MEET THE NEEDS OF GEN Z AND BEYOND

HERE IS WHAT INSTITUTIONS CAN DO TO APPEAL TO AND TAP INTO A RAPIDLY EVOLVING COHORT OF INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION ASPIRANTS

UNDERSTAND INDIAN GEN Z STUDENTS’ HIGHER EDUCATION ASPIRATIONS

An increasingly complex and ever-changing Higher Education scenario demands agile, flexible higher education institutions.

Gen Z Indian students want to:

1. Pursue a career of choice 2. Gain fundamental skills 3. Make a difference in the world 4. Study a passion through Higher Education

These aspirations rank higher than aspirations that are traditionally associated with Indian Gen Z students like “High paying jobs” and “Networking”. The 10K Indian Voices survey has highlighted marked shifts in the psyche and aspirations of Indian Gen Z students. Hence, it is crucial for HEIs and universities to first understand and then cater to these changing aspirations. HEIs can take note that: 1. Focussing on application-oriented practical learning rather than theory 2. Developing skills rather than mere placements 3. Including Sustainable Development Goals in curriculum

ALL OF THESE MATTER TO INDIAN STUDENTS

While shortlisting country of choice for higher education, favourable immigration policies significantly impact and shape students’ opinion about the country, its education institutions and its regional leaders.

MEET THE NEEDS OF GEN Z AND BEYOND

EFFECTIVELY TAP INTO SOCIAL MEDIA FOR OUTREACH

Instagram is a clear winner for social media outreach. Tapping into social media to create visual, evocative and interactive forms of content (a cost-effective and efficient strategy for increasing outreach for HEIs).

Create experiential stories of students based on testimonials (to make them relatable and real for students, appeal through word of mouth, peer group sharing, alumni networks, parent testimonials).

Circulate learning content and news pieces on social media as Indian Gen Z students are using it for learning, for activism and for staying informed. Social media has moved way beyond being social and hence important for HEIs to tap into this space where students are spending 4+ hours a day (meet them where they are are most active).

RECOGNISE & ADAPT TO THE IMPACT OF COVID-19

Understand and recognise gaps in holistic learning experiences due to COVID-19 (there is a huge opportunity here). Expand student support systems for mental well-being and greater technology adoption. Reassure students that negative impact on higher education is temporary (create confidence in a combination of traditional and new learning methods).

LEVERAGE E-LEARNING & TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS

Online learning is here to stay and grow so the HEIs can explore and develop both online and offline modes of learning through partnerships (validation of the need for a blended/hybrid learning model). Acceptance of e-learning platforms is high and students need greater flexibility and more technologically evolved platforms where personalisation based on individual learning needs is possible. Hence, universities can collaborate with e-learning platforms to cater to changing needs of flexibility and personalisation. A trend of taking charge of one’s learning with increased preference for courses that supplement classroom learning indicate that students are not merely looking at HEIs to fulfil their learning goals.