     -  Asking students questions to know them better      

0:18:29      -  Importance of proper training for enrollment management 

0:20:05     -  Different strategies for different enrollment roles    

0:20:50     -  Lack of training as an obstacle 

0:21:32      -  Self-assessment and celebrating small wins 

0:23:26     -  Avoid comparing yourself to others

0:26:58     -  Overcoming "not how it's done" and proving value    

0:28:32     -  Building relationships and showing value internally/externally

0:29:39     -  Avoiding tradition for tradition's sake 

0:31:13      -  Identifying and meeting students' needs; saying no when not a fit

0:32:52     - Not admitting wrong-fit students; impact on retention

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Admission officers should understand and emphasize that empathy, self-reflection, responsibility, and humility are critical traits of great leaders. Empathy is essential for building trust and rapport with team members, while self-reflection allows leaders to understand their interactions and improve their communication skills. Responsibility means taking ownership of the team's success, growth, failures, and self-confidence. Humility requires leaders to be approachable and receptive to building relationships with their team members

Leadership requires balancing humility and confidence to foster team and company growth. In addition, it's about seeing how approachability and building relationships lead to a strong, valued team.

Timestamps of this Podcast:

• 0:00:29 - The Importance of Empathy in Leadership

• 0:01:28 - Empathy for Employees

• 0:02:57 - Providing an Outlet for Employees

• 0:04:00 - Self-Reflection as a Leadership Trait

• 0:04:32 - Understanding Interactions and Communication Skills

• 0:05:15 - Irresponsible Leadership and Its Effects on Team Members

• 0:05:47 - Responsibility as a Leadership Trait

• 0:06:14 - Getting to Know Your Team Members

• 0:07:12 - The Power of Words and Presentation in Leadership

• 0:08:05 - Creating a Positive Work Environment for Team Members

• 0:09:17 - Humility as a Leadership Trait and the Importance of Approachability

• 0:10:20 - Coaching Team Members

• 0:10:54 - Importance of Weekly One-on-One Conversations

• 0:11:40 - The Importance of Humility in Leadership

• 0:13:09 - The Impact of Leadership on Company Growth

• 0:15:08 - Feeding Your Team and Giving Recognition for Hard Work

• 0:15:44 - The Importance of Humility and Approachability for Team Growth

Key Topics in this audio:

Recognize that leaders must own both successes and failures of their team. Confidence comes from within and shows how humility allows team members to thrive, grow skills, and boost company success.

Memorable Quotes from this Episode

"The first trait is empathy. Empathy is so important when it comes to leading a team."

"You have to be empathetic. You have to be sympathetic to their situation so that they're able to open up so that you have the opportunity to understand who they are to help them."

"Employees need to know that you care, right? A lot of what you do every single day, it's emotional and it's mental."

"If you want to grow a team, you got to make sure that you're feeding into them. You got to feed your team. You got to feed their soul."

The role of the admission advisor is focused on more than just getting the students on enrollment. The real deal starts to inspire students to continue their education, as enrollment is down across the board. The common issue arises when admissions officers disregard the value of developing connections with students in order to boost dials. Degree requirements that are too complicated and appear to be unnecessary, roadblock courses, and unavailable or inconvenient courses can all create significant challenges to student success.

In this new multimodal learning environment, utilizing diverse metrics and including student voices are critical components to improving success in higher education. 

Key Topics of this Podcast:

0:00:00 - Gina Quinn on Career Schools and Reinspiring Students

0:02:31 - Changing Lives Through Education

0:04:17 -  Relationship Sales and Admissions Representation

0:06:05 - Making Lifestyle Adjustments for Long-Term Gains in Education

0:07:48 - Supporting Students Through Difficult Times

0:15:06 - Building Trust and Finding Common Ground with Students

0:19:14 - Supporting Students in Their Academic Journey

0:21:28 - Building Connections with Gen Z Students: Celebrating Success and Providing Tough Love

0:22:49 - Student Challenges in the Information Age

0:26:28 - Building Rapport and Relationships with Students

0:28:23 - Career Advancement and Enrollment Process

0:30:14 - Strategies for Retaining Students and Supporting Their Career Goals

0:32:04 - Supporting College Students During the Pandemic

0:34:35 - Exploring the Benefits of Education and the Need for Change

0:38:46 - Navigating College Resources and Intrusive Advising

0:41:45 - The Future of Career Education

0:43:57 - Exploring Trade Opportunities for High School Students

0:45:39 - Supporting Students and Making a Difference

Key Topics in this video:

• Building rapport with students starts with your conversation with potential students on the phone.

  
  

Memorable Quotes from this Episode:

“I think more than anything, you just fall in love with the process of changing lives.”

“We have some people who can be really good tour guides, but the true connections with admissions representatives and prospective students is the rapport and the relationship they build on that phone.”

“We make a point to really make sure that what's going on in the classroom, the content is engaging and that the student reason to come in.”

"There is a need for skilled labor. There is a need for careers and trades. Not everybody is meant for a four-year degree. Not everybody is meant to go to college and have all those."

College students embark on their higher education journey with lofty aspirations for the future. Unfortunately, unforeseen obstacles can make reaching a degree difficult and cause some to withdraw from college altogether. The key to promoting successful student retention lies in addressing these difficulties, an imperative step any institution of higher learning must take toward achieving greater proficiency among its attendees.

With a proper understanding of what causes many students' struggles when transitioning into collegiate life comes the capability of developing sound solutions that will ensure adequate preparation through targeted skills-building initiatives and resources offered by such institutions as community colleges or other forms of higher educational outlets.

Key Topics of this Podcast:

03:04  -A Journey from Professor to Educational Sales

02:01  -Transitioning from Admissions to Retention

04:20  -Assisting in Student Enrollment and Retention

08:29  -Enrollment Process Trends and Challenges

10:06  -Listening and Handling Objections in Student Advising

14:21  -Retention Strategies for Career Education

18:46  -Exploring Career Opportunities in the Culinary Industry

Key Topics in this Video:

• Simplify the financial aid process by having good communication
• Student-centered communication techniques can have a significant impact on admissions
• It's through collaboration that we become better equipped at improving every aspect of the student experience

Memorable Quotes from this Episode

“I think that the biggest thing if there's any takeaway, is that the back end truly is one of the most important components to our jobs.”

“They really have to work hard to stay in contact, keep them motivated and to your point, helping them strategize a game plan for fitting school into their life.”

“It doesn't matter how excited a student is on the phone or when they leave your campus, the part of the conversation that you are not present for is what happens at dinner time when the husband and wife are discussing.”

“They're really trying to find their career within that also kind of corresponds with their passion. So I think that as long as we're implementing all of the proper materials of the scripts and following through, it has the potential of really growing.”

During enrollment, students are on top of the priority list. In this process, the admissions team and financial aid team play the biggest role. However, a lack of collaboration and communication always gets in the way. Financial aid sources and admission requirements sometimes appear to be two very distinct things.

The key to implementing an effective enrollment strategy lies in understanding the students: their background and financial capabilities. Proper communication and collaboration between the admission team and financial aid team can increase the likelihood of ensuring students' academic success and adjusting their financial aid package accordingly, reducing the risk of the student being forced to drop out of their program.

Key Topics of this Podcast:

0:02:42 Career Summary of a Professional Higher Education Professional

0:04:46 Access and Social Mobility in Higher Education

0:06:18 Bridging the Gap Between Admissions and Financial Aid

0:08:09 Collaboration Between the Admissions and Financial Aid Teams

0:12:45 Cross-Training Financial Aid Teams in Objection Handling

0:15:58 Student Engagement and Effective Communication in Admissions and Financial Aid

0:22:46 Increasing Enrollment in Higher Education

0:29:49 Increasing Financial Literacy and Shifting Perception of Prestigious Institutions

Key Topics in this Video:

• Anything that happens in the enrollment falls and rises on leadership.
• Building enrollment management structure that facilitates the alignment of admission and financial aid teams.
• It is through collaboration and a high-level understanding that we can ensure providing students with the assistance they need.

Memorable Quotes from this Episode

“We need to ensure that our admissions and financial aid folks are aligned and in that, we need to set up an enrollment management structure that facilitates that alignment.”

“We need to start with structure and our top administrators need to make sure that they're setting their teams up for success.”

“Decisions should be made on the experiences that the students need to have in order to graduate from your institution”

“Always encourage our teams. It's not numbers, it's human lives that you're touching and getting the opportunity to transform.”

Keeping up with academic appointments is key to staying on top of university life, yet many students can still fall behind.

Admissions and appointment setting are continuing challenges in the educational landscape. Despite efforts to increase leads, many schools still suffer from ghosting, when prospective students agree but don't show up for their appointments. To tackle this issue, effective strategies must be created that can ensure more successful call conversions as well as higher student attendance rates at scheduled meetings.

Key Topics of this Podcast:

03:04  -A Journey from Professor to Educational Sales

04:39  -Reasons Why Students May Not Schedule an Appointment

06:54  -The Importance of Making Multiple Contacts with Prospects

08:50  -Importance of Establishing Rapport with Prospective Students

12:50  -Overcoming Student Procrastination in Admissions Advising

24:33  -Strategies for Improving Show Rate in Student Advising

28:22  -Importance of Phone Calls in Admissions Advising

34:59  -Reasons Why Prospects Ghost Advisors

42:46  -Traits and Characteristics for Success

44:58  -Qualities of a Successful Admissions Advisor

47:08  -Passionate Admissions Advisors and the Importance of Listening

50:15  -Qualities Needed to be a Successful Recruiter

52:14  -Conversation with Kathy on the Future of Career Education

54:13  -The Benefits of All Education and the Role of Career Schools in Supporting Students

Key Topics in this Video:

• Simplify the financial aid process by having good communication
• Student-centered communication techniques can have a significant impact on admissions
• It's through collaboration that we become better equipped at improving every aspect of the student experience

Memorable Quotes from this Episode

“We need more advisors that are really passionate about this role, and they're not just looking for a job that can pay their bills.”

“We have advisors who understand the role. They know the metrics, they know what the process looks like, but they're missing the It factor, which is the passion in actually wanting to help this person.”

“Am I a representation of my school when I go out into the community? Because a lot of admissions advisors, we need to go out and do career fairs. We need to go out and do community building events.”

“Some of you might think your title might be an Admissions Counselor. I'm here to provide you with counseling and guidance. Well, that starts with how you present yourself. How do you speak? Do you speak professionally? Do I hear profanity coming out of your mouth, like in a professional setting? How do I dress? How do I act? How do I interact with my colleagues? How do I interact with the students? It's all a part of being the face of the school and the brand, and you have to take ownership of that.”

Tara Durante is the founder of Caerus Communications. She is determined to work with higher education clients that care about their students, are implementing innovative strategies, and are seeking to improve their financial aid.

Financial Aid Process may never be as simple as getting your work done as fast as you can, but more open and effective communication can help alleviate a lot of the stress.

Communication is one of the shared responsibilities in the financial aid office. Students, parents, and counselors can save time, energy, and stress by sharing information with each other early. Financial aid offices, when handled correctly, will allow families to pursue their educational goals and lead to a more stable financial situation for all.

Key Topics of this Podcast:

00:00  Intro

02:29  Importance of College Counseling

03:52  Career Transition

05:43  The Financial Aid Process: Hiccups and How to Overcome Them

09:09  The Importance of Student-Centered Communications

12:21  The Impact of Financial Aid on Admissions

14:01  Streamlining the Process of Financial Aid

18:15  The Importance of Communications in the Financial Aid Office

19:34  Working Together to Improve the Student Experience

21:22  Financial Aid Communications: A Different Discipline

Key Topics in this Video:

• Simplify the financial aid process by having good communication
• Student-centered communication techniques can have a significant impact on admissions
• It's through collaboration that we become better equipped at improving every aspect of the student experience

Memorable Quotes from this Episode

“Financial aid communications are a natural way to improve that process for students.”

“I just would encourage schools to really look at it and try to get help internally or externally if they feel like they need help.”

“I would say the one final thought that I have is to think about financial aid communications as a different discipline from admissions and enrollment marketing. It's a completely different discipline, but it requires a special set of ethics.”

“I would advise financial aid teams to find a champion with expertise in communications who cares about financial aid.”

“Many students fall off during the process because they don't understand certain information and feel comfortable asking the same question over and over.”

How to Optimize Your Lead Management and Communication Strategy in 2023

Maintaining high-performing employees engaged begins with each individual knowing how their function contributes to the broader reason why their organization exists, followed by the creation of a transparent and direct atmosphere in which they get and may offer ongoing feedback.

Communicating clear, tangible goals on a regular basis has a huge influence on your team's productivity, motivation, and, eventually, growth. This not only keeps everyone on the same page but also guarantees that your reports understand what they're working on and why.

Key Topics of this Podcast:

00:00 - Intro

00:46 - Dominating 2023

02:16 - Setting Small Steps to Achieve The Goal

02:45 - Considering Your Admission Team as the First Point of Contact

03:33 - Some Advisors Are Overwhelmed

04:18 - Checking Out With Your Time

05:10 - Let Your Advisors Lead The Conversation

05:46 - To Lead is To Understand The Role

06:26 - Conducting Training For Your Team

08:13 - Giving Your Team A Break

08:39 - Having Strong and Effective Communication

09:26 - Creating A Culture of Winning With Your Team

12:16 - Acknowledge The Hardwork of Your Team Every Single Day

13:04 - “Next Level At Missions”

Key Topics in this Video:

• Setting Small Steps to Reach Your Goal makes Success More Apparent
• Importance of Giving Consideration To Your Team
• Having Strong and Effective Communication Motivates the Team
• The Role of a Leader is to Understand the Team and Its Responsibilities
• Conducting Training Is Important To Enhance Your Team’s  Expertise
• Celebrating Small Wins Helps The Team To Stay Motivated and Productive

Memorable Quotes from this Episode

“Leaders, if you really want to dominate 2023, and if you want to really have a stress-free new year, what you have to do is consider your admissions team as the first point of contact”

“have your one on ones get that personal time with you and your advisors, it is going to be a game-changing experience.”

“Let them lead that conversation because what you want to do is talk about their performance and goals from the week prior, how they think they did what they think is the next step for them”

“in order for you to lead a team, you have to understand the role”

“Every individual that's involved, every department or team that's involved in order to grow a school, they have to communicate with each other.”

“But we have to make sure that we create a culture of winning, have your teams celebrate those small wins.”

Jason has over 20 years of experience in Higher Education and Leadership, specifically Admissions. They always say that sometimes, you just need to return to your first love; and for Jason, it was his passion and drive to see students take the next step in their careers. Admissions can be challenging. but even more so for our leaders whose role is to drive activity and production, inspire a group of advisors to win each day, and hold it together. Take a deep dive into Jason's story and how he has been able to stay on task while taking his school to another level.

The leader is at the center of the institution's power structure; he or she holds the group together, gives it life, leads it toward its goals, and maintains its momentum. A leadership position requires you to handle a problem, a team, or an entire organization in an ethical and successful manner. It is a necessary component when a group of individuals works together to attain a common objective.

Key Topics in this Podcast:

00:00 - Intro

01:32 - What Got Jason McWilliams into Admission Job

01:54 - His Job as Admission Representative

02:41 - Everyone in Admission comes into a Burnout Point

03:07 - DOA Role Relocation Upon Promotion

03:17 - Jason Took a Break from his Admission Job

04:37 - Jason’s Greatest Motivator was his Daughter to go back to the Admission

05:16 - Jason Went to the Admission

06:21 - Importance of Persistence in the Admission Job

06:50 - The role of the Leader

07:33 - The Importance of Training

08:00 - Process of Guiding a Team

09:05 - Political Side of Leadership Role

10:30 - Aiming of Being Top is not Necessary

12:09 - Admission Representatives Refusing Training

13:29 - Jason’s School Process

13:52 - Zoom Call Interview with Applicants

14:31 - Introducing Wonderlic

15:40 - Follow Up is where the Process of Enrollment Falls into

17:45 - Conducting Orientation

19:13 - The Future of Career Education

20:27 - Programs Offered and Its Location

21:08 - Tips from Jason

Key Topics in this Video:

• Accidentally Working in Admission is a Developed Passion
• The Importance of Persistence in the role of Director of Admissions
• Training is Important to become fully Equipped
• Building Relationships with the Team
• Step-by-step Process of becoming a Director of Admission
• How to become an Effective Director of Admissions

Memorable Quotes from this Episode

“When you're looking at that leadership role like you're, your responsibility is to guide that team, your responsibility is to ensure that your team is successful, not just you, but your team.”

“there's like a step-by-step process, that you have to have that ability to be able to guide your team through it.”

“Once you consider doing the role, it is not just about you. Now, it's about the betterment of the team, it's for the betterment of the school itself.”

Dayna Lee is the founder of the Savannah Wine Institute. She is also the Managing Director at Metropolitan Wind Group LLC. Lastly, she's the National Director of the International Student Office at the New York Film Academy.

The enrollment process is vital because it ensures that all students achieve the basic standards needed to enroll and gives the institution a chance to get to know the student, his or her interests, and needs.  Depending on the sort of institution, this procedure may include completing an application, taking placement exams, and registering for classes. It makes sure to place quality students.

During the enrollment process, it is essential to establish the interests of all stakeholders to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands what is expected of them.  It sets an immovable standard and discipline towards the applicants.

Key Topics in this Podcast:

[00:15] - Introducing Dayna Lee

[01:53]  - Dayna’s first Job before working in the Admission

[03:49] - Her First Admission Job and Why She left

[06:10] - The Application Process and the Expectations

[08:32] - How the Process should appear

[11:44]  - The Role of Communication in the Enrollment Process

[13:32}  - The Reason Why Dayna Opened a Wine Company and  School

[16:27]  - Her Realization that Her Passion is in Education and Teaching

[18:52]  - Her Goals for her Company

[22:30] - Listening to Prospects

[23:25] - Dayna’s Thoughts for the Audience

Key Topics in this Episode:

• The Importance of Building Relationships Between the Stakeholders and Students
• The Process of Enrollment is not Automated
• The Process does not only Acquire numbers of Applicant but also the Quality
• There are People Involved in the Decision-making Process in Enrollment
• The Importance of Setting Up Expectations in the Enrollment Process

Memorable Quotes from this Episode:

• “...it was more about encouraging the students to continue because, yes, you have to pay for school but we don't want you to feel like if you can't, this is the end…”
• “I feel like Admissions Advisors– they're kind of the gatekeeper to the school. So they connect the student with the different departments that they need to liaise with before they can start.”
• “There are many people involved in this decision-making process”

Nathalie Torrenegra is an Admissions Advisor with New Age Training. She started off on public assistance in order to provide for her child. She was deterined to make a life herself and her family. That's where her journey began. 

An employee may have the exact skills, knowledge, and experience your company requires. They may be intelligent, hardworking, and enthusiastic about their job. They're all great qualities to have, but each can suffer if the employee lacks one crucial skill: time management.

Time management is not about working harder; it is about working more intelligently so that employees do not overburden themselves and put themselves under unnecessary stress. Employees who manage their time effectively will meet deadlines, improve efficiency, be more productive, and produce better work.

In this episode, you will learn the insides and outs of working a double job and how it can be tiring without proper time management and work ethics.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

[00:00:22] - Introducing Nathalie Torrenegra, an admissions adviser.

[00:04:20] - Nathalie’s job change.

[00:06:38] - Her work ethic at work.

[00:11:00] - Successful examples.

[00:15:20] - Balance between work, home, and personal life.

Key Topics in this Episode:

• The dedication includes a strong sense of support and loyalty to a business or career role.
• Making a perfect schedule aids in time management, and adhering to a strict schedule reduces the likelihood of procrastination.
• Tasks assigned a specific amount of time to complete are more likely to be completed on time.
• Stress can harm both your productivity and your overall health.
• Confidence and productivity often work well together.
• Knowing that the job will be done and get done well depends in large part on reliability.
• Working well in a team is crucial, but so is being able to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills ensure that these interactions are positive and practical.
• Know why their job exists, above just learning how to do it.

Memorable Quotes from this Episode:

"I was so ready to work”

“There was no job that I was saying no to”

“You have to have thick skin”

“I find it very satisfying and fulfilling to be able to meet expectations”

Iasia Gregory has been in the career education industry for over 20 years. She got her start as a telemarketer and has since dedicated her career to helping others find their purpose in life. Iasia loves her job because it allows her to change people's lives for the better. She believes that everyone deserves to know their identity and their purpose in life.

The purpose of a script or call guide is to provide a structure for the conversation and to help the advisor stay on track. However, it is still important to be yourself and to allow for personality to come through in the conversation.

Iasia talks about the importance of bonding with the person you are speaking to on the phone, in the intro, you should be bonding and getting the person to talk. The more information you get from them, the better because it is important to connect with people where they are.

In this episode, you will learn how important it is to build rapport with potential students, and how to do so by asking open-ended questions and bonding with them. Also talk about how important it is to get students to visit the school based on their needs, and how to do so by giving them a reason to come in and visit.

Key Topics in this Episode:

• The Importance of a Script in Career Education with Iasia Gregory
• The Importance of a Script or Guide When Speaking to Nontraditional Students
• Phone Call Script: Intro, Body, and Close
• The Body: Getting the students to visit the school based on their needs
• The Importance of Listening and Asking Questions in Building Trust with Students
• The Importance of Building a Connection with Your Students
• The Importance of Staying On-Topic and Addressing Student Concerns
• The Importance of Staying on Topic in an Interview
• The Importance of In-Person Communication in the Enrollment Process
• The Importance of the First Conversation with a Student
• The Importance of Asking the Right Questions
• The Benefits of Appointment Confirmation
• The Importance of Confirming Appointments with Prospective Students

Memorable Quotes from this Episode:

"I really have a passion for changing lives."

"It's so important from beginning to end to remain in that bond, remain getting them to talk."

"What makes you different? There needs to be a specific type of thing that you do with that student over the phone that they don't hear anywhere else."

"If you're not constantly learning, you're not growing."

"If you're not growing, you're not living."

How to Find Your Life's Purpose and Pursue It with Passion with Kenya Edwards

A life's purpose is unique to each individual. It is that one thing that you feel passionate about and drives you to do more, be more, and live more fully.

Kenya Edwards joined me today to talk about her purpose as an enrollment advisor and how she found passion in her career

Key Topics in this Episode:

• What inspires Kenya to be an enrollment advisor?
• How her purpose as an enrollment advisor helps people to be more successful in life
• How to be successful in the enrollment adviser industry?
• Her words of wisdom for a new adviser starting out in the industry

Key Takeaways

• Follow your purpose
• Success starts with mindset and action
• In order to be successful in any industry, you must have passion and purpose
• Compassion and understanding are the keys to being an effective enrollment advisor

Memorable Quote from this Episode:

“What gets into your spirit, if it drives you to want to do it, that's really the motivation of why you even seek out having this position” -Kenya Edwards

Why Admissions Follow Up Is So Important?

No one likes to be ignored, especially after they've taken the time to talk with you. In the business world, follow-up is essential to maintaining relationships and closing deals. The same is true in the college admissions process.

A quick call or email to thank an admissions officer for their time and express your continued interest in the school can make all the difference.

In this episode, I will help you with the process so listen till the end!

Key Topics in this Episode:

• What is Admissions Follow Up?
• The importance of Admissions Follow Up?
• What is forecasting?
• The importance of forecasting
• When is the right time to contact the students/prospects?
• Different methods of following up
• Best tips to win prospects

Key Takeaways

• Admission follow up is the process of tracking and responding to inquiries from prospective students who have expressed interest in your school. The goal of admission follow up is to provide potential students with timely and accurate information about your school, in order to convert them into enrolled students.
• Forecasting is an essential tool for any business that wants to stay ahead of the competition and make accurate planning decisions.
• Be sure to follow up with the student after your initial contact. This shows that you are interested in them and helps to keep your school top of mind as they make their decision about where to enroll.
• When it comes to winning the business of prospecting students, schools need to provide value that is appealing to their target market.

Memorable Quote from this Episode:

“We're not in the business of trying to convince people to do something better for themselves, but your role is to inspire people to want to make a change. And if you enrolled someone, and you invested all of your time into them, you poured so much into building them, inspiring them, and helping them realize what life can look like after training from your school.”

The Admissions role is critical to the success and growth of any institution. Advisors have a lot of their plates, and there are so many moving parts throughout the day where it can become easy to get thrown off track.

They key to success is knowing HOW to manage your day, develop a plan, and be consistent.

In this episode, I'm giving you 10 tips on how to avoid burn out. Follow these steps and you will find how much more control you have of your day and activity. 

Did you know?

We all know that in order to last in admissions, you have to be just a tad bit crazy, but don't worry, that's in a good way...I think. Haha.

Although challenging at times, admissions is one of the most gratifying career paths anyone can choose. Yes, being that admissions is a sales role and in a lot of ways performance based, it still begins with the passion to change someone's life..

Welcome to the end of Season 1 of EdUp Career Schools "The Scoop.". WOW! 

This is my most vulnerable episode yet, where I talk about my journey, the barriers I needed to break down, fear, imposture syndrome and so many false beliefs I was faced with.

Pursuing a passion is not always easy, but it is DEFINITELY worth it. 

Grab those headphones and come along on this journey with me. 

What is the key to enrolling quality students who will actually stick it through, despite the bumps in the road, and graduate? The most critical part of the enrollment process is The First Interview?

Most people call your school to inquire about financial aid assistance and the opportunity to find work after graduation, but what will inspire them to choose YOUR school?

In this episode of EdUp Career Schools "The Scoop," I'm giving you and your team tips and talking points to get your prospects excited and inspired to take the next step in their career. 

Keep in mind, in order to help someone; you need to identify their need, then make a recommendation on the best program that will ultimately get them to their goals. 

Locate those headphones and Get ready to hear "The Scoop."

The pandemic has definitely shifted the way Colleges and Institutions communicate with and attract potential students. When schools were forced to close in 2020, students were "Voluntold" to take classes online.

What happens to those who learn better in the classrooms? 

What if you have dyslexia, which may not be the appropriate learning environment for most?

This is your host Kathy Belletty. Today we're talking about the stuff that most folks want to avoid...Compliance and the pressure placed on your admissions teams to perform. There's no denying that Career Schools have been under scrutiny for decades upon decades, but we need to ask ourselves WHY?

Was it because of fudging placement numbers, stealing aka "tiefin," (in my Bajan accent) financial aid funds? Could it be our Admissions Departments? Hmmmm.

Here's the deal, sometimes it may feel like your Advisors AND Enrollment Directors are constantly losing the battle, because they may be given unrealistic and unattainable expectations. 

If they do NOT meet those expectations, their jobs may be on the line. 

Here's what happens in most cases. Your advisors end up feeling pressured to meet those unattainable expectations without a clear plan, they get sloppy and then "SHOPPED," and guess what? They end up on the "chopping block" anyway...so what can we do to avoid this?

Should Enrollment Directors be given the same or even a HIGHER expectation as their enrollment teams? Oh, you don't want to miss what I have to say about this topic.

Grab those headphones and tune into this discussion.

We all know that Objection Handling or as I would prefer to say "Overcoming Obstacles and Concerns" is an Enrollment Advisor's NIGHTMARE for many reasons. Most advisors struggle with this because they see objections as rejection, and that's not always the case.

Before you can address a concern, you must CLARIFY the concern. No worries, I got your back. Check out the Top 5 Keys to Objection Handling, then sit back and watch your Appointment Set and Show Rates take off.

A career in Aviation can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it is important to understand the industry before making the commitment to launch a new career, some don’t have the time to study for 4 years and career schools is the option for them.

In this episode, Simone Francis joined me and shared her insights and discuss how career education can help you get ahead life

Key Topics in this Episode:

• How does Simone got in to higher education?
• How she transitioned from being a teacher to becoming admission role
• What is the biggest inspiration that led her to becoming in a admission role
• How she lead and inspire her admissions team
• What are the challenges she faced in her career?
• Her thoughts about career education
• Her advice for leader

Key Takeaways

• A skill set is a combination of abilities and knowledge that enable you to perform a particular task or job. When it comes to your career, having the right skill set is essential to landing the job you want and succeeding in it
• Continuing to develop new skills and stay up-to-date on current industry trends can help you advance in your career and achieve your long-term goals.
• Many employers are now looking for candidates who have the skills and knowledge to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact. That's where career education comes in. By providing students with the opportunity to learn about a particular industry or field, career education programs help to prepare them for the workplace and give them a leg up on the competition

Memorable Quote from this Episode:

“Encourage your team to learn something every day learn something, it could be program wise, it could be something in the industry, just whatever it is have them to learn and improve on their skill set and it will make your lives so much easier” – Simone Francis

Now that mandates are soon to be lifted, most schools are still struggling in getting students to come back to school or enroll. 

(Note: Lifting mandates does not mean that this pandemic is over. It is still your job to protect yourselves and those around you❤️).

Taking your school to the next level includes two parties: Your Admissions Team and Your Students. I'm giving you some tips on what is needed to get your team back in the right headspace, and how to get your students excited again to train for the careers they deserve.

Appointment Setting has been an ongoing topic in many admissions departments for several years. It's important to understand WHO our student is before you can effectively communicate with them. 

In this episode, I'm breaking down how to build rapport, trust and inspire your students to take action. Remember, we can't grow if they don't show.