Should I Become an Enrollment Specialist?
Enrollment specialists assist individuals in getting enrolled in various programs, including educational, insurance and social service programs. They might offer individuals advice or answer questions about various programs, and some may try to sell a certain service while speaking with clients. The job may be demanding, particularly when dealing with dissatisfied individuals who are having trouble properly enrolling in a program. Often, enrollment specialists are needed on weekends, evenings and holidays, when people are in need of the most assistance.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | High school diploma or equivalent; postsecondary coursework or degree may be preferred |
| Degree Field | Varies |
| Experience | Entry-level; call center or industry-specific experience typically required |
| Key Skills | Strong time management, verbal and written communication, customer service, organization, and computer skills |
| Salary | $38,896 (2016 median salary for health care enrollment specialists) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale.com
While enrollment specialists often only need a high school diploma to get a job, they may also need significant computer, administrative, sales and customer service skills. Many employers also prefer to hire individuals with experience working at a call center or office environment. Key skills that enrollment specialists should have include strong time management skills, verbal and written communication, customer service and organization. According to Payscale.com in 2016, the median salary for a health care enrollment specialist was $38,896.
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Becoming an Enrollment Specialist
So what are the steps for this career?
Step 1: Complete Postsecondary Education
Enrollment specialists need knowledge of customer service, communications and technology, especially basic computer programs and business telephone systems. Some employers will train new enrollment specialists after they are hired. However, many prefer candidates to have these skills prior to offering employment.
Prospective specialists can learn these skills by taking continuing education courses or even pursing a related certificate or degree program, such as those found in customer service or customer relationship management. These programs can help students learn more about topics that include computer applications and developing strong customer relationships.
Step 2: Get Work Experience
While some enrollment specialists are entry-level, employers may want to hire people with some work experience, often in a call center environment. Those who wish to become enrollment specialists should seek employment in a customer service or telemarketing call center.
It can also be helpful to gain experience in a specific field. For example, those who would like to work for an educational institution may want to look for job opportunities with colleges or universities. Experience in office administration is also useful.
Step 3: Find an Enrollment Specialist Job
After gaining work experience and completing any necessary education, aspiring enrollment specialists are ready to begin the job hunt. Online job boards are usually good sources for enrollment specialist jobs, but many employers also list positions on their own websites as well. Available positions can be found in a variety of industries, including academia, social services and insurance.
Step 4: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Enrollment specialists may progress in their career by earning a bachelor's degree in marketing, business or a related field. Higher education can help a specialist move from entry-level telephone sales duties to greater responsibilities, like developing client relationships and creating marketing strategies.
In review, enrollment specialists assist people in enrolling in various programs and require at least a high school diploma, along with management, computer and communication skills, but many employers prefer experience in a call center.
