How to Become a College Enrollment Counselor

An enrollment counselor has a very rewarding and challenging job. Enrollment counselors perform a variety of job duties, such as advising students on admissions and degree completion requirements, assisting students with the enrollment process, helping students choose a major and register for classes, conducting group presentations and orientations and managing student data. In addition, the enrollment counselor makes sure that each student makes a smooth transition into the classroom. If you are interested in becoming a college enrollment counselor, there are a few things that you must first do.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bacherlor's degree
• Sales, customer service and/or marketing work experience
• Current resume
• Cover letter

1. Enroll in an undergraduate degree program at a 4-year university. In order to become a college enrollment counselor, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Be sure to verify the school’s accreditation credentials.

2. Choose a major that can ultimately prepare you for your career. You should select a major that can give you the knowledge and skills to succeed as an enrollment counselor (such as a degree in communications, business or education). Your academic advisor or counselor, can help you choose a degree that is suitable for your career goals.

3. Gain work experience while you are in college. College enrollment counselors normally have a background in sales, customer service and/or marketing. Try gaining some valuable work experience in at least one of these areas, while you’re a student in college.

4. Earn your bachelor's degree by completing all of the required degree requirements. Once you receive your degree, you are ready to begin looking for employment. Some students actually begin searching for a job a couple of months or so before graduating from college.

5. Prepare a resume and cover letter. You must have a current and professional resume and cover letter in order to apply for vacant job positions. Your resume should outline your education, skills, work experiences, honors and organizations that you belong to. Your cover letter should include information about your goals, interests and additional qualifications not stated in your resume.

6. Locate and apply for jobs by contacting the Human Resources department at colleges and universities. You can also find employment by visiting a local employment agency or by searching on career websites like Indeed.com and Simply Hired.com. Be sure to include your resume, cover letter and college transcript with your job applications.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to create a list with 3 to 5 professional references. You must include references on your job applications. Make sure that you have a current telephone number and mailing address for each reference.

Resources

• Search for available jobs at Indeed.com.
• Search for current job openings at Simply Hired.com

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.