BY Anthony Campisi | December 17th, 2024

Harnessing the Power of Webinars in Graduate Program Recruitment

Webinars have evolved into powerful tools for graduate prospect recruitment. Offering free webinars can create unique opportunities to engage qualified applicants, showcase program offerings, and build meaningful connections – all from the comfort of their homes. By leveraging webinars in graduate program recruitment, your team can amplify organic reach, personalize the admissions experience, and secure the enrollment of your ideal candidates.

Overcoming Geographic Barriers

One of the primary advantages of webinars is their ability to reach prospective students across the country and globe. Webinars provide a convenient platform for graduate program prospects to learn about your programs, interact with faculty, alumni, and current students, and get their questions answered – all without the need for costly and time-consuming campus visits that might interfere with their already busy lives.

• Incorporating interactive elements, such as real-time Q&A sessions and breakout discussions, can foster a sense of community, help build relationships with your staff, and make each participant’s unique needs feel seen and heard.

Showcasing Your Programs’ Unique Value Propositions

Offering webinars is an invaluable way to showcase the unique features and value proposition of any of your graduate programs. They can bring your program’s highlights to life, help prospective students see themselves at your institution, and leave your program top-of-mind for attendees.

• Make sure to highlight any cutting-edge research in your program, showcase state-of-the-art facilities, and introduce outstanding alumni and renowned faculty members.

Adopting a Strategic Approach

To maximize the impact of webinars in graduate program recruitment while minimizing workload for your team, it’s essential to adopt a simple yet strategic approach.

• Start simple: pick one graduate program to headline your webinar recruitment strategy that will serve as your flagship program.
• Collaborate with faculty to identify your ideal candidates and their specific pain points, interests, or needs. Tailor the webinar content, format, and marketing assets accordingly, ensuring that it addresses their needs and speaks directly to their aspirations, schedules, and lifestyles.
• Leverage email marketing, social media, and other existing digital channels to promote the webinar and drive registration.

Crafting a Worthwhile Webinar Experience

Graduate program candidates are already busy with careers, families, and other responsibilities. Ensuring they register for an engaging and worthwhile webinar experience is crucial to their continued interest and the success of your strategy.

• Invest in reliable software and provide clear instructions to participants before, during, and after the webinar.
• Encourage their participation through polls, breakout rooms, and Q&A sessions, and be prepared to address any technical issues that may arise.
• Most importantly, remember to follow up with attendees after the webinar and offer no-shows a recorded version of the webinar. This continued engagement nurtures relationships, builds relationships, and provides additional resources to keep them engaged.

By harnessing the power of webinars, your team can elevate its recruitment efforts, connect with a wider pool of talented applicants, and contribute to building a diverse, dynamic, and engaged student body.

Let’s chat about how we can help your graduate programs soar to new heights.

BY Anthony Campisi | November 30th, 2024

Showcasing ROI: Effective Ways to Communicate the Value of Graduate Degrees

Convincing already-busy graduate program candidates to invest their precious time and hard-earned money into your programs can be an uphill climb. With rising costs of living and a market crowded with MBA programs, candidates are more value-conscious than ever. Communicating your programs’ ROI requires more than just throwing salary statistics around (although they help!). Today’s prospective grad students need a full picture of a program’s value that resonates personally with their goals, values, and lifestyles.

Let’s Talk Numbers

Concrete comparisons can help prospective grad students visualize their financial return. Many programs also forget about non-salary ROI points. Career mobility, program flexibility, and professional networking are huge selling points.

• Instead of leading with data points like “Our graduates earn X% more than someone without an MBA,” break it down into tangible terms. For example, “The average salary increase our graduates see within two years could cover their entire tuition investment.”
• Highlight non-salary data points like higher job satisfaction, an increase in leadership roles, and more workplace autonomy.
• Showcase value, but also be honest about the investment required. Consider creating a comprehensive cost breakdown that includes often-overlooked factors like networking opportunities, career services access, industry partnerships, and alumni association benefits.

Create “Day in the Life” Content

Share video snippets or blog posts featuring recent graduates in their new roles. Show them using the hard skills from your program in real-world situations or feature their network connections. Bonus points if you can highlight graduates who made interesting career pivots or started their dream business. Include a wide array of diverse student backgrounds and life circumstances to showcase your program’s versatility.

Leverage Your Alumni Network

Start a “Success Spotlight” series on your website or social media pages where alumni share their career trajectories post-graduation. Include specific examples of how the degree opened doors, accelerated their progress, or taught them the hard skills they need to be a better leader.

Segment ROI Messaging

Pay careful attention to where your applicants or candidates are in the enrollment cycle. Early-career prospects might care more about salary jumps and promotion potential, while mid-career professionals might be more interested in leadership development, industry transition opportunities, or entrepreneurship.

The best ROI messages for graduate candidates aren’t just about what students will get – it’s helping them see who they will become. Focus on telling a complete, personalized story – both quantitative and qualitative – to prospects, and you’ll develop closer relationships with candidates, help them see themselves at your university, and create a more compelling case for the overall value of a graduate education. ROI messages aren’t just about what students will get – they’re about helping them see who they’ll become.

Let’s chat about how we can help you take your graduate enrollment strategy to the next level.

BY Anthony Campisi | November 14th, 2024

Leveraging Graduate Program Partnerships to Boost Enrollment

Let’s face it – maintaining strong enrollment numbers for graduate programs isn’t getting any easier. Building industry partnerships is one of the most powerful (yet often underutilized) strategies. With these tips, your enrollment team can build relationships with industry experts and turn them into graduate program partnerships that create a steady stream of qualified candidates.

Why Industry Partnerships Matter Now More Than Ever

Companies are constantly looking for ways to develop their talent pool, and your graduate programs need qualified candidates who will succeed in the classroom and advance their careers. Companies get access to a pipeline of talented professionals, and your programs gain credibility and visibility. With the right industry partnerships, everyone wins. Plus, strong partnerships often lead to concrete benefits like tuition reimbursement programs, real-world projects for your candidates’ resumes, and interview opportunities for graduates.

Starting with Your Best Asset: Your Alumni

Your alumni network is an enrollment team’s most valuable asset. Graduates already know the value of the program and currently hold leadership positions within their organizations.

• Rather than cold-calling local companies, start by reaching out to your most outstanding alumni through LinkedIn or your alumni office.
• Create regular opportunities for networking at events where partnership development is already a natural part of the conversation.

Finding the Right Partners

Not all partnerships are created equal, and that’s okay. Focus your efforts on corporate organizations and nonprofits that make sense for your program.

• Look for companies that have hired your graduates in the past, maintain solid professional development budgets, and align with your program’s strengths.
• For example: If your programs have a strong finance track, target financial institutions. If your program is known for community service and leadership, connect with successful nonprofits.

Making the Partnership Work for Everyone

The key to successful partnerships is customization. Some companies might want custom executive education programs, while others are more interested in research collaboration. When companies get a customized learning experience for their employees, you’ll build a long-lasting, trusted relationship, while your programs get a guaranteed stream of qualified, motivated candidates.

Turning Partnerships into Enrollment

Once your programs have established partnerships, market them effectively and make them as visible as possible to your graduate program candidates.

• Share success stories of corporate participants who’ve advanced in their careers, gained leadership roles, or increased their salaries.
• Create content that showcases joint research initiatives and consulting projects. Short video clips are always compelling!

Making it Easy for Partner Employees

The best way to develop an array of industry partnerships is to make the process as easy as possible for both the business organization and the incoming graduate program candidate.

• Consider creating a dedicated admissions pathway with application fee waivers, special information sessions or webinars, or expedited admission procedures.

The Long Game for Graduate Program Partnerships

Building strong industry partnerships isn’t a quick fix – it’s a long-term strategy that requires patience and ongoing attention. But it pays off time and time again! Programs that invest in building and maintaining these relationships now will find themselves with a significant competitive advantage. Plus, you’re creating real value for both your students and your corporate partners. Start small, be authentic, and focus on building relationships that make sense for your program. Treat your partners like the valuable allies they are, not just as a source of students. Before you know it, you’ll have created a sustainable pipeline of qualified candidates who are ready to succeed in your program and beyond.

Ready to talk about graduate program enrollment? We’re here to listen!

BY Anthony Campisi | October 29th, 2024

Understanding the Graduate Program Enrollment Cycle

Choosing to enroll in a graduate program is a significant decision that can take time. The graduate program enrollment cycle varies for different degrees, and prospective students often spend years considering their options. Understanding these typical enrollment cycles can help institutions tailor their outreach strategies effectively. Let’s break down the average lead cycle times for various graduate programs, from the shortest to the longest.

1-Year Master’s Programs (Post-Undergraduate)

For one-year master’s programs, such as those in fields like education or business, prospective students typically have a decision window of 1 to 2 years. These candidates may be driven seniors eager to enhance their undergraduate degrees or motivated juniors planning ahead. If a student has been in your funnel for over two years, it’s beneficial to reach out and gauge their interest.

MBA Programs

The average lead cycle time for MBA candidates is around 2 to 3 years. Many early-career professionals realize after a few years in the workforce that they need to pivot their careers or gain broader perspectives to advance into leadership roles. Preparing for admissions tests and selecting the right program can extend this timeline. Once they register for the GMAT, schools have less than 2 years to connect, as they will be targeted by multiple institutions.

EMBA and Global EMBA Programs

Prospective students for Executive MBA (EMBA) and Global EMBA programs often take much longer—up to 5 to 7 years to make their decision. Many individuals in this demographic are busy professionals balancing career and personal life while contemplating further education. For global programs that require travel, the logistical challenges can delay their commitment even further. It’s essential to nurture these leads over time, addressing their concerns and staying top-of-mind throughout the graduate program enrollment cycle.

Executive Education

For professionals at all career stages, Executive Education programs offer immediate learning opportunities. These candidates might need to fill specific knowledge gaps or pursue ongoing education. Timeliness and relevance are crucial for this audience; when they are ready to enroll, your program needs to be their first choice.

Online Education

Prospective online students typically fall into two categories: those who need a degree quickly to advance in their careers, and those who seek flexibility and have more time to decide. With the rise of online programs and alternative educational resources, it’s vital to give these students the space to explore their options without pressure during the graduate program enrollment cycle.

Take Advantage of Graduate Program Enrollment Cycle

Understanding the varying lead times within the enrollment cycle for different graduate programs can enhance your engagement strategies. Whether you’re reaching out to one-year master’s candidates or EMBA prospects, knowing where they are in their decision-making process allows for more effective communication. For tailored strategies on engaging with prospective students, contact GPRS today.

BY Anthony Campisi | August 28th, 2024

Understanding and Addressing the Concerns of Gen Z Applicants

Generation Z students, who were born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, now represent most graduate school applicants. The following insights and techniques can help guide your team across the changing landscape and ensure your graduate programs attract and truly resonate with this unique cohort. By understanding and addressing the enrollment concerns of Gen Z applicants, you position your school for success, and prepare your students to meet their goals.

Digital Natives Demand Digital Excellence

Gen Z has never known a world without the internet, smartphones, or social media. They expect seamless digital experiences in every aspect of their lives – including their enrollment journey. Your online presence, from your website to your application process, must be intuitive, mobile-friendly, and efficient.

• Put It into Practice: Conduct a comprehensive audit of your digital channels. Streamline your online application, ensure your website is responsive for all devices, and consider implementing chatbots for instant answers to common questions.

Authenticity and Transparency Are Non-Negotiable

Having grown up in an era of influencers and targeted advertising, Gen Z has a finely tuned radar for authenticity. They value transparency and are quick to dismiss institutions or marketing materials that appear disingenuous.

• Put It into Practice: Showcase real student stories and unfiltered campus experiences across your marketing materials. Host virtual “Day in the Life” sessions with vetted current students, giving prospects an honest look at life at your institution.

Career Outcomes Take Center Stage

With rising education costs and an ever-competitive job market, Gen Z is intensely focused on the ROI of their graduate education. From start to finish of their enrollment experience, they want concrete evidence that your program will lead to tangible career advancement.

• Put It into Practice: Highlight specific career outcomes, internship data, and job placement rates prominently in your marketing materials. Create a robust alumni network and mentorship program, allowing prospective students to connect directly with successful graduates who are living out their desired outcomes.

Flexibility Is Key

Gen Z values work-life balance and seeks flexibility in their educational pursuits. They’re interested in programs that can adapt to their lifestyle, whether that means part-time options, online courses, or accelerated degree and certificate paths.

• Put It into Practice: If you haven’t already, consider developing hybrid or fully online versions of your graduate programs. Emphasize any flexible options in your marketing materials and be prepared to discuss how your programs can accommodate non-traditional student needs.

Diversity Matters

As the most diverse generation in history, Gen Z expects to see a genuine commitment to diversity from the institutions they consider. They want to know that your campus is truly a welcoming space for every student.

• Put It into Practice: Go beyond surface-level diversity statements. Showcase your institution’s concrete diversity initiatives, highlight diverse student success stories in your marketing materials, and be transparent about areas where you’re still working to improve.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Gen Z is deeply concerned about environmental issues and social justice. They want to align themselves with institutions that share these values and are taking action to make a positive impact on the world.

• Put It into Practice: Highlight your institution’s sustainability efforts and community engagement initiatives. If possible, integrate social responsibility components into your graduate programs, allowing students to make a real-world impact as part of their studies.

Let’s work together to turn Gen Z’s unique perspectives and aspirations into your enrollment success story. We can help you fine-tune your marketing strategies to attract Gen Z applicants, as well as help create an atmosphere where they can thrive. Let’s chat!

BY Anthony Campisi | June 13th, 2024

Grad School Paid Social Media Strategies and Best Practices

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X:  Stand out in those competitive online spaces using our grad school paid social media strategies and best practices.

Social media platforms have become household names themselves in recent years – and that’s good news for graduate schools looking to reach their target audiences effectively. By leveraging paid ads on various social media channels, graduate schools can build brand awareness and expand their audience in an efficient and cost-effective way.

So, let’s explore some of the top paid social media strategies and best practices for graduate schools like yours so you can leverage social media marketing better.

Know which social media channels to use and when

Not all social media platforms are created equal.

It’s important to know which ones to use and when. For example, Facebook skews towards a slightly older audience compared to newer channels like TikTok, meaning it may be more of an appropriate platform for reaching prospective graduate school students. However, channels like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram can be great for certain types of video content like alumni testimonials and student success story videos, which is something grad schools need to keep in mind too.

Ultimately, it’s very important for grad schools to understand their specific audience, goals, and content strategy first before deciding which channel to advertise on. By having a better grasp of these details, you’ll be able to target your ad budget and content more effectively.

Leverage video content

Social media platforms lend themselves well to video content, including paid and promoted ads.

Video testimonials, success stories, campus tours, staff interviews, and admissions guides are just a few ideas to consider for paid video content on social media. Using them can go a long way towards achieving your goals and hitting your KPIs efficiently.

Use the “three-second rule” for videos

When employing video ads, however, it’s important to keep in mind the “three-second rule” for them. That is, the first three seconds are the most important for capturing and keeping your audience’s attention. Bear this in mind when creating any type of video ads, as they’ll need to be engaging, interesting, and relevant to your target audience within the opening few seconds to be as effective as possible.

Match your ads to marketing funnel stages

One of the many advantages of paid ads on social media is that they can easily be tailored to a specific stage of your marketing funnel.

For example, if your institution is focused on building brand awareness, ads can easily be created to catch users’ attention and promote relevant content to grow your audience. On the other hand, if you’re focused more on conversions, content like admissions guides and video testimonials can also be advertised and promoted. By crafting your content and messaging for specific funnel stages, you can cover all of your bases and employ a number of flexible strategies that can build your brand awareness, incentivize consideration, or boost conversions cost-effectively.

Test and optimize constantly

Finally, always remember to test and optimize.

If an ad campaign fails to deliver, look at the data carefully and adjust your messaging, content, budget, and target audience rather than just thinking that channel doesn’t work for you. Gleaning insights from your data and optimizing your ad campaigns as you go along is a great way to both get the best bang for your buck when it comes to your budget and hit your marketing goals successfully.

Use paid social ads today for success

Paid social media advertising can be a powerful marketing tool for graduate schools – if done correctly. By using these actionable strategies and best practices, your institution can better reach its target audience and achieve its goals in a cost-effective manner. Contact GPRS today to learn more.

BY Anthony Campisi | April 30th, 2024

How to Differentiate Your MBA Program

In a post-pandemic world, MBA program enrollment competition is fierce. To stand out among your competitors and meet your enrollment goals, you must have a bulletproof value proposition that is fully integrated into your content marketing strategies. Your institution’s value proposition, however, may not always fit the bill for adult learners who have busy schedules, prioritize flexibility, and value clear, tangible career outcomes. A combination of storytelling and data-driven strategy can help you differentiate your MBA program and institution, address the specific challenges of your prospective students, and exceed your enrollment goals.

Share your student success stories to differentiate your MBA program

Graduate success stories can help prospective students visualize themselves achieving the same or similar accomplishments by completing your program. This approach leaves prospects with a positive impression of the student experience, helps them justify the cost-to-benefit ratio, and can make your program stand out among your competitors’ generic marketing materials. You can help connect prospects with graduate outcomes through:

• Website, direct mail, and social media testimonials that celebrate graduate success stories, new titles or roles, and other professional achievements.
• Recruitment event Q&A sessions where prospects can ask graduates candid questions about their program experiences, their employability after graduation, and why they chose this specific program among a sea of competitors.

Graduates who have been asked to share their positive program experiences are also more likely to re-share their feature stories through their social media channels, are more willing to connect with prospects organically, and often feel honored to be asked to participate. It’s a win-win for everyone and can differentiate your MBA program!

Make sure your strategy is data informed

While student success stories foster emotional connections with your prospects, it’s equally as important that your strategy and brand story are also driven by data – especially in a hyper-competitive market with rising costs and waning budgets. It’s crucial to elevate your program’s specific skills, knowledge, and outcomes, of course, but applying sophisticated data analysis to your enrollment strategy can take your brand value a level above the competition. A data-informed marketing strategy can:

• Highlight your program’s ROI through data points that directly address an adult learner’s unique needs, wants, and concerns.
• Elevate your engagement and conversion rates while tailoring your efforts to prospects’ individual needs through personalization and timing.
• Give you a competitive advantage over programs that aren’t as familiar with the specific needs of your prospective students.
• Help your marketing efforts remain nimble throughout the cycle by providing real-time feedback about your current results compared to historical data.
• Enable you to measure the effectiveness of your current marketing strategies and set realistic goals for the enrollment year and beyond.

Aligning your enrollment strategy with current market trends and data-informed goals drives engagement, produces results, keeps your budget in check, and helps your program’s unique value stand out.

Are you ready to differentiate your MBA program and optimize your enrollment strategy? Contact GPRS today and we can help you leverage our resources and experience.