IES Abroad Reviews

There are very limited opportunities for growth. It's a super flat organization with some top-down business decisions that do not fully align with the mission (from CEO, Board and Senior Executives). They have a number of entry-level positions like Program Advisors (Recruiting and Advising), Enrollment Management Specialists (Admissionsl) and Program Associates (Academics Department). These are the employees that generate value and revenue ($80+ million annually), they manage applicants and students (5,000+ annually), carry the IES Abroad brand, face the public and interact with candidates. With no place to grow, they are forced out and the organization loses historical information, relationships built and a qualified workforce. With the high turnover, everyone suffers. I can't even count on my hands and toes how many people have left and the training is not adequate so progress is hard because there are some weak links. The next step up are Director, Dean and AVP positions. Well, there are College Relations Manager positions (account manager/outside sales) but hiring decisions are based on maintaining business relationships with member institutions so a Master's degree, position at a hot target university and a higher ed referral is essential. They used to promote from within more when it was smaller but now ain't nobody got time for that (coaching).

Oh where to begin. You will be paid very little for the amount you contribute. IES is not your average non-profit - they have an endowment, their president/ceo makes over a million dollars each year. Yes, read that again. Look it up, it's public knowledge. Gag a little. Get angry. No one should be making $30k-40k pretax in the city of Chicago when someone is paid that insane amount. at. a. non. profit. IES could easily pay more but falls back on the "market rate" excuse (because if everyone in the field pays their staff a tiny amount, they can too!). Upper management doesn't get it. And/or doesn't care to get it. Some are institutions - planted, unmoving and ancient (not necessarily in age, but in mindset). The people working on the front lines, talking to students/parents/faculty etc. are made to feel disposable. They are told they are appreciated, but action$ speak louder than words guys. And no one (who can actually do anything) cares. Those who speak up rarely last. Who has the energy to fight the good fight when it leads absolutely nowhere. Unless you're an AVP's fave - then you may be in luck!