UNIVERSUM STUDENT SURVEY 2013 University Report | Middle East Edition American University of Beirut | Business/Commerce WWW.UNIVERSUMGLOBAL.COM 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 2 About Universum With over 25 years of experience researching the field of employer branding, Universum is a recognised world leader with tried and tested frameworks. Universum annually conducts quantitative and qualitative research with over 400.000 talented individuals to gather insights into their career preferences, communication habits and their perception of potential employers. Universum’s unique global reach ensures the comparability of research results across markets. We partner with more than 1.700 of the top academic institutions in the world. Universum is the thought leader in employer branding, with local experts in research, consulting and communication solutions, offering high-quality insights. For our clients around the world, Universum is a trusted partner providing solutions and services to develop, improve and implement tailored employer branding strategies. Universum employs smart, friendly and professional experts and consultants, who work with our clients in long-term partnerships. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 3 Our clients and media partners Some of the world’s most attractive employers Some of the world’s most trusted publishers 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 4 What we cover in the report 6. APPENDIX 1. KEY BACKGROUND DATA Additional data on topics covered in previous sections. An overview of the groups covered in this report and presents key background information about the samples. 2. CAREER PREFERENCES 5. SUMMARY A summary of the core findings of the report. These slides can be shared with key stakeholders within the university as well as with external partners to provide a quick, visual overview of the career profile of your students. Find out the career preferences of your students in comparison to the total group. You will also see some trends that have developed over time. This information illustrates what separates your students from those at other universities and in which aspects their educational background from American University of Beirut has made them unique. 4. UNIVERSITY PERCEPTION 3. EMPLOYER PREFERENCES Get feedback from your students on their satisfaction with various aspects of their studies, benchmarking the results against the total group. The data illustrates what students find unique about their current university. Understand the employer preferences of your students in comparison to the total group. The data suggests which employers your students would like to meet on campus, or alternatively which employers have been most successful in becoming attractive towards your students over the years. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 5 Table of contents APPENDIX SUMMARY UNIVERSITY PERCEPTION KEY BACKGROUND DATA CAREER PREFERENCES EMPLOYER PREFERENCES KEY BACKGROUND DATA An overview of the groups covered in this report and presents key background information about the samples. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 6 Groups in this report Field period: April to August 2013 Global Middle East Your university 400 000+ 1 053 182 Students participate annually in Universum’s global career research. Participating students from 12 educational institutions in Middle East. Throughout the report, this group is referred to as “All universities”. Participating students from your university. Throughout the report, this group is referred to as ”American University of Beirut”. The comparisons in this report are based on: Business/Commerce University reports can be based on the total number of respondents from all main fields of study, or may be specific to a main field of study. This particular report is specific to: Business/Commerce. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 7 About the Universum Student Survey and the target group METHODOLOGY THIS REPORT THE QUESTIONNAIRE Created based on 25 years of experience, extensive research within HR, focus groups and communication with both our clients and students. Global perspective - local insight. 12 Educational institutions DATA COLLECTION Conducted via an exclusive survey, distributed via university contacts, the Universum Panel and local partners. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS In order to provide our clients with reliable data we set targets per main field of study and educational institution to reflect the actual distribution of students. Weighting is used to compensate for discrepancies from the targets. 30% 70% 1 053 all business/commerce students in the survey FIELD PERIOD April to August 2013 Total number of respondents in the survey 4 085 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 8 Degree 91% Bachelor's 91% 8% Master's (non-MBA) 5% 1% PhD 1% 1% Other 3% American University of Beirut All universities • What is the highest academic degree you are currently pursuing? 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 9 Areas of study | Business Area of study Finance Business Administration Marketing Accounting/Auditing/Taxation Economics Management Human Resources Management Entrepreneurship Information Management • What is your major(s)/main area(s) of study? American University of Beirut 39% 27% 20% 18% 16% 15% 10% 9% 4% All universities 25% 26% 18% 23% 19% 20% 16% 5% 8% 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 10 Target group | Students’ characteristics American University of Beirut All universities Average age (years): Average age (years): 19,7 21,9 Average academic performance: Average academic performance: 7,8 43% 57% out of 10 7,6 30% 70% out of 10 Year of graduation: 44% Year of graduation: 35% 36% 28% 22% 11% 11% 8% 2013 2013 2014 2015 2016 3% 1% 2017 2018 or later 1% 2017 2014 2015 2016 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 11 Table of contents APPENDIX SUMMARY UNIVERSITY PERCEPTION KEY BACKGROUND DATA CAREER PREFERENCES EMPLOYER PREFERENCES CAREER PREFERENCES Find out the career preferences of your students in comparison to the total group. You will also see some trends that have developed over time. This information illustrates what separates your students from those at other universities and in which aspects their educational background from American University of Beirut has made them unique. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 12 Expected monthly salary American University of Beirut 1 244 EUR Total • What is your expected salary before taxes (excluding commission and bonus) at your first employment after graduation? All universities 1 686 EUR 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 13 Expected monthly salary American University of Beirut 1 159 EUR Female 1 365 EUR Male • What is your expected salary before taxes (excluding commission and bonus) at your first employment after graduation? • What is your gender? 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 14 Expected monthly salary All universities 1 405 EUR Female 1 828 EUR Male • What is your expected salary before taxes (excluding commission and bonus) at your first employment after graduation? • What is your gender? 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 15 Career goals 45% 45% To be entrepreneurial or creative/innovative 44% 41% To have an international career 43% 42% To have work/life balance 36% To be a leader or manager of people 40% 36% To be competitively or intellectually challenged 30% 30% To be dedicated to a cause or to feel that I am serving a greater good 25% 26% 30% To be secure or stable in my job 12% 14% To be autonomous or independent To be a technical or functional expert American University of Beirut 9% 11% • Below is a list of nine possible career goals. Which are most important to you? Please select a maximum of three alternatives. All universities 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 16 The Universum Drivers of Employer Attractiveness EMPLOYER REPUTATION & IMAGE The attributes of the employer as an organisation • Attractive/exciting products and services • Corporate Social Responsibility • Environmental sustainability • Ethical standards • Fast-growing/entrepreneurial • Financial strength • Innovation • Inspiring management • Market success • Prestige PEOPLE & CULTURE The social environment and attributes of the workplace • A creative and dynamic work environment • A friendly work environment • Acceptance towards minorities • Enabling me to integrate personal interests in my schedule • Interaction with international clients and colleagues • Leaders who will support my development • Recognising performance (meritocracy) • Recruiting only the best talent • Respect for its people • Support for gender equality JOB CHARACTERISTICS The contents and demands of the job, including the learning opportunities provided by the job • Challenging work • Client interaction • Control over my number of working hours • Flexible working conditions • High level of responsibility • Opportunities for international travel/relocation • Professional training and development • Secure employment • Team-oriented work • Variety of assignments REMUNERATION & ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES The monetary compensation and other benefits, now and in the future • Clear path for advancement • Competitive base salary • Competitive benefits • Good reference for future career • High future earnings • Leadership opportunities • Overtime pay/compensation • Performance-related bonus • Rapid promotion • Sponsorship of future education • This framework has been developed by Universum and is based on specific research within HR, as well as focus groups and general communication with both our clients and students. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 17 Students’ top 10 preferences American University of Beirut All universities 1. development Professional training and development 1. A friendly work environment training and A friendly work environment 2. A creative and dynamic work environment 2. development Professional training and development dynamic work environment Professional training and who will support my development Respect for its people will support 3. myLeaders development Respect for its 3. people 4. High future earnings 4. A creative and dynamic work environment h future earnings A creative and dynamic work environment 5. Leadership opportunities who will support my development rship opportunities Leaders who will support 5. myLeaders development 6. Market success 6. Leadership opportunities arket success Leadership opportunities Respect for its people 7. Good reference for future career pect for its 7. people Good reference for future career 8. Opportunities for international travel/relocation 8. Innovation international travel/relocation Innovation 9. Innovation 9. Market success Innovation Market success 10. Recognising performance (meritocracy) 10. Secure employment performance (meritocracy) Secure employment Employer Reputation & Image Job Characteristics People & Culture Remuneration & Advancement Opportunities • How would you rate the relative importance of these aspects when choosing your Ideal Employer? Please divide 100 points between the alternatives in accordance with importance. • Which attributes do you perceive as the most attractive? Please select a maximum of three alternatives. • This table shows the most attractive of the 40 attributes, taking into account the overall importance of the driver categories to the students. This analysis gives a summarised 360 degree view of what influences employer attractiveness. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 18 Table of contents APPENDIX SUMMARY UNIVERSITY PERCEPTION KEY BACKGROUND DATA CAREER PREFERENCES EMPLOYER PREFERENCES EMPLOYER PREFERENCES Understand the employer preferences of your students in comparison to the total group. The data suggests which employers your students would like to meet on campus, or alternatively which employers have been most successful in becoming attractive towards your students over the years. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 19 Most preferred industries 45% Management and Strategy Consulting 35% 30% Banks 41% 30% Media and Advertising 16% 25% 26% Auditing and Accounting 18% Fashion, Accessories and Luxury Goods Fast Moving Consumer Goods 12% 14% 6% Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)/Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) 11% 7% 10% 14% Public Sector and Governmental Agencies 10% 7% Real Estate Transportation and Logistics 8% 3% American University of Beirut All universities • In which industry would you ideally want to work when choosing your first employment after graduation? Please select a maximum of three alternatives. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 20 Ideal Employer Ranking | Top 20 American University of Beirut | Business/Commerce Employer Google Ernst & Young Booz & Company Nestlé Procter & Gamble Deloitte McKinsey & Company The Boston Consulting Group Johnson & Johnson PwC Rank Percent Employer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 31,21% 26,75% 23,57% 21,66% 20,38% 19,75% 18,47% 14,65% 14,01% 14,01% The Coca-Cola Company J.P. Morgan HSBC L'Oréal Unilever Azadea Group Microsoft PepsiCo Bain & Company BLOM Bank • Please select five employers from the list below for which you would most like to work - your five Ideal Employers Rank Percent 11 12 13 13 15 16 17 17 19 19 13,38% 12,10% 11,46% 11,46% 8,28% 7,64% 7,01% 7,01% 5,73% 5,73% 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 21 Potential Applicants’ Ranking | Top 10 American University of Beirut | Business/Commerce Employer Ernst & Young Deloitte Booz & Company Google Nestlé Procter & Gamble McKinsey & Company The Boston Consulting Group L'Oréal HSBC Rank Percent 1 2 3 4 4 4 7 8 9 10 7,42% 7,14% 5,49% 5,22% 5,22% 5,22% 4,40% 4,12% 3,85% 3,57% • Please select five employers from the list below for which you would most like to work - your five Ideal Employers • Have you or will you apply to these employers? 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 22 Actual communication channels | Top 10 54% Career fairs 39% 40% 37% Employer websites 37% Social networks/communities 41% 26% 23% Employer presentations on campus 23% University press & student organisation publications TV advertisements Professional networks/communities Lectures/case studies as part of curriculum Advertisements in business magazines Recruitment brochures 28% 20% 29% 20% 28% 19% 27% 18% 25% 15% 19% • Through which channels have you learnt about these employers? Please select as many alternatives as applicable. American University of Beirut All universities 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 23 Table of contents APPENDIX SUMMARY UNIVERSITY PERCEPTION KEY BACKGROUND DATA CAREER PREFERENCES EMPLOYER PREFERENCES UNIVERSITY PERCEPTION Get feedback from your students on their satisfaction with various aspects of their studies, benchmarking the results against the total group. The data illustrates what students find unique about their current university. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 24 Career Services | Usage American University of Beirut All universities 40% 41% 59% 60% Yes No • Have you used the career services office at your college or university? Yes No 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 25 Career Services | Feedback 28% Average satisfaction: 27% American University of Beirut 20% 12% 13% 13% 7,1 12% 12% All universities 11% 10% 8% 7% 6,7 7% 5% 3% 3% 3% 3% American University of Beirut 2% 1 2 3 4 5 6 POOR • How would you rate the career services offered at your college or university? 7 8 9 10 EXCELLENT All universities 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 26 Career Services | Importance American University of Beirut Career / job / internship fairs 68% Personality or skills testing to better understand my career direction 44% Company database with job and internship postings 42% General help with job/internship search and CV/interview preparation 35% Help with my career exploration and goals 31% Workshops (eg. resume writing, interviewing) Online career advising Employer presentations Virtual career fairs/meet-ups with employers • Which of these career services are most important to you? 25% 15% 14% 12% Online On campus events Personal counselling 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 27 Career Services | Importance All universities Career / job / internship fairs 55% Personality or skills testing to better understand my career direction 41% Company database with job and internship postings 36% General help with job/internship search and CV/interview preparation 33% Help with my career exploration and goals 30% Online career advising 29% Online Workshops (eg. resume writing, interviewing) 29% On campus events Virtual career fairs/meet-ups with employers Employer presentations • Which of these career services are most important to you? 20% 19% Personal counselling 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 28 Factors affecting university choice Prospects for future employment Prestige/reputation 70% 44% Learning environment and educational facilities 57% Advice from family 40% 38% Social environment and recreational activities 39% 41% 67% 37% 35% Opportunities for international travel and study abroad 32% 30% Advice from current students and/or alumni 28% 24% Proximity to home/family 17% 23% Offered me a scholarship or financial aid 16% Costs (e.g. tuition, living expenses, accommodation etc.) 9% Offered a specific program or field of study Other 77% 60% 3% 4% Which of the following were the most integral factors in choosing your college or university? 31% 33% American University of Beirut All universities 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 29 If students could begin their studies again | Preferred universities American University of Beirut University Foreign college or university Lebanese American University Rank Percent 1 2 37% 2% 60% of your students would choose American University of Beirut if they made the choice again. 40% would choose another university. The most preferred are presented in the table. • If you could begin your studies again at any college or university, which would you choose? 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce If students could begin their studies again | Current college or university King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals 79% American University of Beirut 60% Lebanese American University 54% American University of Cairo 44% King Saud University 43% American University of Kuwait 40% Arab Open University Kuwait 39% Other 9% • If you could begin your studies again at any college or university, which would you choose? The table presents universities with the highest percentage of their students selecting “Current college or university” in this question 30 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 31 Most attractive university attributes Good reputation among employers 46% High employment among graduates 48% 45% 24% 23% Interesting courses 22% Inspiring professors/lecturers 14% 16% Good contacts with the employers in my field Top quality of service facilities (e.g. libraries, dorms, fitness facilities) 14% 15% 11% 15% Organises a variety of social activities for students Practical curriculum • Which attributes do you perceive as the most attractive? 28% 19% 23% Opportunities for international study/experience Appropriate ratio of students per professor/lecturer 54% 39% Provides the skills and knowledge for which employers are looking 55% 7% 13% 7% 9% American University of Beirut All universities 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 32 Top of mind association American University of Beirut • Please write the first word that comes to mind when thinking of your college or university. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 33 University recommendations Average score: 31% 27% American University of Beirut 25% 22% 8,3 19% 18% All universities 7,6 11% 9% 7% 7% 7% 5% 4% 3% American University of Beirut 3% 1% 1 VERY UNLIKELY 1% 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 VERY LIKELY • Based on your experiences, how likely would you be to recommend your college or university to a friend or family member? All universities 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 34 Table of contents APPENDIX SUMMARY UNIVERSITY PERCEPTION KEY BACKGROUND DATA CAREER PREFERENCES EMPLOYER PREFERENCES SUMMARY A summary of the core findings of the report. These slides can be shared with key stakeholders within the university as well as with external partners to provide a quick, visual overview of the career profile of your students. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 35 Quick facts about student’s career preferences American University of Beirut Top 3 most used communication channels: Average age (years): • Career fairs 19,7 • Employer websites • Social networks/communities Top 3 career profiles: Top 3 industries: • Leader • Management and Strategy Consulting • Entrepreneur • Banks • Idealist 43% 57% • Media and Advertising Top 5 most attractive attributes: Average expected monthly salary: 1 244 EUR Top 3 career goals: • To be entrepreneurial or creative/innovative • To have an international career • To have work/life balance • Professional training and development (Job Characteristics) • A creative and dynamic work environment (People & Culture) • Leaders who will support my development (People & Culture) • High future earnings (Remuneration & Advancement Opportunities) • Leadership opportunities (Remuneration & Advancement Opportunities) This is an extract from a University Report based on the results of Universum Student Survey 2013. Please visit www.universumglobal.com for more information about Universum and our global research. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 36 Quick facts about student’s career preferences All universities Top 3 most used communication channels: Average age (years): • Social networks/communities 21,9 • Career fairs • Employer websites Top 3 career profiles: Top 3 industries: • Leader • Banks • Entrepreneur • Management and Strategy Consulting • Idealist 30% 70% • Auditing and Accounting Top 5 most attractive attributes: Average expected monthly salary: 1 686 EUR • A friendly work environment (People & Culture) • Professional training and development (Job Characteristics) • Respect for its people (People & Culture) Top 3 career goals: • To be entrepreneurial or creative/innovative • To have work/life balance • A creative and dynamic work environment (People & Culture) • Leaders who will support my development (People & Culture) • To have an international career This is an extract from a University Report based on the results of Universum Student Survey 2013. Please visit www.universumglobal.com for more information about Universum and our global research. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 37 Table of contents APPENDIX SUMMARY UNIVERSITY PERCEPTION APPENDIX Additional data on topics covered in previous sections. KEY BACKGROUND DATA CAREER PREFERENCES EMPLOYER PREFERENCES 38 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce APPENDIX RESEARCH BACKGROUND QUESTIONS PREFERRED EMPLOYERS CAREER PROFILES 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 39 All universities (1/1) University King Saud University Arab Open University Kuwait Lebanese American University American University of Cairo American University of Beirut German University in Cairo American University of Kuwait • Which educational institution do you attend? Total 37,11% 12,73% 10,91% 10,76% 5,82% 4,01% 3,23% University Total King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals University of Qatar College of the North Atlantic, Qatar Arab Open University Saudi Arabia King Abdulaziz University Other 2,89% 2,78% 2,36% 2,29% 1,99% 3,14% The group “All universities” is represented by the sample of students from these universities with the respective number of respondents in percentages covered in this report . These respondent percentages are weighted according to the actual population of students at these universities. 40 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce APPENDIX RESEARCH BACKGROUND QUESTIONS PREFERRED EMPLOYERS CAREER PROFILES 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 41 Ideal Employer Ranking | Top 10 American University of Beirut | Business/Commerce All universities | Business/Commerce 1. Google (31,21%) 1. Google (32,01%) 2. Ernst & Young (26,75%) 2. Saudi Aramco (22,81%) 3. Booz & Company (23,57%) 3. SABIC (13,85%) 4. Nestlé (21,66%) 4. Microsoft (11,61%) 5. Procter & Gamble (20,38%) 5. Procter & Gamble (11,56%) 6. Deloitte (19,75%) 6. Zain (9,20%) 7. McKinsey & Company (18,47%) 7. Ernst & Young (8,98%) 8. The Boston Consulting Group (14,65%) 8. KPMG (8,64%) 9. Johnson & Johnson (14,01%) 9. HSBC (7,68%) 9. PwC (14,01%) 10. Nestlé (7,61%) • Please select five employers from the list below for which you would most like to work - your five Ideal Employers 42 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce APPENDIX RESEARCH BACKGROUND QUESTIONS DRIVERS OF EMPLOYER ATTRACTIVENESS PREFERRED EMPLOYERS CAREER PROFILES 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 43 Universum Career Profiles CAREERIST: A student who continuously wants to develop. This type of student wants to follow a promising career path within a prestigious and meritocratic environment. IDEALIST: A student who pursues ethical and sustainable principles and values. This student is strongly attracted to employers whose mission and vision are in line with his/her own principles and standards. ENTREPRENEUR: A student who appreciates working in an evolving environment, in which he/she can solve changing and challenging problems. INTERNATIONALIST: A student who is open-minded and prefers international surroundings. This type of student enjoys meeting new people, travelling and working abroad. HARMONISER: A student who prefers a stable work environment that is characterised by a respectful and balanced management philosophy. LEADER: A student who has an inspiring attitude and searches for jobs where he/she can apply and further develop his/her leadership skills. This student is not afraid of making decisions and taking responsibility. HUNTER: A student who focuses on monetary aspects. This student chases financially lucrative and competitive jobs. • The Universum Career Profiles are based on the attributes that students select as most important. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 44 Universum Career Profiles American University of Beirut All universities • Which attributes do you perceive as the most attractive? Please select a maximum of three alternatives. • The Universum Career Profiles are based on the attributes that students selected as attractive for their first employer. See more details in Appendix. 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 45 Universum Career Profiles 1/2 The Universum Career Profiles are based on the Universum Drivers of Employer Attractiveness. Different attribute selections produce different Career Profiles. To match a certain profile, a minimum amount of points must be reached. CAREERIST • Prestige (3) • Recruiting only the best talent (3) • Clear path for advancement (3) • Market success (1) • Professional training and development (1) • • • • Sponsorship of future education (2) Rapid promotion (3) Recognizing performance (meritocracy) (2) Good reference for future career (3) 12 out of 21 points ENTREPRENEUR • Fast-growing/entrepreneurial (3) • A creative and dynamic work environment (3) • Challenging work (1) • Variety of assignments (1) • Innovation (2) • Attractive/exciting products and services (1) 6 out of 11 points HARMONISER • Respect for its people (2) • Enabling me to integrate personal interests in my schedule (3) • Team-oriented work (1) • • • • 7 out of 15 points Secure employment (2) Control over my number of working hours (3) Flexible working conditions (3) Overtime pay/compensation (1) 2013 | Middle East | Students | Business/Commerce 46 Universum Career Profiles 2/2 HUNTER • Competitive base salary (3) • High future earnings (3) • Performance-related bonus (2) • Competitive benefits (1) • Client interaction (1) • Financial strength (1) 6 out of 11 points IDEALIST • A friendly work environment (1) • Ethical standards (3) • Corporate Social Responsibility (3) • Environmental sustainability (3) • Support for gender equality (2) • Acceptance towards minorities (2) 6 out of 14 points INTERNATIONALIST • Opportunities for international travel/relocation (3) • Interaction with international clients and colleagues (3) 6 out of 6 points LEADER • Leadership opportunities (3) • Leaders who will support my development (3) • High level of responsibility (2) • Inspiring management (2) 5 out of 10 points Introduction and background OUR APPROACH TO STRATEGIC BRANDING OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS Are your activities effectively building a strong brand? Are you satisfied with how you are perceived internally and externally? How can you improve your university website and other marketing material (ads, brochures, posters, etc)? Is your intended message being communicated effectively? How should you communicate the university/college offering to different target groups? What channels and which approaches are most effective for each group? What is important and relevant to your target groups? What makes a college/university attractive? How are you currently perceived by different target groups? What impressions do current students, employees and/or employer partners have? What are the perceived strengths and weaknesses? What should you emphasize in the communication to maximize its effectiveness? What do you need to reposition to create a desired image of your college/university? Introduction and background INFLUENCE YOUR BRAND IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ALL HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS HAVE A BRAND. Even if higher education institutions don’t actively control the brand, it exists and influences the opinions, actions and decisions of different groups. THE CORE OF THE BRAND IS THE UVP. UVP To influence the brand, universities/colleges need a Unified Value Proposition (UVP) that is attractive, true, credible, distinct and sustainable. THE BRAND HAS AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PERSPECTIVE. AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGY NEEDS A SOLID FOUNDATION. Not only does a strong brand help attract future students, employees and/or partners, it also creates an internal identity, which increases loyalty, engagement as well as cultivates brand ambassadors. It is important that the UVP is developed using in-depth research about the relevant target groups, in order to create a compelling, sustainable and effective brand. TACK SÅ MYCKET ! Julie Giraud-Avril, EMEA Senior University Relations Manager Julie.giraud-avril@universum.se +33 1 82 00 97 46 WWW.UNIVERSUMGLOBAL.COM