This year we gave our individual “X Award” to a young professional who has led the charge for utilizing technology to streamline his admissions operation.

Bryan Lester is the Director of Enrollment Management Information & Admission Processing at The Sage Colleges in New York (whew, that’s a mouthful;)  He’s an IT enthusiast for sure — but don’t count him as just your average geek.   This guy really gets recruitment.

For years, Bryan has impressed our team with his ability to use technology to accomplish big goals with limited resources (sound familiar?)

Since I’ve spoken to so many of you who are frustrated on the front lines trying to do the same, today I thought I’d ask Bryan to share a few words of “Sage-ly” advice

Here are Bryan’s top 3 tips on making admissions tools and technology work for you and your operation:

1.  Don’t just learn the technology, learn (and understand) the recruitment process — including the jobs of your colleagues.

It is impossible to realize your technology’s value and full potential without understanding how it fits into your overall recruitment plan, including your colleagues’ daily responsibilities.  Ask questions, think like a “user,” and most importantly, show your colleagues what the technology can do.  You’re more likely to see excitement and gain support by demonstrating features and functions rather than just talking about them.

2.  Engage in a little “friendly” competition.

Struggling to “sell” or gain adoption for your system’s core functions and features?  Get competitive by creating visual metrics of specific user activities.  I’ve created a “Login Wall of Shame,” a “Record Creation Leaderboard” and a “Taskmasters of the Week” dashboard to engage motivated users and give some public notoriety where it’s due.

3.  Know what tools are already in your arsenal.

Many third-party vendors are eager to offer “cutting-edge” solutions to help you reach your recruitment goals.  Knowing and utilizing the tools you already have will save money for other high-impact recruitment activities.  Case in point:   A recent proposal we received came in at over $200k.  By using tools and talent we already own, we were able to complete the project in-house at approximately 35% of the proposal price!

Unfortunately, Bryan was not able to join us at NACAC to receive his award, but we wanted to recognize his work with all of you anyways.  As I’ve been known to say time and again, it’s folks like him (and you) who are the true “experts.”

So kudos to The Sage Colleges for recognizing a tremendous talent and giving him the authority and resources to make change happen.

And congratulations again to Bryan Lester for his fantastic work as Sage’s resident recruitment rainmaker.

Adrienne

P.S.  Want to connect with Bryan?

He’s graciously agreed to allow me to invite you to email him at lesteb@sage.edu

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