Case studies: Admissions registrar/college administrator: Kayleigh

Kayleigh has a BSc in Psychology from the University of Essex

I work as an admissions registrar and college administrator for Montessori Centre International in London and have been working here since the beginning of September 2008. I had a lot of administrative and customer service work experience from part-time work while I was a student and this definitely enhanced my skills and understanding of the importance of work experience, particularly as I worked in the university’s student jobshop and careers centre.

On the day I returned home from graduation, I began a temporary contract at a data management company in Basildon – this was so that I would have money coming in while I applied for a job that I actually wanted to do! I continued searching for further opportunities during this time, using the internet and made some applications.

I was offered three interviews in quick succession. The first was at Montessori Centre International and I knew this position would be a great first job for me. It was in the heart of London and working within an educational institution in an admin role, for which I had the relevant experience. My first interview was with the academic director and I was asked back for a second interview, then offered the position.

On a day-to-day basis:

• I receive and deal with all initial enquiries about our courses via email, telephone and face-to-face interactions, and send out prospectuses, etc.
• I arrange and coordinate teaching practice placements (in Montessori nurseries) for our students in London, the UK and worldwide.
• I monitor student registration figures and send paperwork for students who have been interviewed for a place on one of our courses.
• I provide secretarial assistance to the academic director.
• I deal with all CRB checks and student visa enquiries, which can be very challenging.
• I provide reception cover from 5.00 to 6.00 in the evening.

Other duties have included:

• organising the graduation ceremony for the students at the end of the year, with 200+ students in 2008;
• arranging first aid courses for the students;
• participating in open evenings once or twice a month;
• representing the organisation at nationwide exhibitions;
• attending conferences for networking with prospective students/educational organisations.

I really enjoy my role and I’m gaining lots of useful experience which will enable me to progress further with my career.