What are Registrars made of? Sugar and spice or frogs and snails? By Karen Smith
I have ‘reinvented’ myself several times…dreams of becoming an Olympic gymnast were dashed early on and a degree in Modern History wasn’t exactly a vocational qualification, so my horizons were wide when I left University. Initially, I pursued a career in HR in a department store, followed by Recruitment Consultancy, Real Estate (don’t judge me) and then Office Management in a church.
Why a Registrar?
I’d seen only one Registrar in action, which was when I enrolled my daughter in Kindergarten. She took us on a tour, guided us through the enrolment process and advised us on scholarship opportunities. I remember thinking that this was the sort of job I would like. Several years later, I met the former Registrar of St Andrew’s Cathedral School who gave me a ‘warts and all’ account. At this point I realised that I had the right qualities for the job:
- Professional: experience liaising with people at all levels
- Passionate about lifelong learning
- Protagonist: if I’m passionate about something I know about it – Christianity, running, reading, cats!
- Personable: an introvert but also a people-person
What have I learned as a Registrar?
Know your product! You can’t sell something unless you know all about it and believe in it!
To be successful you need to fully immerse yourself in the life of your educational establishment: go to sports carnivals, community events, drama productions, assemblies. It’s no wonder that parents and alumni often make great Registrars because they know the establishment from the ground up.
Know your audience You can’t rely on past trends to predict the future.
Regular analysis of demographic trends and client behaviours will assist you in developing an enrolment strategy for existing and future student groups. This work will also help to ensure that marketing initiatives are targeted and relevant.
You are not an island You don’t have all the answers.
Networking is key and this is one of the reasons Educate Plus exists. I have benefited from attending the Advancement Practitioner Training, conferences and networking events, having an experienced mentor (thanks Pauline!), and collaborating on specific issues via a Mentor Cloud. Other experienced professionals can help you navigate the challenges of your role, offer peer support, and provide expert advice.
One body, many parts You have lots of team-mates.
No coffee, conversation or interaction is wasted. This year I have spent a lot more time with colleagues from all around the College from staff in Maintenance, IT and the Canteen to Teachers, Learning Support and Senior Leaders. Every person I interact with can teach me something and contribute to successful enrolment outcomes: whether they are supporting a College tour or Orientation Event, helping me to discern whether a student/family is a good fit for the College or informing future enrolment strategies.
Relationships are crucial You are the School to your applicants.
This is where my customer service experience has paid dividends. Enrolments are the ‘shop window’ to the school. The way you respond to and follow up enquiries, the timeliness of your response, your ability to treat each enquiry in an individual way and remember names, faces and family stories are key to your success.
My previous career choices, despite being diverse have led me to this point. As an Historian I can read vast quantities of information and pick out the salient points; from my retail background, I gained expertise in customer service; as an HR manager I learned how to handle information with discretion, to conduct interviews and identify those who fit the vision and values of an organisation; and as a former Real Estate Agent I know how to sell!
Naturally, I have a lot still to learn, but then learning is now my profession!
Karen Smith
Committee Member/ Admissions
Registrar
William Clarke College
