5 answers
Christian
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
1
Question
Updated
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If I'm attending a university through an online program and I'm interested in working in higher education (i.e. in the admissions office), how do I get relevant work experience?
I'm currently attending Southern New Hampshire University online, and I've realized that college or university campuses are the right environment for me; I'm unsure how to get the right kind of experience, as working for a different university or college seems contradictory (and most of the job postings require 1-2 years' experience anyway).
EDIT: Here is some additional context. I am 29, and going back to school, currently pursuing a BS of Computer Science; I have a year's work experience in the tech industry, and am considering the shift due to the last half decade's trajectory for the industry. I am not currently in a position to attend university in person.
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5 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
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Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Christian !
What are you Majoring in ?
To work in a college admissions office or various college departments, the most common requirement is a Bachelors Degree, typically in a field related to education, business, psychology, communication, or marketing. You will need to finish this semester online and see about continuing at a college in person on site. You will have more benefits, on site supports and be able to intermingle with people as working in Admissions and other college offices can require heavy interaction skills. Doing it online is not going to prepare you as well as in person.
As part of finishing out this semester, apply for Federal Student Financial Aid for your new college and choose the Work Study option. With a Work Study job, you can work in your college's Admissions Office or any other college administrative office. This will give you experience. Work Study is part of the Federal Student Financial Aid Package and you must discuss this with your new college as soon as possible so you'll know what to do and when to do it. The Admissions Office would be the best place to inquire about the Work Study job as working there would entail learning mostly everything about college process and operations.
Although you can do the work study in Admissions, there are other departments/offices on a campus that you can work in. These would be something like student support services such as counseling, disability services, and student health and wellbeing, the Academic Counseling office, the Career Center, finance and accounts department, the Registrars office and many more possibilities.
It will be very important for you to start doing your path for this field of work in person and not online. The whole point of working at a college is to know what it's like to be at a college in person and be familiar with the everyday campus life. It's not a career well prepared for online. You'll also have better supports and be able to understand the path and how to get experience. Doing this path online defeats the purpose. So finish this semester online and if you want to be better informed and get experience before you graduate, start doing this path in person which will give you the real experience.
I am also concerned that most applicants for the jobs you'll be applying to will have had the in person on site experience and employers may not see an online degree as carrying as much academic experience. This is something to consider for preparing yourself for employment after graduation. You will need sharp communication skills, and depending on which office you work in, presentational skills and office organizational skills. By the time you graduate and are interviewing for these positions you will have to not only have the knowledge but the professional savvy needed too work in academia. Doing it in person will hone your skills for that but online will not.
This advice may not be what you're thinking about but it is, through my life experience, the best path for what you've described. Get the full experience by doing it all in person.
I hope this is something to consider and I wish you all the best !
What are you Majoring in ?
To work in a college admissions office or various college departments, the most common requirement is a Bachelors Degree, typically in a field related to education, business, psychology, communication, or marketing. You will need to finish this semester online and see about continuing at a college in person on site. You will have more benefits, on site supports and be able to intermingle with people as working in Admissions and other college offices can require heavy interaction skills. Doing it online is not going to prepare you as well as in person.
As part of finishing out this semester, apply for Federal Student Financial Aid for your new college and choose the Work Study option. With a Work Study job, you can work in your college's Admissions Office or any other college administrative office. This will give you experience. Work Study is part of the Federal Student Financial Aid Package and you must discuss this with your new college as soon as possible so you'll know what to do and when to do it. The Admissions Office would be the best place to inquire about the Work Study job as working there would entail learning mostly everything about college process and operations.
Although you can do the work study in Admissions, there are other departments/offices on a campus that you can work in. These would be something like student support services such as counseling, disability services, and student health and wellbeing, the Academic Counseling office, the Career Center, finance and accounts department, the Registrars office and many more possibilities.
It will be very important for you to start doing your path for this field of work in person and not online. The whole point of working at a college is to know what it's like to be at a college in person and be familiar with the everyday campus life. It's not a career well prepared for online. You'll also have better supports and be able to understand the path and how to get experience. Doing this path online defeats the purpose. So finish this semester online and if you want to be better informed and get experience before you graduate, start doing this path in person which will give you the real experience.
I am also concerned that most applicants for the jobs you'll be applying to will have had the in person on site experience and employers may not see an online degree as carrying as much academic experience. This is something to consider for preparing yourself for employment after graduation. You will need sharp communication skills, and depending on which office you work in, presentational skills and office organizational skills. By the time you graduate and are interviewing for these positions you will have to not only have the knowledge but the professional savvy needed too work in academia. Doing it in person will hone your skills for that but online will not.
This advice may not be what you're thinking about but it is, through my life experience, the best path for what you've described. Get the full experience by doing it all in person.
I hope this is something to consider and I wish you all the best !
I am currently majoring in Computer Science, but the state of the industry over the last half-decade has left me rather jaded (I'll add context to the main post; I am approaching 29 and going back to school, because despite having tech work experience I am being rejected for not having a bachelor's degree).
At this point attending college in person is not a viable option, both due to location and to the fact that I am tired on an existential level of starting and stopping school and reapplying.
Christian
Oh, now I understand. You are already a computer professional and you want to work in computers but on a college campus. Thanks for clearing it up. One thing, though, try not to be too set on the venue to get work. There will be a lot of places happy to hire you. See how things are once you get your Bachelors Degree. Don't worry about your age, either. People start careers at all different ages.
Michelle M.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
828
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Ive found that connecting with professionals who are currently doing that work and asking about their career path can go a long way. I’d challenge you to contact a couple local colleges offices- with physical locations- and ask how they got there, what they like and what they wish they knew prior to starting in their career path.
I did email SNHU's admissions office, but I may also email offices at other schools I've attended. Thank you for corroborating that that is not a strange thing to do.
Christian
Shawndra Winter
Content Strategist, Organizational Development
12
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Shawndra’s Answer
Having spent nearly 15 years in Higher Ed, I can share that working for a different college than the one you attend is normal in higher education. Schools do not expect employees to be alumni. They care more about relevant experience and a clear reason for wanting the work.
The easiest way in is not always through an admissions counselor role. Look for jobs that support students or enrollment, such as advising support, student services, registrar, enrollment operations, or outreach roles. Many of these are remote and count as admissions-related experience.
Your tech background is a strength, not a problem. Admissions offices rely heavily on systems, data, and CRMs. Roles tied to admissions operations, systems support, or reporting are common entry points and often require less direct admissions experience.
Short-term and contract roles matter. Seasonal admissions work, temporary enrollment projects, or part-time support roles are common in higher education. Even six months of experience can meet a “1–2 years” requirement.
When you apply, explain your “why” clearly. You understand adult learners because you are one. You value stability, structure, and mission-driven work. That story makes sense to hiring managers.
Higher education is not fast-moving like tech, and the pay can be lower. But it offers stability and meaningful work for people who enjoy helping others navigate big decisions.
The easiest way in is not always through an admissions counselor role. Look for jobs that support students or enrollment, such as advising support, student services, registrar, enrollment operations, or outreach roles. Many of these are remote and count as admissions-related experience.
Your tech background is a strength, not a problem. Admissions offices rely heavily on systems, data, and CRMs. Roles tied to admissions operations, systems support, or reporting are common entry points and often require less direct admissions experience.
Short-term and contract roles matter. Seasonal admissions work, temporary enrollment projects, or part-time support roles are common in higher education. Even six months of experience can meet a “1–2 years” requirement.
When you apply, explain your “why” clearly. You understand adult learners because you are one. You value stability, structure, and mission-driven work. That story makes sense to hiring managers.
Higher education is not fast-moving like tech, and the pay can be lower. But it offers stability and meaningful work for people who enjoy helping others navigate big decisions.
Julayne Thomas
Professor at Ivy Tech Community College
28
Answers
Muncie, Indiana
Updated
Julayne’s Answer
Hi, Christian!
Have you thought about checking with your college for internship or externship opportunities? You might also explore job shadowing on campus. These experiences can really help you understand the career in which you are interested.
Good luck as you work towards your education and career goals!
Have you thought about checking with your college for internship or externship opportunities? You might also explore job shadowing on campus. These experiences can really help you understand the career in which you are interested.
Good luck as you work towards your education and career goals!
I'm living halfway across the country from the university I am enrolled in online, so the options really aren't there for internships/externships, unfortunately.
Christian
Ramona Bolden Fether, MBA
Human Resources
2
Answers
Huntsville, Alabama
Updated
Ramona’s Answer
It's great that you're considering a career in higher education. To get started, think about applying for career advisor roles at online schools, especially since you have a background in IT or STEM. These areas often need strong advisors. Gaining experience online could make it easier to move into similar roles at traditional schools later. Some universities offer both online and in-person programs, which might allow you to transfer once you're hired.
To boost your career, join professional groups like NASPA or ACPA. They host conferences with job opportunities and networking events. Connecting with these organizations can help you find a job and get mentorship. Good luck with your career journey!
To boost your career, join professional groups like NASPA or ACPA. They host conferences with job opportunities and networking events. Connecting with these organizations can help you find a job and get mentorship. Good luck with your career journey!