Making students more marketable

It’s no secret that higher education institutions strive to offer the best resources, technology, and learning to their students. Students’ success is what drives the mission and the future of the institution. That’s why many are looking for ways to stay even more relevant in the eyes of their students and potential students, and competitive against other colleges and universities. With the goal of highly marketable and prepared future employees in sight, higher education organizations are ramping up their programs with real world experiences. 

Putting student support to practice

In the field of finance and investments, Student Managed Investment Funds or Clubs are an example of how to give students real-life experience working on an investment portfolio. This may help give them an advantage when applying for an internship or a job after graduation.

According to the FY21 NACUBO Study of Endowments,* 33% of universities and colleges offer such funds managed by students, which have a median size anywhere from $300,000 to over $2 million, depending on the endowment size.  In another study conducted in 2022 by AGB (Association of Governing Boards for Universities and Colleges), 92% of investment providers that helped with these student managed funds were OCIOs (Outsourced Chief Investment Officers).

How are organizations making their students more marketable in a job situation? 

1. Increase touch points with key subject matter experts and mentors. This can mean extra office hours with relevant staff or exposure to industry experts live in the field. The more conversations and working examples the students take part of can help set them up for what to expect in the real world. 
2. Internships. Real-life experience speak volumes to potential employers. Partner with organizations who offer active recruitment for your students. Promote career fairs and offer resources of career opportunities on your website.
3. Lab work and research. Practice makes perfect. Helping your students become familiar with their future career field is key. Well informed and well trained students can feel more confident entering the workforce. 

Taking steps to better your students is an important investment.

After all, your school's greatest assets are your students. As a committed strategic partner to our college and university clients, we have an interest in providing opportunities to your students and helping them succeed overall. 

*2021 “NACUBO-TIAA Study of Endowments” where 720 college and university endowments that participated.
^2021 “AGB AND SEI 2022 Study on OPERATIONS AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES OF INSTITUTIONALLY RELATED FOUNDATIONS” surveyed 130 institutionally related foundations (IRFs).