What Does a Western Governors University Enrollment Counselor Do?

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit, online university that offers competency-based degree programs. It was founded in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.

An Enrollment Counselor at WGU is responsible for helping prospective students understand the university’s programs and services, and guiding them through the enrollment process. They provide information about the university’s degree programs, admissions requirements, and financial aid options. They also help students complete the application process and answer any questions they may have. Enrollment Counselors must have excellent communication and customer service skills, as well as a strong understanding of the university’s programs and services.

Western Governors University Enrollment Counselor Job Duties

A Western Governors University Enrollment Counselor typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Provide prospective students with comprehensive information about the university’s programs, services, and admissions process
• Develop relationships with potential students to ensure they have a positive experience throughout their enrollment journey
• Utilize customer relationship management (CRM) software to track student progress and provide timely follow-up
• Assist in developing marketing strategies for recruitment efforts
• Participate in virtual events such as webinars, online chats, and other digital outreach activities
• Respond to inquiries from prospective students via phone, email, or chat
• Provide guidance on course selection, degree requirements, financial aid options, and other related topics
• Maintain accurate records of all interactions with prospective students
• Monitor and analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop new processes and procedures
• Stay up-to-date on changes in higher education regulations and policies
• Represent the university at college fairs and other external events

Western Governors University Enrollment Counselor Salary

The salary for an Enrollment Counselor at Western Governors University is determined by a variety of factors, such as experience, education, and the location of the position. The company also takes into consideration the current market rate for similar positions in the area. The Enrollment Counselor’s job performance, as well as the organization’s overall budget, will also be taken into account when determining the salary for the position.

• Median Annual Salary: $54,166 ($26.04/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $72,760 ($34.98/hour)

Western Governors University Enrollment Counselor Job Requirements

To be hired as an Enrollment Counselor at Western Governors University, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as counseling, education, or business. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a customer service or sales role. The ideal candidate will have experience in higher education, admissions, or enrollment. Candidates must also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Finally, applicants must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable with technology.

Western Governors University Enrollment Counselor Skills

Western Governors University Enrollment Counselor employees need the following skills in order to be successful:

Statistics: Understanding statistics can help you explain enrollment processes and outcomes to potential students. For example, you might explain that the university has a high acceptance rate and a low dropout rate. You can also use statistics to explain why certain programs are more popular than others. For example, you might explain that the university’s nursing program has a high enrollment rate because it’s a popular program.

Business Knowledge: Business knowledge is the ability to understand the needs of a business and how to meet those needs. As an enrollment counselor, you may be responsible for helping potential students understand the value of a degree and how it can help them achieve their career goals. Understanding the value of a degree and the value of the program you represent can help you provide information that is valuable to the student.

Problem Solving: Problem solving is the ability to identify a problem, analyze its causes and develop a solution. As an enrollment counselor, you may be responsible for solving any issues that arise during the enrollment process. For example, if a student is having trouble submitting their application, you may be able to help them troubleshoot the problem and find a solution.

Guidance: Enrollment counselors often help students choose courses and programs that best fit their needs and goals. They can offer guidance on how to navigate the university’s course catalog, explain the differences between programs and suggest courses that may help students meet their educational and career goals. They may also help students understand the financial aid process and explain how to apply for scholarships.

Microsoft Office: As an enrollment counselor, you may be required to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations for prospective students. Having strong computer skills in Microsoft Office can help you complete these tasks efficiently and effectively.

Western Governors University Enrollment Counselor Work Environment

Enrollment counselors at Western Governors University work in a fast-paced, customer-oriented environment. They are responsible for providing prospective students with information about the university, its programs, and the admissions process. They must be able to work independently and as part of a team, and must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Enrollment counselors typically work a 40-hour week, but may be required to work additional hours during peak enrollment periods. They may also be required to travel to attend conferences and other events. Enrollment counselors must be able to handle stressful situations and remain calm under pressure. They must also be able to work with a variety of people, including prospective students, faculty, and staff.

Western Governors University Enrollment Counselor Trends

Here are three trends influencing how Western Governors University Enrollment Counselor employees work.

Enrollment Management is a Team Sport

Enrollment management is no longer a solo endeavor. It requires collaboration between multiple departments and stakeholders to ensure success. Enrollment counselors at Western Governors University must work closely with marketing, admissions, financial aid, student services, and other teams to create an effective enrollment strategy.

Enrollment counselors need to understand the needs of each department in order to develop a comprehensive plan that meets everyone’s goals. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders to ensure that their strategies are implemented properly. By understanding how different departments interact and working together as a team, enrollment counselors can help WGU reach its enrollment goals.

Social Media Marketing Is Not Going Away

Social media marketing is an important tool for Enrollment Counselors at Western Governors University. With the rise of digital platforms, it has become increasingly important to understand how to use social media effectively in order to reach potential students and build relationships with them.

Enrollment counselors must be able to create content that resonates with their target audience, as well as engage with current and prospective students on a regular basis. They should also be aware of the latest trends in social media marketing, such as influencer marketing, video content, and interactive campaigns. By staying up-to-date on these trends, enrollment counselors can ensure they are providing the best possible service to their students.

Data and Analytics Will Drive Growth

Data and analytics are becoming increasingly important for enrollment counselors at Western Governors University. With the rise of digital marketing, data-driven decisions are essential to understand student needs and preferences. Enrollment counselors must be able to analyze data from multiple sources to identify trends and develop strategies that will help them reach their goals.

Data and analytics can also provide insights into how students interact with WGU’s online platform, allowing counselors to make informed decisions about which programs and services should be offered. By leveraging data and analytics, enrollment counselors can better understand their target audience and create more effective campaigns to drive growth.

Advancement Prospects

Enrollment counselors at Western Governors University can advance their careers by taking on additional responsibilities, such as managing a team of counselors or developing new strategies for recruiting and retaining students. They may also be able to move into higher-level positions, such as admissions director or director of student services. With experience, they may also be able to move into higher-level positions in the university, such as dean of students or vice president of enrollment.

Interview Questions

Here are five common Western Governors University Enrollment Counselor interview questions and answers.

1. Tell me about a time when you had an upset customer or client and how you handled the situation.

This question can help an interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you have the skills to diffuse a situation. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving, communication or interpersonal skills.

Example: “In my previous role as an enrollment counselor for a community college, I had a student who was upset because she didn’t receive her financial aid on time. She called me multiple times about this issue, which made it difficult for me to focus on other students. Instead of getting defensive, I listened to what she had to say and explained that there were many factors that contributed to the delay in receiving her funds. I also offered to meet with her in person so we could go over all of her options.”

2. Do you have experience developing relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds?

Western Governors University is a diverse institution, and the enrollment counselor needs to be able to work with students from different backgrounds. Your answer should show that you are comfortable working with people who have different values than your own.

Example: “I grew up in a small town where I was one of only two black families. My family moved when I was in high school, so I attended a larger public school where I was one of many African-American students. I learned how to navigate relationships with people who had different cultural backgrounds than me. I also worked at my college’s career center, which helped me learn more about other cultures.”

3. How would you convince a prospective student to enroll at WGU?

Prospective students are often unsure about whether WGU is the right choice for them. Your answer should show that you can help prospective students make an informed decision and enroll in a timely manner.

Example: “I would first ask what they were looking for in a university, such as affordability or flexibility. Then I would explain how WGU offers these benefits while still providing quality education. For example, I would tell them that WGU has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online universities for six years in a row. This reassures them that it’s a legitimate institution.”

4. Have you ever done any sales work before?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience with sales and marketing. If you have done any work in these areas, share what you learned from it and how it helped you succeed in this role.

Example: “I worked as a telemarketer for two years while I was going to school full-time. It taught me a lot about customer service and how important it is to be friendly and helpful when speaking with customers. I also learned that it’s important to listen carefully to what the customer needs so I could provide them with the best solution.”

5. Why do you want to work at Western Governors University?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of Western Governors University that appeal to you and how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for the position.

Example: “I am passionate about helping students achieve their educational goals, which is why I became an enrollment counselor in the first place. In my previous role, I helped many students enroll in online programs at Western Governors University, so I have firsthand knowledge of what makes this institution unique. I also think my background as a former student would allow me to relate to current students more easily.”