About the Episode
On this episode, Jeremy speaks with Higher Ed professional and good friend, Brian Switay. They talk through work-life balance in the admissions world and how it changes after you get married and become a parent. They also hit on working with transfer students, handling tough conversations with senior leadership, as well as the interplay between a sales approach and a personal connection approach in student recruitment. Takeaways include:
Key Takeaways
- Work-Life Balance Evolves: Your approach to work-life balance changes with life stages—being intentional and communicative with colleagues and family is key.
- Transfer Students Are Direct: Transfer students often have specific priorities, including cost, credit transfer, and time to graduation. Building trust through transparency is essential.
- Authenticity Builds Trust: Being genuine in communications helps students feel comfortable, making it easier to nudge them toward important decisions when needed.
- Empathy in Admissions: Understanding student challenges and offering support rather than pressure creates a better experience for both students and counselors.
- Leadership Lessons: Advocating for ideas in leadership requires preparation, persistence, and strategic follow-ups to make an impact.
Episode Summary
Balancing Personal and Professional Responsibilities
Brian shares how his approach to work-life balance evolved from answering emails at 2 a.m. as a young professional to setting clearer boundaries as a husband and father. He emphasizes the importance of communication, both at work and at home, to manage competing priorities effectively. For him, weekly planning sessions with his wife and intentional time management are essential for keeping the balance.
- Tip: Acknowledge that burnout is counterproductive; focus on prioritizing tasks and setting boundaries to maintain energy and enthusiasm.
A Passion for Transfer Recruitment
When transitioning from undergraduate to transfer admissions, Brian found a passion for helping students navigate a less conventional path to a degree. Transfer students are often highly focused, asking specific questions about time, cost, and credits. Brian likens their journey to a roller coaster, where his job is to determine where they are on the ride and guide them to the finish line.
- Misconception: Transfer students can be overlooked, but they are among the most engaged and determined students.
- Approach: Listen actively, provide clear answers, and advocate for the student’s needs, creating trust and loyalty.
Authenticity and Fun in Admissions
Brian stresses the importance of being authentic in all interactions, whether with prospective students, families, or colleagues. By connecting on a personal level—sometimes even referencing TikTok trends or pop culture—he helps ease the stress of the admissions process. His approachable style, combined with transparency and empathy, ensures students feel supported.
- Pro Tip: Being genuine helps establish a foundation of trust that makes it easier to address challenges or nudge students toward critical decisions.
- Student Impact: A simple act of checking in or addressing unspoken concerns can have a profound effect on students’ lives.
Navigating Leadership and Advocacy
As someone who has moved into leadership roles, Brian discusses the nuances of advocating for ideas with senior leadership. He advises preparing thoroughly, using feedback from trusted colleagues to refine arguments, and planting seeds for ideas that might require time to gain traction. Persistence and thoughtful follow-ups often lead to success.
- Lesson Learned: Not every idea will be accepted, but the key is to keep advocating and improving your approach.
- Quick Tip: Workshop your ideas with a trusted peer or mentor before presenting them to leadership.
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About the Enrollify Podcast Network
Mission Admission is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Mickey Baines, Zach Busekrus, Jaime Hunt, Corynn Myers, Jaime Gleason and many more.
Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!
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