The intern advantage: How marketing students are shaping higher ed messaging

In today’s digital age, effective marketing is crucial for higher education institutions to connect with their audience. Traditional marketing strategies often fall short in capturing the attention of digitally savvy students. However, there is a solution: experiential learning students. They offer a fresh perspective and invaluable insights into what resonates with their peers. Leveraging student interns in marketing roles not only keeps content relevant but also ensures authenticity in messaging. These interns possess a unique understanding of campus culture and student preferences. Moreover, internships in marketing and social media provide experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for real-world challenges and foster professional growth. Throughout this presentation, we will explore the benefits of integrating student marketers into higher education marketing strategies. We’ll discuss success stories from institutions that have effectively utilized student interns and address potential challenges while providing strategies for maximizing their impact. We’ll even provide a step-by-step game plan for setting up an experiential learning plan to include examples, weekly structure and other tips that led our marketing department to winning 25 marketing awards in one year — more than any other college in the state.

Presenters

• Brooke Buchanan — WVU Parkersburg
• Olivia Reeder — WVU Parkersburg