Sergio, that is a great point. It sounds like you like to tailor your questions and expertise that you share to each student. This helps you build rapport and ultimately create a relationship with each student individually.
Dr. Jean Norris
Sharing expertise comes from listening to each and every students needs.
Great point Christie. Listening to each and every student can further develop the tools and resources you use in your communications. When you tailor your approach to each student, you are continuing to build rapport. By sharing your expertise, you are also seen as credible.
Dr. Jean Norris
Hello Dr. Norris!
I share expertise by referencing my past experiences in a way that is informative and tailored for each individual. Then I listen. How was the information helpful. What can I then learn from them.
Hi Johnny. I like what you said about tailoring the information to the individuals. This is key! This will help you build rapport with the student because it will show that you are listening to them. Great work.
Dr. Jean Norris
The area that I've been trying to develope is ways to engage the prospective students more and transitioning from an info sessions to an interactive conversation --- so they do feel like their able to show that they are the expert of their lives and their needs are being heard. I've gotten a lot better at asking candidates more questions and thoughts about their experiences and interests as we go through the program content.
Laura, thanks for sharing this. This is great awareness and it sounds like you have taken some steps in order to improve your delivery style with your students.
Dr. Jean Norris
Keep them involved and have a 2-conversation. Look at questions that I typically use, avoid using "why" and use alternative phrasing. I never considered "why" questions as being judemental but in this exercise, I can clearly see how they could feel that way.
Another area that I've struggled with is responding when they prospective student is focused on cost. I will feel more comfortable about the 3 A's - acknowledge their question and providing the answer, but then delving into why this is the most important aspect for them. Really teasing out what they see as the biggest challenge and then addressing it.
Laura, it sounds like you have a plan moving forward to make your conversations with students effective. Great job.
Dr. Jean Norris
Transitioning our guest from the front lounge area to my office has been a perfect time for 'ice breaking' conversation. By the time they are comfortably settled in the overstuffed chairs in my office (designed to feel 'homey')there has been laughter and the beginning of a 'common ground'.
It's a perfect time to let them know that of a staff of 8 on our campus, seven of us have graduated from the school. We 'loved' our experience at the school, not only the learning but the closeness that was developed amongst our classmates and the opportunity to grow as a person.
It's then I let them know I have much to share about the school with them but I'm excited to learn about them. To learn what they are looking for in a school, what's their criteria to know they are in the right place, what are their professional and personal goals, what changes do they have to make to come to school..where are their 'elephants' ..those things that could be obstacles.
and I say that... in the end, we'll be looking for a schedule that's right and works for them..it has to fit their life..so let's start by getting to know them.
At this point the guest typically nods in agreement, visibly relaxes and says that would be great. That signals they understand that I'm interested in their story, their reasons for coming to school and our meeting is about taking into consideration those needs, wants, goals for themselves and finding the right Program.
Jocelyn, thanks for sharing this. Because of your personal experience at the school, it sounds like you are able to relate to the student and share your own expertise with them.
Dr. Jean Norris
Sharing expertise is answering all of the students questions
Elizabeth, great point. I'm curious, what have you done when you haven't known the answer to a question?
Dr. Jean Norris
I am in a similar college. Most of the staff and faculty, myself included, have graduated from the college and are working in the field. When I talk about the staff and faculty with the student, I let them know that we have gone through the program, and the different program schedules and that if they have any questions on a particular program, to ask and I can bring in the staff member to answer the questions from personal experience. I know about each of the programs we offer, but it is more significant when someone who has experienced it first hand answers some of those lingering questions. I always add that we love to talk about the field we are in and if they have questions on the field, we are always available as well. If they already have a specific interest, I offer a suggestion for articles or websites that may offer more insight that reinforces that I listened and that I care about what makes the student want to come to our college.
I share my story on why I went into the field and how I was just like them - needing/ wanting a change. I also provide them with handouts, success stories, and research on the industry which validates the things I am saying. I share other stories concerning students that share the same struggles and obstacles that they are dealing with and then provide them with solutions and resources.
I would share my expertise with the student by letting them know that our main focus is to help them achieve their goal. We all are students and were at a crossroads at one time or another in our lives. Letting the students know that we truly believe in them will not only build rapport but the confidence in themselves that is needed to succeed. I believe that by me being an alumni of the school I currently work for, gives me the uppper hand needed to show the student how successful you truly can be but enrolling in and completing our program.
Gambel, thanks for sharing this. It sounds like you share your personal experiences with the students so that they can get a glimpse into what they can expect.
Dr. Jean Norris
If it is true that admissions officers must be experts when offering a program, it is also true that there is no one more knowledgeable than the potential students themselves when it comes to their life circumstances. From the things like transportation to classes to fears and passions, all these are elements that will contribute or not to the student's academic success. Learning as much information as the student is willing to share will give the admission officer (me) to the necessary references to make a recommendation that will be the best for the student.
Miriam,
So true and very well said! Sometimes the prospective student doesn't even know the answers to everything which is why our questions must help them figure things out. What do you think about that idea?
Dr. Jean Norris
Throughout the process of meeting with a prospective student you will build a rapport and get to know a great deal about their life. It is best to cater any advice or examples to their situation. If you know of another potential student or possibly a graduate who had a similar situation or difficult circumstance it can be comforting to share their story (minus personal details) with the prospective student to set their mind at ease and give them encouragement along the way. You can also share your personal experiences if they may be helpful to the prosepective student.
