Adding staff ambassadors to your university’s engagement strategy can significantly enhance the experience for prospective students and positively impact your recruitment outcomes. Here's why:
1. Help Prospective Students Make Informed Choices
Before applying, students often have specific questions about courses, entry requirements, facilities, or career prospects. Staff ambassadors, such as academic leads, course tutors, or admissions staff; can offer detailed, accurate insights that aren’t always available on your website. This helps students choose the right course and university for their goals.
2. Build Trust and Approachability
Giving prospective students the opportunity to speak directly with staff humanises the institution and demonstrates a commitment to transparency. It reassures them (and often their parents or supporters) that they will be welcomed and supported from the start.
3. Improve Applicant Quality and Fit
When students have the chance to clarify their questions early on, they’re more likely to apply for courses that match their interests and qualifications. This can lead to better-prepared applicants, higher conversion rates, and improved retention down the line.
4. Stand Out from Other Institutions
In a competitive higher education market, personalised engagement makes a difference. Providing access to real staff members helps your institution stand out in a crowded field, especially for students comparing multiple options.
5. Identify and Remove Barriers
Conversations between staff ambassadors and prospective students often reveal common pain points or areas of confusion - whether around course structure, application steps, or funding. This insight can help inform improvements to your communications, content, and admissions journey.
6. Encourage Widening Participation
First-generation students or those from underrepresented backgrounds may be less confident navigating the university application process. Having staff available to answer their questions can make higher education feel more accessible and achievable.
7. Drive Higher Engagement and Conversion
Students who engage in meaningful conversation with staff are more likely to take the next step: whether that’s attending an open day, starting an application, or accepting an offer. Staff ambassadors play a key role in nurturing that early interest into action.
In short, adding staff ambassadors helps build trust, improves conversion, and creates a more student-friendly experience—benefiting both applicants and your institution.