Job Shadow Experience

The Mission Statement of George Mason University (GMU) states that the university will educate the new generation of leaders for the 21st century: men and women capable of shaping a global community with vision, justice, and clarity.
On February 26, 2009, I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Kevin A. Holmes, Director of Undergraduate Recruitment at George Mason University. Mr. Holmes is a dynamic, energetic leader who manages a wide range of individuals and deals with the day to day operations of handling special programs for a busy admissions office.
Before I met with Mr. Holmes, I asked myself the following questions: What is the most important thing I expect to learn from this experience? How can I make adequate use of the time I have with him? How could I determine the type of leadership style Mr. Holmes demonstrated in a just few hours? I was presently surprised.
Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admissions, Mr. Holmes works closely with the senior leadership team. In his position as the Director of Undergraduate Recruitment, he is responsible for the Office of Admissions, which includes a staff of 117. He supervises three assistant directors of admissions, four admissions counselors, twenty client services representatives, and ninety student ambassadors. In his daily leadership activities, he collaborates with the entire campus community, and serves as one of the chief strategists in shaping and implementing an enrollment management plan for the university. These enrollment plans focus specifically on strategies in recruitment and retention that advance the interests of George Mason University students.
Mr. Holmes stated that in order to effectively lead an Admissions Office, an individual must be innovative, energetic, and receptive to change. He explained that a senior leadership position in Admissions at George Mason University office requires a minimum of five years of experience in admissions, as well as an advanced degree. In addition to the experience and education, the position requires exemplary skills in speaking, writing, planning, and problem-solving. Mr. Holmes stated that he received his current leadership position by demonstrating success in recruiting a talented and diverse student body and in leading, motivating, and collaborating with other professionals at George Mason University.
Mr. Holmes is definitely a leader whose unique leadership style has transformed his staff and department into a top notch entity at George Mason University. I hope to emulate his enthusiasm, passion, and professionalism if I decide to become an admissions director in the future.