Recruiting Gen Z is a whole new ballgame, and the days of flashy advertisements and smooth sales pitches are a thing of the past. Let's face it - college education comes with a hefty price tag.
Prospective students are no longer swayed by mere flyers and holiday cards in the mail. They crave solid evidence that they will receive a valuable education if they choose your university. And what better proof can you provide than the success stories of your current thriving students?
Just like reading consumer reviews before making a purchase decision, choosing a college also requires gathering testimonies from current students. They serve as living proof of the unique collegiate experience your university offers, and it would be a missed opportunity not to leverage their potential. Here are four effective ways to engage current students in the recruitment process.
Most higher education institutions have already taken the initial step of employing student ambassadors, but are you fully capitalizing on the potential of these influential students? Student ambassadors go beyond being tour guides and greeters; they can be powerful advocates for your university when reaching out to prospective students in local high schools, especially their own alma maters. Instead of solely relying on recruiters to visit schools and college fairs, consider sending a student ambassador who embodies the essence of your institution.
MIT understands the importance of showcasing student perspectives, which is why they feature 10 student blogs on their website. This strategy is incredibly effective because, before even reaching out to your school, prospective students often conduct research on your website. By publishing student blogs, you can address their concerns and provide valuable testimonials. To take it a step further, consider transforming some of these blogs into engaging videos. This will create an even more immersive experience for potential students.
Social media is an essential aspect of your audience's daily life, and it would be remiss not to address its significance in this blog post. A recent study on college and high school students revealed that a staggering 88 percent use Instagram and Snapchat, while 81 percent are Facebook users.
However, it's crucial to understand that Gen Z and Millennials utilize these platforms differently. It's important to discern which platforms are primarily used for socializing with friends and which ones are preferred for obtaining information. Who can provide valuable insight into this distinction? Your current students! North Carolina A&T effectively uses social media campaigns, utilizing hashtags to share what students adore most about the university. This strategy not only showcases pride but also highlights the university's best features.
The period between a student receiving an admission offer and making their final decision is a critical time. While some admitted students may only be interested in your institution, it is likely that most are considering multiple schools. Many colleges have recruitment officers who follow up via email or phone to address any remaining questions and hopefully persuade undecided students to enroll. An effective approach is to involve current students in these final personal interactions. Prospective students will feel more at ease asking the real questions they have, and your current students are much more relatable than the professionals hired to enroll students.
Incorporating students into your recruitment process can be challenging. It requires identifying the cream of the crop, the students who best embody the values and mission of your institution. However, with the effort put in, your current students will have a tremendous impact on your recruitment process.