I cannot even begin to describe the value of my summer experience. Besides living and breathing MSU Admissions, it is so amazing that we are able to share our experiences with one another and learn many different lessons in a variety of ways. I am so glad that every one of you is also enjoying your practicum sites.
As I blogged last week, I was about to embark on the journey of giving campus tours by myself. I was originally supposed to begin by having an admissions counselor go along with me to relieve a little bit of the pressure and nervousness; however, that did not happen. When I arrived for work on Thursday, Dan handed me the keys and sent me on my way with my first family.
Since Thursday, I have given about five more tours and I LOVE IT. As I pick each family up at the Welcome Center, I think back to some words of wisdom received during my very first tour with Sarah, the Roadrunner working in the office for the summer – “don’t be the standard tour guide.” I have learned the importance of molding each campus visit to tailor to the student and family’s wants and needs while also marketing the university. Many of the students I meet on a daily basis have never visited MSU so the tour I am giving them is their first impression. No pressure at all, right?
In addition to giving the standard campus tours, I am continuing to learn the daily routines of the office as well as a few special tasks such as designing a new inquiry card for college fairs. I love my “co-workers” and the relationships I am forming with the admissions counselors. It definitely feels like home!
M - That is so exciting. I bet with each tour you give, you see a different area of MSU in a new way! And just think - those students and families are leaving thinking "Wow, she really gave me a great impression of the campus and the students here."
ReplyDeleteAnd way to go just jumping in with the keys and making it work! :)
Lyle
Megan,
ReplyDeleteI think Jason said it best when he said Student Affairs rolls with the punches and your experience continues to be evidence of that. Way to be willing to put yourself out there and take on a new task you had not experienced "solo." It seems like you have really found a niche for yourself. I would challenge you at this point to consider where you see yourself working in this area in Student Affairs in the future. What will you want to do, specifically? Orientation? Recruitment? Use your experiences to mold your career plans and you will gain even more than you are now.
Way to go!
Dr. H
Megan,
ReplyDeleteEvery time I read your reflections I can see how much you are enjoying your time working with Admissions. You're picked the best time to work with them getting to see not only the day to day operations with tours, office visits, etc. but you were able to experience the madness of orientation. You've really been challenged in that office with some new leadership opportunities that I think will serve you really well. So glad that everything is great in Admissions!
Carrie
Your reflections remind me so much of undergrad. When I was in undergrad I gave tours and even entertained VIP guest for the university. What made those tours so interesting was exactly something you stated in your blog and that is some individuals have never visited the institution. The opportunity to sell the institution to the valuable makes the tour all the more fun and interesting. Your practicum experiences really have me interested in working with MSU's Admissions.
ReplyDelete-Reggie