Small Wins, Big Progress

Lincoln University Open Day 2021

Open Days for any educational institution are a big deal, and it’s always a challenge thinking how to convey the benefits of your own ‘place’ and its ‘potential’. Based on this year’s recent Open Day, Lincoln University reckons the key is using its ‘people’!

Case Study

Alumni Career Ambassadors initiative at Lincoln University Open Day by Jaime Shone (Domestic Engagement Manager, Lincoln University) and Penny Curran (Alumni Relations Office, Lincoln University)

When and where did this take place?

Lincoln University Open Day, Friday 23 July 2021

Who was involved? 

Lincoln University Alumni, Lincoln staff, Open Day attendees

What was the initiative or win?

‘We decided to make Open Day a little bit different and instead of the attendees just having access to academics and current students, we invited alumni who were working in specific sectors to come and speak not only about the journey they have been through to get into the sector, but also to share their experiences about being a student at Lincoln University as well. That way, both prospective students and their influencers had the opportunity to talk to someone from each part of the supply chain (current student, academic, professional staff, support staff, alumni/industry rep) in order to make an informed decision.’ Jaime 

What big progress movement has occurred because of this win? 

‘Prospective students and their influencers had a greater understanding of both careers opportunities and the student experience. The feedback we have received has been very positive and we expect to see a higher level of conversion because of this.’ Jaime

‘Our Alumni Career Ambassadors told us prospective students asked them questions about salary, work life balance, and career progression – things they wouldn’t ordinarily have the chance to chat about.‘ They enjoyed being back on campus and we got to know our ambassadors a bit better and chatted to them about what they want to have in the way of alumni events and communications.‘  Penny 

Any future impacts this change will have on your institute?

‘We hope to involve alumni as much as we can in our events both on and off campus. Their stories are so valuable’ – Jaime

‘We have now built a special alumni group – our Lincoln University Careers Ambassadors, and we’re already planning for next year’ – Penny