Letters to one’s younger self are becoming a popular socio-literary genre. These letters, written in proverbial 20-20 hindsight, provide words of wisdom from people who have “been there” and “done that.” We thought it would be interesting to ask a few of our seasoned colleagues for advice they would give to colleagues just starting out.

Don Smith, Verde Valley School (AZ)
Success comes largely from surrounding yourself with intelligent people who want to succeed and who take the initiative to do so. However, I’ve learned the hard way that some really good workers need a great deal more of direct supervision, daily tasks, and feedback than others. These are great members of a team in their own right – but ignore their needs at your peril! Also, I learned that real success in the recruitment and marketing office begins with complete and unequivocal support from the head and board.

Brad Reed, The Bolles School (FL)
Most admission directors have a strong interest in, if not direct responsibility for, reenrollment. If you are frustrated by families not completing the reenrollment process within the required dates, put an “expiration date” on your reenrollment contract instead of a “due date.” Also, remember that an admission director’s most important responsibilities are never to be late and always pick up trash!

Chris Tompkins, Mercersburg Academy (PA)
The most important thing that I learned as a young director of admission is to be aggressive on behalf of my school, to think like a business person – but to never forget my roots in the classroom and all the good we can do providing an education to those who otherwise might not have the opportunity.

Cindy McWilliams, Millbrook School (NY)
In this current climate of competition for students with sophisticated websites, viewbooks, marketing plans, and revisit extravaganzas, it is important to remember that we are story tellers about the heart, soul, and history of our schools. Our stories gain texture through relationships, teaching, and working with those who have made a difference to our schools and students.

Tom Sheppard, Stevenson School (CA)
As a young admission officer, you are part of the Millennial generation working with older colleagues who are Gen Xer’s and Boomers. Take the time to learn from them. Model their patience and their commitment to the school community. You will ingratiate yourself to them and advance your career by showing yourself to be someone who makes a commitment to the school and who brings a school-first approach to your work. Also, take the time to develop a very high level of competence with your school’s database system. You do not have to be a technological wizard to do it either.

Judy Beams, Brooks School (MA)
Always assume that your competition is working harder than you. Also, be sure to make allies with the school’s faculty, which enables you to showcase them and to get support when you need it for visits, panels, opens houses, etc. At a boarding school, it always seemed important that I lived in a dorm and shared in the experience and the responsibility of living with the students.

David Erdmann, Rollins College (FL)
Admission offices work on the margins – filling in around the strength or weakness of their institution’s word of mouth power. External and internal environments drive enrollment success – economic, demographics, migration barriers, satisfied customers. Admission offices can underperform, but I don’t think they can beat the house – at least not on a regular basis.
 

Kate Saunders, Tilton School (NH)
Use data to drive all your decision making. Not only will you save time – but you will save money.