Becoming a college admissions counselor can be a rewarding career, involving recruiting and working closely with prospective students. It requires administrative and counseling skills, with many counselors having a college degree and backgrounds in education, psychology, or counseling. Entry-level positions can be found in college admissions departments or through work-study programs.
Choosing to become a college admissions counselor can be an educational and rewarding experience. Admissions counselors often serve as recruiters for colleges and begin working closely with interested students who are planning to apply to the school. Some choose to work outside the education system in private companies designed to help prospective college students narrow their school choices and put together effective admissions packages. For those who love the idea of putting students on the path to college, working as an admissions counselor can be a rich and meaningful career.
While there is no set path to landing a job as a college admissions counselor, understanding the needs of the job can help with planning a career in the field. Admissions counselors work closely with the school and prospective students, and are often equally talented as counselors and administrators. Those working for a specific college should know what the school looks for in applicants, but they should also learn enough about each student to understand whether the school will be the best choice for them. For admissions counselors working for private companies, it is important to get a clear picture of a student’s personality, goals, strengths and weaknesses to help them put together the strongest possible admissions package.
Many college admissions counselors actively recruit students for a school and may travel frequently throughout the year to look for potential candidates. Admissions counselors are often found at school fairs and events designed to provide high school students with information about potential college options. To serve well in this capacity, an admissions advisor must be able to provide students with accurate and realistic information about the college, while keeping an eye open for exceptional students who would make desirable recruits.
Because job responsibilities are complex, a person who wants to become a college admissions counselor often receives extensive training in administrative tasks and counseling skills. Often, admissions counselors have at least a college degree, as well as backgrounds in education, administrative work, psychology, or counseling. Additionally, administrative skills such as computer skills, record keeping, and other general office skills can be valuable to a person trying to become a college admissions counselor. For those with no experience in the field, consider attending a community college to gain computer and administrative skills, as well as possibly taking courses in psychology or business.
For those who want to become college admissions counselors but lack experience in the field, contact local colleges to see if entry-level openings are available in the admissions department. These jobs can provide valuable training opportunities as well as allow entry-level workers to network in the field. For college students, admissions office jobs are often available as part of work-study programs aimed at helping students pay for school. By accepting a basic admissions job, a college student can not only begin to prepare for their future career, but also help reduce any debt owed to the school.
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