NACAC - Spring 2020 - 8

COLLEAGUES' CORNER
Alexandra, continued from page 7

Kristen, continued from page 7

two years working in my first admission role, I went with my gut and told the
dean of my plans to seek new opportunities and he couldn't have been more
supportive. There is no reason not to share your ideas and aspirations with
your supervisor. You can only benefit from tapping into their expertise about
what an admission office might be looking for in its next hire. Looking back on
it now, it doesn't feel like I even took that big of a risk in doing so.

you like someone who's been through it. I reach out to my network
constantly-when I want to brainstorm, when I'm stumped by a particular
challenge, when I need a pep talk, when I have a funny story to share. I
find the admission and college counseling communities to be incredibly
supportive, and especially in a high-pressure job, it's such a gift to have a
network of people who have your back.

HOW HAVE MENTORS PLAYED A ROLE IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL
TRAJECTORY?
One of the best things about this field is how many people have been willing
to offer guidance along the way, and I am grateful for a network of hardworking, caring people who I can turn to for advice. The first mentor I sought
out was Jim Richardson, who at the time was the director of admissions
at Holy Cross (MA). As a tour guide, work-study student worker, and senior
interviewer in the admission office, we crossed paths often. I sought his
advice when I pursued a job in higher education as a graduating senior, and
he coached me from the initial stages of searching for jobs to the interviews
themselves. Jim has since also moved to "the other side of the desk" and we
are still in touch more than 10 years later.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE QUALITIES THAT WILL MAKE
SOMEONE SUCCESSFUL IN ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT?
A keen interest in data and reporting, strong written and verbal
communication skills, mental toughness, a developmental approach to
management, a firm grasp on budgets and finance, a sharp command
of politics and persuasion, and a commitment to their institutional
mission. That said, in my experience, many of these things, along with
patience, humility and emotional resilience, are learned on the job. I also
recommend a strong partner at home, if you are interested and can find
one. My partner is a mental health counselor, so that's a bonus if, like
me, you have zero chill by nature.

IF YOU COULD MAKE ONE CHANGE TO THE COLLEGE ADMISSION
PROCESS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
One of the most confusing aspects of the process for students and families
is managing the wide variety of application timelines, requirements, and
deadlines across different institutions. The difference between early action
and early decision versus "single choice" and "restrictive" early action is
complicated. I would love to see colleges collectively decide on offering one
kind of early action plan and then stick to the same timeline of application
due dates and decision release dates.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT A STUDENT HAS RECENTLY TAUGHT YOU?
If you ask for it, students will be the first to help keep you in line with what's
relevant. For example, the use of "YOLO" is no longer cool according to a
senior I work with.

EVEN WITH ALL YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES, YOU STILL MANAGE
TO TRAVEL FREQUENTLY, BOTH INTERNATIONALLY AND TO
VISIT FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THE US. HOW DO YOU GIVE
YOURSELF PERMISSION TO MAINTAIN YOUR PASSIONS AND
HOBBIES? ANY TIPS FOR HOW TO AVOID FEELING "GUILTY" FOR
BEING OUT OF THE OFFICE?
I struggled with this earlier in my career, but eventually I realized that
I'll never be as productive or creative if I'm mentally and emotionally
sapped all the time. Plus, my work is important to me, but so are my
friends, my relationship, and travel. Having a rich and interesting life
outside of work makes me a more productive VP, and a better and kinder
boss. It also sets an example for my team, and being away empowers
them to handle things in my absence. And if you're still unsure, just
Google an image of Valencia, Spain, and then think about if you would
rather be there or reading applications.

PHOTO © HONEY YANIBEL MINAYA CRUZ.

If you ask for it, students will be the first to help keep you in line with what's relevant. For example,
the use of "YOLO" is no longer cool according to a senior I work with. -Alexandra Carrozza

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COLLEGE ADMISSION

NACAC - Spring 2020

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