This page is for discussion about how best to target University students for membership. Zoology students are passionate and engaged and are likely members for life. Some universities have more than 200 first year Zoology students beginning their studies each year. They are the future of RZS NSW.
At Western Sydney University, I asked current Zoology and Animal Science students if they knew about the society and what is does. Less than 10% of students knew about the society, let alone what it does.
My proposal is for free membership for 1st year students doing a named Zoology degree (or agreed variations) in all NSW/ACT universities or TAFEs (or equivalent). This should include free access to the careers day.
Benefits include:
(1) Supporting universities to value add to degrees in Zoology (or related degrees)
(2) Targeting a passionate cohort at the beginning of their working lives. A very large database
(3) Engaging students early should lead to good conversion into paid membership in 2nd and 3rd year and beyond. Currently, we only see most zoology students joining the society when they apply for research grants in years 4 (honours) and post-grad.
(4) Establishing links university administration. Potentially a pathway to be an advisory, review or accreditation group - (if that is something we consider important into the future).
(2) Targeting a passionate cohort at the beginning of their working lives. A very large database
(3) Engaging students early should lead to good conversion into paid membership in 2nd and 3rd year and beyond. Currently, we only see most zoology students joining the society when they apply for research grants in years 4 (honours) and post-grad.
(4) Establishing links university administration. Potentially a pathway to be an advisory, review or accreditation group - (if that is something we consider important into the future).
Issues include:
(1) Free entry to the zoo. Is this an issue for Taronga?
(2) Anything in the constitution about free membership?
(3) Are we discriminating? I think supporting students doing Zoology degrees (or related) is something that we should support. Many Universities have reduced or eliminated their degrees.
(2) Anything in the constitution about free membership?
(3) Are we discriminating? I think supporting students doing Zoology degrees (or related) is something that we should support. Many Universities have reduced or eliminated their degrees.
Logistics:
1) Identify target degrees at each University
2) Contact program directors or course advisers at in each institution.
3) Explore privacy issues
4) Create literature and unique website(s) for Universities to include in Open day packages (August), as well as, PowerPoint slides for academics to use.
Other Ideas
1) Ramp up the careers day to be a post grad and careers expo, where universities and industry can have display stands and a separate stream of talks for 3 minute thesis style recruitment drives. This would target 3rd year and postgraduate students.
I will keep adding others, but please place comments below for discussion
