BR
Bhakti Reen
Manager - Student Recruitment & Admissions at De Montfort University Dubai
Dubai, United Arab EmiratesWork Experience
Manager - Student Recruitment & Admissions
De Montfort University Dubai
Feb 2023 - Present -2 yrs, 3 months
United Arab Emirates
- Job Details:Strategically developed and executed targeted recruitment plans to surpass UG enrollment goals and diversify student demographics. Managed the entire admissions process, from initial inquiry to final enrollment, upholding institutional policies and achieving consistent KPI improvements. Achieved a 16% increase in enrollment compared to the September 2023 target, surpassed the January 2024 target by 23%, and projected enrollment for September 2024 is exceeding by 25%. Led and empowered a team of admissions counselors, fostering a culture of teamwork, excellence, and accountability. Collaborated with academic departments to create tailored marketing materials and outreach strategies, launching individual program flyers in November 2023. Organized 16 undergraduate events in 2023 and 24 for 2024, introducing impactful career workshops & taster sessions attended by over 560 students. Built and maintained strong partnerships with high school counselors and community organizations, establishing MOUs with over 80 local and 13 international schools. Innovated agent partnership strategies, implementing tailored training and recognition programs, and setting clear KPIs for performance assessment. Successfully expanded recruitment efforts in Africa, Pakistan, North Africa, and CIS regions, achieving 25% growth in Africa. Leveraged data analytics to optimize recruitment strategies and drive informed, data-driven decision-making. Implemented Merito, a new lead management system, to streamline admissions and elevate the applicant experience. Actively represented the institution at various recruitment events, enhancing brand visibility and fostering prospective student and institutional partnerships. Maintained cutting-edge knowledge of admissions and higher education trends through ongoing professional development and networking. Invested in staff upskilling and team-building initiatives, significantly enhancing team performance and cohesion.
Head of Admissions - UAE & GCC
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Jan 2020 - Jan 2023 -3 yrs
United Arab Emirates
- Job Details:Achieved a historic enrollment milestone by recruiting over 700 students in 2021, the highest in MAHE's 20-year presence in the UAE. Set a new record with 1000 enrollments in 2022, demonstrating unparalleled growth in the UAE and GCC markets. Strategically developed and executed enrollment and recruitment plans across four campuses: MAHE Dubai, GNU Malaysia, MUC Malaysia, and MIU Malaysia. Expertly managed multiple concurrent projects, including on-campus and international marketing initiatives. Fostered strong relationships through partner outreach, engaging with a network of agent partners and education specialists. Provided dynamic leadership to the admissions team, ensuring the attainment of all weekly, quarterly, and annual performance targets. Instituted a comprehensive coaching system to enhance the admissions team's development and motivation. Leveraged reporting metrics to refine performance strategies, fostering continuous improvement and best practices. Directed the full cycle of admissions staffing, from sourcing and hiring to comprehensive training. Managed critical backend processes for student intake, including the issuance of offer letters, LMS integration, and processing admissions for over 1000 students yearly.
Recruitment & Admissions Manager
Curtin University
Nov 2018 - Dec 2019 -1 yr, 1 month
United Arab Emirates
- Job Details:Spearheaded comprehensive admissions and recruitment strategies, achieving a significant conversion rate boost from 1.3% to 4.2% within six months. Launched innovative outreach programs including 'Curtin Comes to You,' speaker series, and interactive events, leading to partnerships with over 45 schools in 2019. Expanded the agent network by 460%, growing from 35 to 195 agents in a single year. Orchestrated major recruitment fairs, such as GETEX and the UAE Global Education Fair, generating over 20,000 leads. Exceeded student recruitment goals for the May and July 2019 intakes through strategic initiatives. Developed and implemented robust sales reporting systems, including Lead Squared and Active Campaign. Formulated and managed budgets and strategies for 2019 and 2020, ensuring optimal resource allocation. Led a team of 10, driving performance through hiring, training, and fostering professional development. Established ongoing mentorship and training programs to enhance the skills of admissions and recruitment staff.
Murdoch University
Jan 2016 - Oct 2018 -2 yrs, 9 months
United Arab Emirates
- Job Details:Expertly managed end-to-end recruitment and admissions processes, consistently achieving quarterly targets. Pioneered innovative lead generation initiatives, including 'My Day at Murdoch,' 'Application Evenings,' 'Counsellors Forum,' 'Executive Series,' and 'Week of Workshops.' Orchestrated comprehensive management of trade events like GETEX, from booth construction to intern supervision. Expanded and refined the university's network of schools and agents, bolstering recruitment efforts. Designed and administered the admissions dashboard and key reporting tools, ensuring data-driven decision-making. Led proactive outreach campaigns to engage prospective students and their families. Prudently managed admissions event budgets, optimizing resource allocation. Drove market expansion domestically and internationally, enriching campus diversity and elevating enrollment rates. Enhanced prospective student engagement through improved relationship management strategies. Trained and led a team of 8 admissions officers, fostering a high-performance culture. Ensured clear communication of recruitment and admissions guidelines across university channels and to external stakeholders. Strategically planned and refined key admissions functions, setting ambitious performance benchmarks for staff and office operations. Developed and coordinated informative events such as workshops, campus tours, and orientation programs, enhancing prospective student experiences.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
London Business SchoolJan 2025
Bachelor's Degree in Business and Human Resource Management
Middlesex University