Tip of the Week
Happy Financial Aid Day
Over time, I realized I had “been bitten by the financial aid bug.”
This was a career field I wanted to continue in and advance myself. I’ve always said that people either like working in financial aid or they don’t. If they don’t, they move on to a career better suited to them. Very seldom do you encounter someone who feels neutral about the profession.
Just like “growing older isn’t for sissies” neither is working in financial aid – at least in my opinion. It’s a challenging field that requires patience and resilience. It’s also a very rewarding profession. That’s not to say I didn’t have my share of frustrating days. However, at the end of the day, I knew I was doing what I did for the students. And that is what is important.
Many people start working in financial aid as a work-study student during college, which may lead to a full-time position after graduation. Others stumble across the profession simply by happenstance.
Most high school students probably don’t list financial aid as a career choice. However, once someone starts working in a financial aid office, they may find they have the aptitude and skills for the work.
My own personal journey in financial aid started with a random job interview in a financial aid office. At the time, I was working in the insurance office at a medical clinic. During the interview, the director commented that both fields involved helping people complete forms, collecting documentation, processing forms, and providing customer service. By the end of the interview, I was hired.
Financial aid professionals deserve a day to be recognized. The third Wednesday in October is designated as Financial Aid Day. It’s also Boss’s Day this year.
Make sure you celebrate Financial Aid Day. Whether that’s with lunch, donuts, or a midday toast (with coffee and Diet Coke, of course), celebrate it with your colleagues.
Happy Financial Aid Day! We appreciate all you do!
