Irene Vega

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of staying informed and organized. Knowing who to reach out to and what resources to request is essential—especially when it comes to your institution’s licensing, accreditations, and transfer policies. Staying current with faculty and staff meetings, as well as ongoing training, helps ensure we’re aligned with institutional updates and regulatory requirements. I’ve started creating a resource notebook and checklist to keep everything in one place, which has been helpful in staying compliant and prepared in this fast-paced environment.

 
I'm realizing how essential it is to have a well-rounded understanding of the institution—from student services and academics to orientation, housing, graduation, and alumni support. Being knowledgeable in these areas allows us to better guide prospective students and answer questions with confidence. It’s equally important to understand how the institution is being marketed and to stay informed about advertising regulations. Fair Consumer Practices serve as a safeguard to ensure that all promotional materials are honest and accurate, helping prevent misleading claims such as guaranteed employment or inflated salary expectations. As representatives of the institution, it's our responsibility to uphold… >>>

One key takeaway for me is the importance of being thoroughly prepared before conducting any admissions interview. Creating a checklist in advance—not only with the questions to ask but also with the required documents and criteria—helps ensure that nothing is overlooked. It also allows for a more organized and compliant process, making it easier to verify that each prospective student meets the necessary requirements. This level of preparation helps the conversation flow more smoothly and supports a professional and efficient admissions experience.

I'm currently becoming familiar with the terminology related to my role, including relevant policies, procedures, and expectations. I’ve found it helpful to maintain a dedicated notebook to track key terms, rules, and institutional information. Staying organized and updating this regularly is essential. It's also important to understand the institution’s marketing strategy and organizational structure. I recognize that this is an ongoing learning process, and staying informed will be key to confidently answering questions and sharing accurate, up-to-date information.