Talking with… Frankie Sandoval

Interviews | Sep 27, 2019 | Gabelli School of Business

Each “Talking With…” feature helps you learn about a different Gabelli School faculty member, administrator, or staff member. This week, we’re speaking with Frankie Sandoval, associate director of admissions & recruiting for MS Programs at the Gabelli School of Business.

As the associate director of admissions & recruiting for MS Programs at the Gabelli School of Business, what is the most rewarding part of your role?

The most rewarding experience in working in the graduate admissions landscape is having an influence on a prospective student’s academic and professional career. Whether it’s offering a merit scholarship to an applicant from Colombia, guiding a first-generation college student throughout the admissions process, or helping an MS student transition from Mumbai to New York City, the impact of the admissions office is a daily reminder why I love what I do.

What is one thing about being a member of an admissions & recruiting team that you would like prospective students to know?

The purpose of the Office of Graduate Admissions is to recruit and build the next class of talented graduate business students. In addition to participating in the Discover Gabelli program to learn more about our graduate degrees, services, and campus culture, schedule a one-on-one appointment with an admissions officer, so we can learn more about your background, academic interests, and career aspirations. Building a relationship with an admissions officer will allow us to highlight important Gabelli resources that will enrich your student experience.

As a doctoral candidate yourself, what is something that you are learning about in your studies that you feel your industry could benefit from?

In my doctoral studies, there is a strong focus on organizational design, leadership development, and root cause analysis. Not only do these areas of research have the ability to advance the organizational structure of higher education, but also improve the institutional strategy in a continuously transforming global market.

Are there trends in your field of work that you see as making an impact?

Many business schools are expanding their digital presence. This is allowing institutions to further develop their international brand recognition, as well as build academic partnerships and prospective student interest in new markets.

How do you see the admissions & recruiting field as changing in the future?

With many institutions modifying their current curriculum and launching new graduate programs to meet the demands of the corporate space, the competitiveness to attract top talent globally will become even more challenging. It will be vital for graduate admissions to continue to collaborate with key stakeholders (faculty, MarComm, career services, senior leadership, alumni, current students, and student engagement) to develop innovative practices for recruitment.