Manchester Metropolitan University

Student collaboration project

How we recruited, mentored and helped a team of content creators to produce inspiring user-generated content that captured what it’s really like to study at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Brief

Peer-to-peer content is key to connecting with future students. So, we were asked to build on the concept of’Manchester Met Moments’ and work with a number of students to tell the inside story of student life at the University. We set out to capture all kinds of authentic moments, from the community spirit on campus and living in Manchester, to course highlights and getting ready for future careers.

Solution

We recruited a diverse team of Manchester Met Content Creators through promoting these opportunities across the University and a dedicated Instagram page for the project. Along with the University marketing team, we then hand-picked a number of talented and social-savvy students from different courses, years and backgrounds.

As collaboration needed to be at the heart of this project, we got everyone together at in-person workshops to create a strong team ethos and get input from all. We agreed what content needed to be created, and the best way to create it. All of the time we kept communications agile. We had 1-2-1 video calls with students to share feedback and provide advice. Whilst our group chat on Instagram meant we could quickly provide support, advice and mentorship at all hours of the day.

Results

The Content Creators delivered some brilliant content that captured the personal moments, exciting places and inspiring experiences that only real students know about. As well as some fantastic videos, they generated images, audio and written content that was shared on socials to influence the decision-making of future students at different stages of their journey.

“We loved mentoring the students and seeing them grow in confidence throughout the project, as they created amazing content to support the wider student marketing campaign. We helped the students to develop new skills and gain vital experience that not only looks great on their CVs but will hopefully help them to launch their careers.” – Charlotte Fenney, Waterfall

“My time working as a content creator was an amazing experience that set me up for my future career. The support I received was extremely beneficial and helped me in my decision in what I wanted my future career to look like. I was able to balance my education with this role with Waterfall’s support.”- Sinéad Gorman, Manchester Met Content Creator