Joslyn Darling’s Start in Higher Education

Financial Aid Services (FAS) and Genesis Software, we are known for our industry expertise with decades worth of experience. But how did our experts first begin their journey in the world of Higher Education and Financial Aid? This month we are hearing from Joslyn Darling, a senior consultant and expert in R2T4’s, HCM2’s, our school management system Genesis and more!

In 1998 I started my education goal of being a Cosmetologist. Midway into my education, I began having issues with my wrists and I could not continue my program. Because I loved the environment so much, I began working at the front desk of the Salon. As the school staff changed in 2002, I was given the opportunity to work in the financial aid office of the school.

Luckily, I had the support of FAS as our school’s third-party servicer who trained me in all things Title IV in addition to the implementation of Genesis SMS (School Management System) for our school management software. During this time, I worked very closely helping develop all that Genesis SMS has become today. It was not long before another big staff shake-up at the school as is custom for the industry. I moved from the financial aid office to the Business Office.

Things took an exciting turn in my career in 2005 when I officially joined Financial Aid Services (FAS) and Genesis Software. I began in the Verification department at FAS, learning all the ins and outs of the internal processes and assisting schools like the one I came from with compliance regulations. I also accepted the role of becoming the front person in answering all Genesis SMS user support calls. This role and company change not only led me into an amazing company as a FAS employee but brought me into a true family.

This job has allowed me to not only welcome clients into our company, but our actual families were welcomed into FAS too. During school vacations, all of us working moms and dads would have our kids in the office right alongside us.

Here we are, 2023 and I still would not change my career at FAS at all. My time here has transformed into being part of the Compliance Team, R2T4 processing, working with schools to help them find their way off HCM2 (Heightened Cash Monitoring 2) and many other aspects of the day-to-day operations within FAS and Genesis.

People tell you, “Find a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life” and this could not be truer. FAS in all its growth has continued to remain a family. Our kids might be a little older now, and in my case, I started with two young kids and now I am a grammy! It is always exciting to see what the next chapter at FAS has in store!

If you are new to the Higher Education industry, or have been around for years, we would love to hear how YOU began! Tell us your story below!