As a Blackburn student, you have to have worked with Admissions to be accepted by Blackburn. They are the ones who do tours, guide students through the application process and keep the interests of prospective students. Director of Admissions Justin Norwood gave insight on what a job at the Admissions office is like via email.
Most Blackburn students took a tour of the campus before we committed to coming to Blackburn. The tour, and the whole visit, was arranged by someone in the Admissions Office. In the email, Norwood stated, “Admissions is generally viewed as a new students’ first introduction into the past, present and future of Blackburn College. The past is detailing where we have come from and our mission. The present in what is happening on campus for activities and studies. And the future on what campus can be for them when they join our community.” As all the students are part of Blackburn, we have become part of the Carlinville community as well.
So how would Admissions be described to a student who wants to work there, either new or returning? “In a lot of ways, working admissions can be daunting. There is a great deal of pressure when you think of every interaction with a prospective students and their families can have a direct impact on that student choosing Blackburn,” Norwood said. Admissions can be stressful at times, but if you think about it, you are potentially helping a confused high school senior with their college choice, which is rewarding. Describing the job in a nutshell, Norwood added, “There is a large amount of phoning and outreach that many times can feel frustrating when you don’t get a response. So having an even, outgoing personality that is willing and comfortable talking to various types of people is necessary for our student.” As you may know if you have ever worked any kind of retail, fast food, healthcare and similar jobs, there are some people who are willing to cooperate with management. So, working in Admissions can be tough and stressful, it is also full of rewards as well.
As with any department on campus, there are some misconceptions about what the department is all about. “In the past, I think that there has been the idea that Amissions is all fun and games, and while we want to enjoy what we do, there has to be a balance between getting the job done as well,” Norwood said. “I think that this springs up from the idea that we want outgoing students that do engage more; but that is only half of what they do,” he added. Just because a department is full of outgoing, laid-back employees, it doesn’t mean that the job entails the same characteristics as the workers. The workers have to be able to work and make the department a success. Without the admissions employees doing their jobs, there would be no prospective students here.
In closing thoughts, Norwood stated, “I think Admissions is rewarding when you see how students evolve and mature during their time here. The other aspect that makes Admissions different is how adaptive you have to be since there is a new audience every year to recruit.” So, as said before, as daunting as the job may be, the rewards are too great to not go through with it. So next time you see an Admissions employee, tell them they are doing a good job because they undergo a lot of stress.