Jenny, President at Admission Masters : Advize Career Interview
Admission Masters' President started with a desire to be a doctor, but a UCLA education and volunteer work ignited a passion for helping children.
Four years teaching with Teach for America, culminating in a Master's in Education, led to a career in higher education admissions.
The current role balances supporting students through the high school journey—academic planning and college applications—with leading and developing the Admission Masters team.
A day involves unpredictable student meetings, staff mentorship, and strategic partnerships, demanding patience, adaptability, and compassion.
The biggest challenge is scaling support while navigating financial constraints and societal pressures on students. The most rewarding aspect is contributing to students' educational journeys, leaving a positive impact.
Success in this field requires a passion for making a difference, continuous growth, and resilience.
Entry-level positions like counselor, writing coach, or tutor are excellent starting points, offering valuable mentorship and business experience.
A key lesson learned is the importance of resilience and surrounding oneself with support to navigate the emotional demands of the work.
Finally, the experience of navigating cultural identity as an Asian immigrant profoundly shapes the President's approach, fostering adaptability and resilience, both personally and professionally.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jenny Wheatley
President
Admission Masters
UCLA (Graduated in 2010)
Johns Hopkins University Masters in Education and Certification in School Leadership
Anthropology, Sociology
Education
Consulting
Pell Grant Recipient, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a President at Admission Masters
Initially aspiring to be a doctor, Jenny's UCLA education and volunteer work revealed a passion for helping children, leading to four years teaching in Baltimore with Teach for America, where they earned a Master's in Education and school leadership certification. This experience fueled a transition into higher education admissions, culminating in Jenny's current role as President of Admission Masters, an organization supporting high school students' pursuit of higher education opportunities.
Main Responsibilities of a President at Admission Masters
Jenny's role as President at Admission Masters is bifurcated: one part involves a "journey through high school" with students, encompassing academic planning and college applications, while the other focuses on employee recruitment, training, and professional development, along with external partnerships. This reflects a commitment to both student success and internal team growth, showcasing a career path combining passion for education with leadership responsibilities.
A Day In The Life Of A President At Admission Masters
Jenny, Admission Masters' President, embraces the spontaneity of a role where "no two days are ever the same," balancing student meetings, staff mentorship, and strategic partnerships. This dynamic approach allows for work-life integration, as Jenny prioritizes family time in the mornings before focusing on supporting students' higher education pursuits.
Favorite Parts of Being a President at Admission Masters
Jenny, Admission Masters' President, embraces the unpredictable nature of the role, stating "no two days are ever the same," a dynamic she loves, balancing student meetings, staff mentorship, and strategic partnerships to ensure student success in higher education. This multifaceted approach highlights the commitment to supporting students' access to resources for their educational pursuits.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A President At Admission Masters
Jenny, President at Admission Masters, emphasizes patience, adaptability, and compassion as crucial skills for her role, stating that "patience is really important," especially given the diverse student population and evolving educational landscape. The ability to connect with students on a personal level, driven by "compassion," is key to long-term fulfillment in this impactful, yet not financially lucrative, career path.
Challenges Of Working In The Education Industry As A President
Jenny's greatest challenge as Admission Masters' President is balancing the need to scale the organization's support for students with the financial limitations inherent in the education sector; this includes combating societal pressures surrounding educational success and navigating "the amount of tests and homework" currently overwhelming students, which becomes "internally my challenge."
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Education Industry According To A President At Admission Masters
Jenny, President at Admission Masters, finds immense fulfillment in contributing to the "journey of education," a universal experience, by providing resources and support to students navigating their identities and academic paths; the goal is to be remembered as someone who made a positive impact, leaving students feeling "I'm so glad Jenny was there."
What a President at Admission Masters Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry
Jenny, President at Admission Masters, identifies a passion for improving society and students' lives as crucial for success in the education industry, stating that those who thrive "are in it because they want to make a difference in these kids' lives". Further, continuous growth and development, including seeking additional qualifications to better support students' evolving needs, are essential for career advancement in this field.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Presidents at Admission Masters
Jenny, Admission Masters' President, revealed the unexpectedly high emotional toll of the role, describing it as "emotional in that the connections you build with the students tend to be very strong," and emphasizing the importance of self-care amidst the daily challenges of student support and organizational management. The need for a calm, strategic approach to unexpected issues like staffing changes or funding shortages, and for prioritizing mental and emotional well-being, emerged as crucial lessons learned.
Significant Career Lesson From a President at Admission Masters
Jenny, President at Admission Masters, recommends entry-level roles like "counselor," "writing coach," "specialist," or "tutor" for undergraduates interested in education, citing opportunities for mentorship and business experience valuable for future MBA applications. These positions offer a chance to explore "the realm of education" and develop skills in "mentorship and supporting students," making them ideal for those considering careers in medicine or business.
College Experiences That Helped a President at Admission Masters Succeed
Jenny's significant career lesson is the importance of resilience in education's high-stress environment, acknowledging that "there are days that are not easy," while also emphasizing the need to cultivate positive energy by surrounding oneself with supportive people. This approach allows for maintaining dedication to one's career while mitigating the impact of negativity and fostering a more fulfilling professional experience.
How Identity Has Influenced a President's Career at Admission Masters
Jenny's undergraduate success stemmed from actively exploring career paths through networking and attending seminars, ultimately leading them to realize their aptitude for supporting others – a skill honed through "mediating conversations or situations." This self-awareness, coupled with observing professionals' journeys and leveraging "skill sets learned throughout undergraduate," perfectly positioned Jenny for their current role as president and counselor.
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