About the Episode
About the Episode: After a 20-year career working in higher education marketing, Jaime is making a big pivot and launching a full-time higher education consulting firm: Solve Higher Ed. In this episode, the tables are turned and Jaime is the interviewee. Listen as she shares:
- What prompted her to quit her dream job to launch a consulting firm
- Why she thinks that higher education marketing can save higher education
- What challenges she has faced making this transition
- How her years of experience have prepared her for this big change
- What challenges she sees facing higher education leaders today
- Her advice for higher education marketers given today’s higher ed landscape
A New Chapter Begins
Jaime started by dropping a bombshell — her departure from Old Dominion University to launch her full-time consulting agency, Solve Higher Ed. This decision, driven by a blend of excitement and apprehension, marks a significant pivot in Jaime’s career, one that she describes as both exhilarating and terrifying. Her agency aims to offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to address the multifaceted needs of higher education institutions. These include strategic consulting, crisis communications, marketing services, and branding — all designed to enhance the operational and communicative effectiveness of these institutions.
The Motivation for Change
Reflecting on her two decades in higher education, Jaime discussed how her experiences had perfectly poised her for this transition. She shared poignant moments from her career that highlighted her deep concern for the future of higher education — a sector she believes is at a critical juncture. Her new slogan, "Solve Higher Ed Marketing, Save Higher Ed," encapsulates her mission to elevate marketing within the sector to better communicate its value and importance.
Challenges and Rewards of the Transition
Transitioning to consulting has not been without its challenges, from setting up the logistical aspects of a new business to grappling with the emotional implications of leaving a secure job. Yet, Jaime is optimistic about the rewards. She anticipates that helping other institutions succeed in their marketing efforts and seeing other leaders excel with her support will be profoundly fulfilling.
Looking Ahead
As Jaime looks to the future, she is open to various possibilities, including growing her team if it means amplifying her impact. Her commitment remains steadfast — to empower higher education institutions to thrive and, in doing so, help shape the futures of countless students and their families.
Connect With Our Host:
Jaime Hunt
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/
https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMC
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Talking Tactics and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit:
Exciting news — Jaime will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $99! This early bird pricing lasts until March 31. Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
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