As the academic year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the many ways our employer partners have shown up for students at the JHU Life Design Lab. Each semester brings fresh energy, new approaches, and moments of engagement that go deeper, and those are the ones that truly resonate.
Campus recruiting remains a key channel for connecting students with career opportunities. However, it’s increasingly clear that simply posting jobs and hoping the right candidates apply is no longer sufficient. If we want students to envision themselves thriving in your organization, we need to go beyond the transactional.
All too often, campus recruiting can feel like a checklist: attend an event, collect resumes, have a few conversations, and move on. But in practice, we know those interactions can blur together, both for students and for employers.
Students may leave without a clear understanding of your company’s culture, values, or the pathways available to them. Similarly, employers often walk away with only a surface-level impression of who these students are, beyond a well-rehearsed elevator pitch.
Moving Beyond the Surface: The Power of Experiential Engagement
This is where experiential learning makes a meaningful difference. And it doesn’t have to be complex. It’s about creating opportunities for students to engage more actively with your organization and the work you do. These experiences might include:
- A short creative challenge
- A class collaboration or case study
- A behind-the-scenes session with your team
- A “day in the life” walkthrough
These formats offer something more. They help students build a deeper connection with your people, your values, and your mission. And they give you the opportunity to see how students think, communicate, and show up in more natural, dynamic settings.
Why It Matters
We consistently see students become more engaged when they’re invited to do something rather than just listen. Likewise, we hear employers say, “This is someone we want to talk to again,” after watching students work through a challenge or collaborate on an idea.
Experiential engagement also allows for more students to be seen in different ways beyond a simple conversation. Not every student excels in a traditional one-on-one interview or at a large recruiting event. But in a group setting or during a hands-on project, you may uncover talent and potential that would otherwise go unnoticed.
A Case in Point: Teach for America’s Thoughtful Approach
This past fall, Teach for America demonstrated the impact of immersive, intentional campus engagement.
From our very first conversation in August, it was clear they wanted to go beyond standard recruiting. Together, we designed a strategy rooted in purposeful touchpoints—planned with the student experience at the center.
Yes, there were tabling sessions—but they came with interactive activities that sparked real conversations. Students lingered, engaged, and asked thoughtful questions.
In addition, Teach for America hosted a panel and workshop featuring alumni and current corps members, including professionals working at the intersection of education and communication. This gave students a fuller view of the organization’s breadth and made networking feel accessible and genuine.
Office hours provided more personal space for students to discuss applications, receive feedback, and explore questions in depth.
And perhaps most powerful of all, a visit to one of TFA’s school sites brought everything to life. Students met former corps members, observed classrooms in action, and reflected on what meaningful work looks like in real communities.
Through seven thoughtfully planned engagements, Teach for America extended fourteen offers—and nine students accepted. This impressive result highlights the power of authentic, relationship-driven recruiting. Teach For America credited these multiple touchpoints as a key factor in boosting both the number of offers made and the acceptance rate, showcasing the impact of consistent, meaningful outreach.
How You Can Start
If you’re considering a more meaningful approach to student engagement next semester, here are five actionable strategies:
- Prioritize learning over recruiting.
Offer students something of value, whether it’s a fresh perspective, a new skill, or an insider’s view of your industry.
- Involve your team.
Hearing directly from professionals doing the work creates authenticity and builds trust.
- Make it interactive.
Move beyond presentations. Ask questions. Foster discussion. Invite curiosity.
- Partner with us.
We can help you identify the right moments and spaces, within courses, programs, or student communities where your presence will feel impactful.
- Follow up with intention.
A thoughtful message, LinkedIn connection, or invitation to stay engaged shows students they’re seen and valued.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future of campus recruiting, we invite more companies to step into this kind of engagement. You don’t need a major event or an elaborate setup. Sometimes, it starts with showing up differently, with a mindset of connection, curiosity, and shared purpose.
