Whether you have simply considered applying to AJRCA, or you are a full time student, you know the kind of insight and generosity to expect from Robin Federman. As AJRCA’s Director of Admission & Marketing, Robin works closely with prospective and incoming students, ensuring that their course of study meets their goals, and that they have the tools and resources necessary to begin their journey.
Today, we speak to Robin directly to learn more about her career trajectory, her insights and observations, and advice she has for any prospective student.
1) What was it about AJRCA that led you to taking the role of Admissions & Marketing Director?
I had transitioned from a career in national broadcast advertising to working in the non-profit Jewish world several years before coming to the Academy. Prior to AJRCA, I was working in events and development for various congregations and day schools; and while I was able to use my business skills for both, something was missing. What I appreciated the most about marketing, advertising and seeing businesses grow, was the connection to the people I worked with — both clients as well as cross-functional internal teams. The opportunity at the Academy let me fuse my knowledge and all that I am impassioned by, with new purpose: helping people with a dream of becoming rabbis, cantors, or chaplains, and others of becoming stronger lay-leaders for their community, to step into making that dream come true. A win for them; a win for communities everywhere. The non-denominational, spiritual approach at AJRCA also resonated deeply for me.
2) What are some of the most common reasons that people pursue a degree from AJRCA? Is there a unifying theme that you’ve observed over the years?
Many of the students who inquire and eventually apply to the Academy are fulfilling a desire they’ve held for quite some time. Our deep understanding of the second (or third) career adult, the flexibility woven into our programs, the types of courses and experiential learning we offer, all help our incoming students feel that they will receive the knowledge, tools and support needed to succeed as they embark on their journey to become a Jewish spiritual leader. For others, it is a newer dream, inspired perhaps by a personal experience like illness (their own or a loved one’s) or a world event, like 10.7. The unifying theme for most is that no matter which way they turn, serving a community of people by providing spiritual leadership and care, keeps showing up, no matter how much they try to ignore it.
3) What have been the biggest surprises about working with prospective and incoming students?
A curious thought I continue to have is just how different, and yet similar, our candidates are. Coming from various professional backgrounds, representing all levels of Jewish knowledge, our students are all completely committed and passionate in their desire to make a difference by serving the Jewish people and community at large. I’ve been doing this work for so long, I’m not sure I feel as “surprised” as I did when I first started, nearly 14 years ago.
4) What advice would you give someone who is considering applying to AJRCA?
Before most candidates move into the application phase, they have likely taken a few steps to ensure that this is the right path and that AJRCA is the right school. By joining us (virtually) for a day, observing classes and connecting with current students and faculty, attending one of our bi-annual Open House sessions, and/or speaking with a few alumni, candidates get to “try on” being a student at the Academy. Like a bread-crumb path, they are led to the obvious conclusion to apply. Applicants and eventual students, are confident in their decision that AJRCA is the right environment for them to gain the skills, knowledge and community (!) they need to gracefully pivot into this school, and towards their future.
To learn more about life as an AJRCA student, click here to register for our upcoming virtual Open House.