5 Questions To Expect From Agents At One-to-One Meetings

If you attend international agent fairs, then you know that one-to-one meetings with agents are among the most important moments. Within a limited timeframe, usually 20-30 minutes, you have the opportunity to inform, impress, and be remembered. If you succeed in these three mini-missions, then you have better chance that the fleeting moment of the meeting will grow into a productive business relationship in the future.

Of course, a good match between the agency and the institution’s profile is always the first and most important prerequisite for such positive outcomes. However, it is not enough, as both you and the agent will have plenty of other meetings on that same day and therefore a fair chance to quickly forget each other. 

In our experience, many educators do not fulfil the full potential of one-to-one meetings with agents at networking events. Lack of good presentation skills, poor or outdated marketing materials, or even letting yourself be in a bad mood are just some reasons. The bottom line is that the meeting is always a two-way process, where both parties have a chance to shine….or not.

So, do you know how to make the most out of it?

One good way to prepare and perform well is to anticipate the questions agents may ask (or to provide the answers even before they do!).

Here is a possible list of questions you can expect to hear during one-to-one meetings:

1. Please tell me more about your current international students. What is their average age, study programs and countries of origin?
2. What kind of international students are you trying to recruit? Are you reaching out to a new target group or region? Why?
3. What kind of qualities do you look for in international students? Do you focus on region, previous education, age, language competencies or personal traits?
4. How do you normally reach out to a certain target? For example, women in STEM?
5. Your school has good offerings for international students. How do you capitalize on these advantages online? Is it easy for international students to find you?

What questions do you receive from agents?

Share your experience with us and other fellow professionals in the comments below!