Turning Admissions From a Job Into a Career, and The Path to Leadership

In this episode I change things up and introduce you to a wonderful person and rising star in the enrollment management space, Megan Tyler. We have an amazing conversation about how she got started in admissions, and how she turned a job into a career at Wofford College. Megan shares the pros and cons of working at your alma mater, her path to becoming a Director, how she handles stress, and we discuss different situations that leaders have to navigate - including the differences between being female versus male. 

‍

Key Takeaways

• Fulfillment Fuels Success: Aligning your career with personal values and finding purpose in your work is key to professional growth.
• The Role of Data in Leadership: Transitioning to leadership means shifting focus from individual goals to institutional strategy, with data playing a critical role in decision-making.
• Embrace Growth Mindset: Tackling areas where you feel less confident is essential for developing leadership skills and achieving career milestones.
• Mentorship Matters: Having a trusted mentor can provide clarity, support, and encouragement, helping you navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
• Empowering Your Team: Great leaders empower their staff, fostering a culture of autonomy, encouragement, and collaboration.

‍

Episode Summary

Aligning Passion with Career Goals

Megan Tyler shares how her journey into higher ed admissions began with a simple desire to help people. Through introspection and early career experiences, she found fulfillment in guiding students and families through the college admissions process. She highlights the importance of identifying core values in your work—whether it’s making a difference, finding purpose, or fostering meaningful relationships—and aligning your career path with those values.

‍

The Shift from Counselor to Leader

As Megan transitioned into leadership, her focus shifted from managing her recruitment territory to thinking strategically about the college’s overall enrollment goals. She discusses the challenges of stepping back from direct student interactions and learning to balance a broader set of responsibilities. Her advice? Stay committed to a process rooted in intelligent planning, a strong work ethic, and a desire to add value to your institution.

‍

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Megan emphasizes the importance of data in modern admissions work. From crafting targeted communication strategies to analyzing long-term enrollment trends, she explains how data can empower admissions teams to make smarter decisions. For aspiring leaders, she encourages starting small—focusing on specific areas where data can provide immediate insights—and gradually building a broader understanding of how data shapes institutional strategy.

‍

Empowering Your Team for Success

Megan’s leadership philosophy centers on empowering her team. She encourages staff to take ownership of their territories and initiatives, creating a culture of autonomy and trust. By fostering collaboration and enhancing individual skill sets, Megan demonstrates how effective leadership can elevate an entire team’s performance.

‍

Mentorship as a Catalyst for Growth

Mentorship has played a pivotal role in Megan’s career, providing her with guidance during critical transitions and opportunities for growth. She shares the importance of finding a mentor who can offer honest feedback and help identify strengths and areas for improvement. For aspiring leaders, Megan advises embracing mentorship and approaching career development with a genuine desire to improve, rather than a focus on external rewards.

‍

This episode is brought to you by Gecko - a student engagement platform offering multiple modules to help institutions better engage with students and lighten the load for their staff.

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!