Looking for a program to help you boost your skills? Preparing to launch a new career but don’t know where to start? The enrollment coaches at UW Professional & Continuing Education are ready to help!
Our enrollment coaches are here to ensure you get the most out of your education. They’re trained to help assess your readiness and fit for a program and offer support throughout the application and enrollment process.
“One of the most important services we can provide is a listening ear,” says enrollment coach Keely Winters. “I want to hear why you’re interested in the program and what your goals are.”
Here are 6 ways our enrollment coaching team can prepare you for success — whether it’s finding the perfect certificate program or course, getting ready to hit the books or clearing any unexpected hurdles along the way.
What an Enrollment Coach Can Do to Prepare You for Your Program
1. Find the Program That’s Right for You
Maybe you have a specific job in mind or want to discuss a general industry. A UWPCE enrollment coach can talk with you about the jobs and companies that appeal to you and what research you’ve already done.
Your coach also wants to hear about any personal circumstances you’re considering as you find a program that fits your life. Do you work full-time? Are you a caregiver for kids or adult relatives at home? Understanding your life priorities is important for helping you find the ideal program schedule and format, whether your learning is in-person or online.
Once your coach has a good picture of your goals and situation, they can help recommend programs that might be just right for you.
2. Understand Admission Requirements
Every UWPCE program has different admission requirements, and your enrollment coach can walk you through them. While many programs are open for anyone to enroll, some advanced programs may require specific education or professional experience.
Depending on your background, you might need to complete a prerequisite course before you apply for your intended program. Prerequisites might include an extra math or programming class to set you up for success. If that’s the case, your enrollment coach can help you explore your course options.
3. Figure Out How You Might Pay for Your Program
You found a program you’re excited to start — but do you know how you’ll pay for for it? An enrollment coach can help you explore available options, such as scholarships and ways you can plan ahead to make your payment on time.
If your employer provides educational assistance and might cover program costs, an enrollment coach can help you prepare a cost breakdown you can use to make the case to your employer. If you’re not currently employed, our coaches can refer you to programs that qualify for state or federal training benefits, which may provide you financial assistance to train for an in-demand occupation.
4. Help You with Your Application or Enrollment
Ready to get started? An enrollment coach is standing by! While many programs welcome anyone to enroll, some certificate programs require an application, including a resume and/or a brief statement of purpose highlighting your relevant skills and experience. Your coach can offer guidance to help you craft a successful application. Once you’re accepted to a program, your coach can help you map out how and when to register for your courses and keep you aware of upcoming deadlines.
5. Help You Make a Strong Start
In education, a strong start is key for long-term success. An enrollment coach can help you prepare for class, so you feel ready on day one.
For starters, your coach can review study skills and tips for time management. They can also talk you through other success strategies, such as knowing who you can turn to for support or leveraging what works best for you to juggle demands on your time. Whether phone calls, texts or email, the amount of communication between you and your coach is always up to you. Above all, our coaching team is here to serve as your resource and advocates for whatever support you might need as you get ready to embark on your next learning journey.
6. Help You Navigate Bumps
An enrollment coach is just your first connection in your support network at UW Professional & Continuing Education. Once you’re enrolled as a student, you’ll have access to UWPCE’s student support specialists, who can help you with challenges that may arise during your program.
Himani Mishra, a UWPCE alum who earned a Certificate in Digital Marketing in 2025, says regular check-ins with their student support specialist, Yuna, made a truly memorable difference.
“Yuna called me every week to ask, ‘How am I doing?’,” Mishra says. “No one ever asked me that during my undergrad or even in my school. but Yuna was there to support me and encourage me. I remember the first call, I didn't have confidence in me that time. But in our last conversation, Yuna pointed out, ‘You are now sounding so confident, you have got this. I'm so proud of you.’ I remember I got so emotional, I cried.”
Our student support specialists are trained to address your concerns and questions, provide encouragement, talk over options of deferral or withdrawal if your life circumstances change, and celebrate your successes along the way.
Connect With an Enrollment Coach
Ready to talk to an enrollment coach and get your journey started? Visit our Enrollment Coaching page for more information.