About the Episode
About the Episode: On this episode, Lucy Coopman joins Jeremy to discuss her path to becoming an admissions counselor, and what it’s like being a Gen Z young professional recruiting Gen Z students. Things you’ll hear about:
6:14 - Something that surprised Lucy during her first few months
9:15 - Where confidence comes from
14:48 - Pros and cons of being so close in age to the students you’re recruiting
28:26 - Lunchroom visits at high schools
31:23 - Talking about financial aid with students and families
42:29 - Advice about managing Gen Z staff
From Engineering to Admissions
Lucy started her academic journey with a strong focus on engineering, influenced by her high school courses and her initial choice of Kansas State University. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she realized her passion for communication and relationship-building. This led her to switch her major to sociology and later, a desire to work in law enforcement. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted another reevaluation, ultimately steering her toward a career in higher education.
Lucy’s transition to higher education began with the K-State College Advising Corps, where she served as a college advisor in a Kansas City high school. This role allowed her to develop crucial skills in guiding students through their post-high school plans, which set the stage for her current position at UMKC.
Adapting to the Admissions Role
One of the biggest surprises for Lucy in her new role was the shift from long-term relationship-building in high school settings to the quick, impactful interactions required in college admissions. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in these interactions, as students today are keenly attuned to genuine engagement. Lucy’s ability to quickly build trust through her authentic self has been a key factor in her success.
Balancing Professionalism and Relatability
Lucy discusses the challenge of balancing professionalism with relatability, particularly as a young admissions counselor close in age to the students she advises. Her strategy involves using humor and sharing personal interests to create a comfortable atmosphere, which helps students open up and feel supported. This approach is particularly effective with Gen Z students, who value emotional intelligence and authenticity.
Navigating Financial Aid Conversations
Discussing financial aid with students and parents can be daunting, especially given the current complexities with FAFSA delays. Lucy leverages her prior experience as a FAFSA expert to provide clear, honest guidance. She emphasizes the importance of viewing college as an investment and maintaining transparency about the costs and financial aid options. This empathetic approach helps ease the anxieties of both students and parents during the decision-making process.
Structuring a Productive Day
For admissions counselors, especially those constantly on the move, maintaining organization and productivity is crucial. Lucy relies on traditional methods like sticky notes and to-do lists, combined with modern tools like digital calendars and note-taking apps. Regular check-ins with supervisors also play a significant role in staying on track and receiving valuable feedback.
Advice for Leaders on Retaining Gen Z Staff
Lucy highlights the importance of transparency, office culture, and meaningful work in retaining Gen Z employees. Leaders should focus on providing clear communication about career development opportunities and celebrating small successes to foster a supportive and engaging work environment. Additionally, understanding the unique career attitudes of Gen Z, who often seek rapid advancement and diverse experiences, can help in creating effective retention strategies.
Key Takeaways:
- Authenticity and genuine engagement are crucial in building trust with Gen Z students.
- Balancing professionalism with relatability helps create a comfortable and supportive atmosphere for students.
- Viewing financial aid conversations as an opportunity for transparent, empathetic guidance can ease anxieties for students and parents.
- Maintaining organization and productivity requires a mix of traditional and modern tools, along with regular feedback from supervisors.
- Retaining Gen Z staff involves transparent communication, celebrating successes, and fostering a supportive office culture.
About the Show: Jeremy Tiers, a well-known speaker in college admission, enrollment marketing, and leadership circles is your host for Mission Admissions. Join him every other week as he sits down with industry leaders and difference makers from both inside and outside of Higher Ed. You'll walk away with advice, tips and strategies you can apply in your day-to-day life.
Connect With Our Host:
Jeremy Tiers
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremytiers/
https://twitter.com/CoachTiers
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Mission Admissions is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and The Application with Allison Turcio.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit: Exciting news — many of your favorite Enrollify creators will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
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