How do you learn more about enrollment management?

These organizations also provide credentials regarding enrollment management. For example, AACRAO has provided an endorsement in strategic enrollment management for more than 10 years. The program is recognized as a leading provider of quality education on the topic and the endorsed professional designation is highly sought after in the industry by practitioners and employers alike.

Professional organizations serve as invaluable resources for enrollment management professionals. They help administrators stay on top of current trends, best practices, and emerging issues in enrollment management. Also, many professional organizations offer online forums and discussion groups that allow professionals to connect with peers, seek advice, and exchange insights and experiences.

Being involved is one of the most important ways to learn more from the leaders in the profession. By attending conference sessions, and workshops, and engaging in leadership roles in the organization, one may be able to further develop oneself personally and professionally, while learning more about the enrollment management association. The most common association I've heard about is AACRAO.

SEM quarterly, College and University is another quality publication on this subject as it is put together by AACRAO and features articles and book reviews by industry professionals.

There are plenty of resources such as blogs and podcasts that can serve as great professional development opportunities. Senior Leaders - recommend these things! Encourage reading up on best practices.

Reports and surveys are invaluable resources for enrollment management professionals, offering critical insights into trends and factors shaping higher education. Leveraging reputable sources like the State of College Admission report and the College Board's Trends in Higher Education series enables informed decision-making on admission rates, demographics, and graduation outcomes. Utilizing tools like Tableau or Excel for data visualization enhances understanding and facilitates strategic planning. By staying abreast of industry research and employing data-driven approaches, enrollment managers can effectively navigate challenges and optimize recruitment and retention strategies to support student success and institutional growth.

Along with online courses and webinars, higher ed consulting firms offer whitepapers. While the white papers vary from source to source, they can provide valuable insight into trends, technology, and strategy.

Effective enrollment management is critical for the success of all higher education institutions, particularly in today’s highly competitive market. It is surprising, however, how many institutions struggle to bring together all the key areas—Admissions, Financial Aid, Marketing, Career Development, Faculty, and Alumni/Advancement—to collaborate in support of overall enrollment initiatives. When these departments are well-informed, aligned, and working together as a cohesive team focused on enrollment growth, the results can be transformative. Achieving this level of collaboration is entirely within reach, but it requires strong institutional leadership that fosters a culture of cooperation, communication, and mutual support.

In my experience, in the early days, I was given a consultant as a mentor to facilitate my learning of yield, financial aid leveraging and branding. I would not be where I am without them. Now, after many years in enrollment, I coach young professionals in these same areas weekly to enhance their success. It is less overwhelming than a conference where you feel like your brain will explode if you attend one more session. Also my clients ask detailed questions about their particular situation. Week over week, the coaching can be unique and tailored to the challenge occurring in that particular time of the cycle and that aligns with the culture of the university leader’s vision.

To truly excel in enrollment management, immerse yourself in both foundational principles and current trends. Start by exploring specialized courses and certifications from recognized institutions, which offer structured learning and practical insights. Engage with professional organizations to access valuable resources and networking opportunities. Additionally, attending industry conferences will provide you with firsthand knowledge and best practices from experienced professionals. By combining formal education with active participation in the field, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding and be well-equipped to drive effective enrollment strategies. Embrace these opportunities to enhance your expertise and make a significant impact.