VP for Enrollment: “You Are Great Ambassadors for the Profession”
by Mark Sklarow, Executive Director, IECA
Three quotes made it to my desk in the days since returning from the NACAC conference in Baltimore. Two are from chief college admission representatives and the other from a national talk radio program.
Following the lunch for IECA members and college admission reps, a director of admission approached me and said “From now on, the FIRST question I’ll ask when I get a call from an educational consultant will be, ‘Are you a member of IECA?‘” While there has been a sea change in acceptance of independent educational consultants at NACAC and among college administrators in the last ten years, the enthusiasm for working in a team with consultants is certainly most pronounced among those who work directly with IECA Members. As indicated by this director’s comments, there’s particular reason: While many consultants do not join IECA for a variety of reasons, and some simply don’t join ANY organization, there is something unique about our members that is significant for families and admission directors. ONLY IECA requires a master’s degree or higher in a related field. ONLY IECA requires a minimum of 50 evaluative visits to campuses. ONLY IECA requires significant independent educational consulting experience, and reference checks to ensure an ethical and professional practice. ONLY IECA checks online and print marketing materials to guarantee honesty and integrity. When we say those joining must pass rigorous standards with a detailed commitment to our Principles of Good Practice, we mean it, and that makes all the difference inside admission offices and households across the world.
The second quote I got came from a vice president of enrollment management at a North Carolina university: “You did a fantastic job. Great ambassadors for the profession.” These words came in an e-mail following his participation in a day-long training program for those transitioning from an institutional position to independent educational consulting. IECA prides itself in our efforts to make our training the absolute best in the field—whether half-day workshops, full-day seminars, or our four-day Summer Training Institute—and I know we succeed. Our educational efforts are a source of continuing pride.
Which brings me to our third quote. The producers of the “Answers for the Family” program on L.A. Talk Radio described our upcoming conference in North Carolina with these words: “one of the most advanced and prestigious educational conferences in the country.“
Related posts:
- IECA: From Great to Remarkable
- Summer Training for Consultants Demonstrates Diversity of Profession
- Years-Long Effort Results in Major Step Forward for the Profession of Educational Consulting
- As the Profession Grows, IECA Needs to Think Globally, Nationally…and Locally
- Nearly 100 Presenters will Examine Hot Topics in College Admission, Boarding Schools, Special Purpose Programs & Independent Educational Consulting
