One of the most important factors to a student when they are choosing which college to attend is their specific major of interest. While many college students do start out their freshman year being labeled "undecided", they often have a general idea of what they would like to do. Universities have separate colleges within them such as "College of Business", "College of Arts and Sciences", or College of Engineering". All of these colleges are another world within a university with different rules, expectations, and requirements. Often times, these colleges have separate social media accounts for marketing what they have to offer to prospective students. These accounts are also great for networking and keeping in touch with alumni. Social media accounts for colleges within universities are very engaging because they reach a more specified group of students and are a great way to keep students up-to-date on what is going on and what opportunities they are offered for their majors. There are some schools who do a really fantastic job with their "College of ____" social media accounts and we are going to discuss those now.
Facebook is the primary social media for ISU College of Business. Their social media is engaging and informative while also being relatable to students. A lot of the social media is student-run which gives business students many job and internship opportunities throughout social media. The example here is called "5 question Thursday" where different College of Business students are interviewed about their experience in this college. This is a fantastic way for prospective students to get a feel for the culture and experiences they can expect if they were to be a part of this college. Also, current students are given a voice through social media when they can express their opinions through videos like these which opens discussion and keeps it flowing.
This college does a great job with using Instagram to promote their brand. Their entire Instagram feed is either students doing hands-on work or animals who have been helped by this college. This approach does an excellent job of focusing on what exactly these college students are accomplishing and celebrating that accomplishment. Also, by showing the animals who have been helped by these students it makes social media users feel a lot of empathy and therefor become invested in the College of Veterinary Medicine at University of Illinois. Showcasing what students do on a day-to-day basis helps prospective students or students who are early on in their college experience get a taste of what to expect in this college. For the students in the social media posts, it is very validating and makes them feel appreciated by their college through social media.
1. Illinois State University - College of Business
2. University of Illinois - College of Veterinary Medicine
3. University of Iowa - College of Nursing
Celebrating the history of their college and what nursing students have to look forward to in their future is University of Iowa's College of Nursings approach to their Instagram page. The post to the right is celebrating the 120 year anniversary of the college by bringing back alumni of all ages. Talking about the history of the college and how far it has come is very inspirational to students. Also, alumni feel honored and connected to their alma mater when they are celebrated through social media. This approach to the College of Nursing's Instagram is a fantastic way to increase engagement and pride in not only the college but the university as a whole. Also, to prospective students who are interested in University of Iowa for nursing, posts like these give them a positive glimpse into their futures.
4. Purdue University - College of Pharmacy
Purdue University's College of Pharmacy uses their Instagram to thank their donors and alumni for all that they do. Fundraising is a huge part of every college and university. With the rising costs of college it has become even more important. Using social media as a "thank you" tool is so powerful because a simple thank you means so much to the people who have donated to the university. This marketing tactic has a huge impact on keeping alumni happy and involved, especially within their respective colleges within the university they attended. Often times, college accounts are talking about what is going on in the university currently without acknowledging all of the support they still receive from alumni who once attended. Also, when current students see posts like these they will feel grateful and it may instill in them the value of donating to their alma mater once they graduate.
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