Andrew Cohen
Associate Director for Guest Experience
Georgia Institute of Technology
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
I was a tour guide at Ithaca College (NY) as an undergraduate student. After graduating, I soon realized I could make a career out of being a campus tour guide! I have now been overseeing campus visit programming for more than 10 years at two different institutions. I love my specific role because I am part of a team that welcomes thousands of students each year to our campus, but I also get to develop relationships with our current students, who serve as tour guides or student employees for our office.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Since my role focuses on the campus visit experience, I always enjoy getting to meet students and their families while they are visiting campus. Whether it is speaking to a family to explain our admission process or showing them a part of campus, I always enjoy the interactions that I have with our visitors.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
The NACAC community continues to provide me the resources to continue to grow in our profession. With the constantly changing landscape of college admission, I always first turn to NACAC for professional development and educational opportunities. With such a large network, fellow NACAC members provide such a wealth of knowledge. I have learned so much from meeting fellow NACAC members and attending programming throughout the year.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
Affordability! We all know that many students encounter various barriers when it comes to the cost of a postsecondary education. This is one of the hardest parts of our job when we need to have these difficult conversations with students and their families about paying for college. I know that my colleagues here at Georgia Tech and across our association are all working to advocate for our students and reduce these barriers.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I enjoy spending time at the pool or out on a lake during the warmer months! Atlanta is such a great city and there is always something to do or a new restaurant to try. I also love hosting dinner parties…I am an event planner after all!
What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Creative. Approachable. Straightforward. Innovative. Authentic.
Published March 18, 2024