Meet the Kaplan Experts: Alexandria Fisher, Client Success Manager

The Kaplan Team is often cited as the reason schools stay with us year after year. At Kaplan, there’s an expert at the heart of everything we do, whether it’s leading a class or developing innovative tools to help your students achieve their career goals. Alexandria Fisher, Ed.D. is one of Kaplan’s expert Client Success Managers. Client Success Managers play a crucial role in our ecosystem, ensuring clients are supported at every point during their Kaplan experience. Get to know Alexandria and learn how she builds relationships with clients and helps them reach their goals.

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up on an orange ranch in a tiny farm town in central California. I moved to Los Angeles for college and then to Nashville when I was 22 and have been here ever since. I love to read and, on average, read 50 books a year. I also love to write and have several rough drafts in progress at any given time. I have taught pre-school, middle school, and high school. I learned from these experiences that all people have essentially the same hopes and fears, regardless of their age.

What are your particular areas of expertise?

I have my Ed.D., so I suppose I’m an expert in education! Specifically, my background is in English, Child Development, and Secondary Education (7-12). I also have extensive Account Management and Client Success Management experience. Unofficially, I’m an expert project manager as well.

How long have you worked for Kaplan and what drew you to your current role? 

I have been with Kaplan since 2021. I was drawn to the role because I knew it would involve a lot of problem-solving, resourcefulness, and efficiency – all of which I feel are a part of who I am.

How would you describe the role of a Client Success Manager?

A CSM is ostensibly the liaison between the company/product and the client. But, in reality, a CSM is someone who can take any problem or routine interaction and make it into an awesome opportunity to connect with clients. A CSM also has to be an excellent listener, know how to ask the right questions, and discern what their clients want or need without always being told directly. A great CSM acts as an advocate for their clients but also makes sure to provide clear and correct information so that clients have an amazing experience when interacting with the product. 

What is the most pressing issue facing your institutional partners today and how can Kaplan help solve those problems?

Time. They have so many competing priorities and we are one tiny slice of everything they have to do. We can help them through all the hurdles that inevitably come with test prep and working with students by being efficient, attentive, and letting them know they can trust our expert guidance (shout out to our Nurse Consultants!) and NCLEX Prep.

What is the most important aspect of Kaplan's partnership with institutions? 

It’s important to remember that your client is a human that is trying to do their job too. We might be under contract with their school or college system, but the person you are talking to has a million demands on them. If we can make their day just a little bit better so they have to worry about one less thing (by establishing a partnership of trust with clear communication and expectations), then we have been successful.

Who or what experience inspired you to pursue a career in education? 

Sister Act 2. Yes, the movie with Whoopi Goldberg. Well, that, and every other inspirational teacher movie ever. But, Sister Act 2 is definitely an all-time favorite. 

In your opinion, how can institutions best support students preparing for their exams? 

Do more with less. Focus on Kaplan instead of trying to do all the test prep options. Kaplan is proven. If they focus on our NCLEX prep and do adequate remediation in their weak areas, their students are going to pass.

What is your favorite advice to share?

“If you want to be somebody, if you want to go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention.”
- Sister Act II

If you could offer one piece of advice for students preparing for their board exams, what would it be?

Focus on one test prep (Kaplan, obviously) and don’t aim for perfection. You are going to miss some questions. Trying to be perfect is a surefire way to stress yourself out. And stress doesn’t help anyone on any test. Also, study with friends and celebrate the small wins along the way.