Beyond the Campus: 5 Lessons Higher Education Can Learn from Other Industries

What can higher education learn from the private sector? More than you might think.

At Unibuddy’s Powered by Peers conference, three former higher education professionals, Michelle Reer, Megan Lens, and Camila, shared how their experiences in other industries have changed the way they think about communication, collaboration, and the student experience.

Here are five lessons universities can take back to campus.

Make every message relevant

Michelle, who moved from university admissions into customer success, highlighted the importance of understanding people as individuals.

Just as customers have different goals and needs, students aren’t one audience. Undergraduate and graduate students, domestic and international applicants, and students at different stages of their journey all need different information.

Rather than relying on a standard message for everyone, universities should tailor communications to what matters most to each group, helping students understand the value of their education in a way that feels relevant to them.

Respect your audience’s attention

Camila, who now works in CRM at business comparison service Bionic, emphasized a simple principle: we have more information to share than our audiences have time to consume.

Every email doesn’t need another content block. Instead, start with one question: what’s the most important thing the recipient should take away, and what do you want them to do next?

Clear, focused communications make it easier for students to find the information they need and take the next step.

Think beyond individual campaigns

Student recruitment is a long journey, and students’ questions change along the way. Camila encouraged universities to think about the overall experience rather than treating each campaign as a standalone activity.

Different channels should have different jobs. Email can explain a process, SMS can deliver a timely reminder, and student communities can offer reassurance and two-way conversations.

When these channels work together, communications feel more joined up and less repetitive.

Recognize the skills you already have

Megan Lens, now a product manager in e-learning, reflected on the transferable skills she developed during her decade in higher education.

Working with limited budgets, managing competing priorities, adapting quickly, and bringing different stakeholders together are all valuable skills beyond campus.

She also encouraged professionals to set healthy boundaries, make their impact visible, and give colleagues room to learn rather than absorbing every task themselves.

Keep the human connection

Across the session, one message stood out: effective communication starts with understanding people.

Whether you’re supporting a student choosing a university or a customer making a business decision, the principles remain similar. Listen first, make information useful, and help people see the value in what you’re offering.

Want to hear more? Watch the full session from Powered by Peers.