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!
