For one of my classes, I have been reading the book To Sell Is Human by Daniel H. Pink. Before you ask, no, it’s not a get-rich-quick manual, but rather a guide to “moving people” (persuading and enticing).
Pink mentions that the education field is really no different than selling a car. They’re both services and they involve a little convincing on the “seller’s” behalf. Just like the man in the suit and tie hounding you about the extended warranty, universities send out their admissions materials and bog down your computer with online ads. However, what is important to note is that the education field has a long-term outcome. While the car accumulates miles and eventually ends up in the scrap yard, an education is something that’s with you for life.
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In the past ten years, the education industry has skyrocketed. Believe me, I get so sick of turning on the television and hearing, “Education Connection; get connected for free.” My spam mailbox is always full of prospective universities and most of the time I think to myself, how did these people even get my name?
Don’t be fooled just because Colorado State University doesn’t appear in television commercials on MTV; they’re definitely in the selling business too. What, you didn’t think the new off-campus luxury housing complexes, convenient dining plans and remodeled campus buildings are all part of a marketing strategy? Duh. CSU is constantly selling because for them, more students means more revenue.
But before you get all up in arms about the amount of money you pay to go here, remember that you are receiving one of the best educations the nation has to offer. Yes, a car is an investment, but chances are you won’t still have that in 20 years. It’s a proven fact that people with degrees are better off than those without: higher wages, better jobs, etc. Apparently, all of us here at CSU agreed with this statement and gave into the university’s “salespeople”, because we’re all here bettering our futures.
Hallie Gardner can be reached at blogs@collegian.com.
