About the Episode
As a first-year student – and a first-generation student – Jaime envisioned a life spent researching turtles and cracking the secret to their longevity. From a working class background, she had no idea what marketing was or that it was a field that perfectly blended both art and science. In this episode, Jaime talks with Kin Sejpal, the newly appointed CMO for University of Redlands and a fellow first-generation college student about their experiences rising through the ranks in higher education.
Key Takeaways
- Career Paths in Higher Ed Marketing Are Often Unplanned: Many CMOs start from different fields; Kin’s story underscores the value of diverse experiences and skills in finding a path into higher ed marketing.
- Building Marketing Functions from the Ground Up: For smaller schools, establishing a comprehensive marketing operation involves creating data-driven structures and aligning with institutional goals.
- Networking and Mentorship Matter: Intentional networking, mentorship, and continuous learning can help aspiring higher ed marketers navigate career challenges and opportunities.
- Preparing for a CMO Role Requires Intentional Skill Building: From honing technical skills to mastering people management and strategic alignment, aspiring CMOs should focus on a balance of hard and soft skills.
- Valuing Diversity and Inclusivity in Marketing Teams: Kin’s experience as an immigrant and woman of color highlights the need for diverse perspectives in leadership to make higher ed marketing truly inclusive and representative.
Episode Summary
How Did Kin Sejpal Transition into Higher Ed Marketing?
Kin Sejpal’s journey into higher ed marketing started in an unexpected place—behind the scenes in theater in India. There, she worked at the intersection of marketing and education, sparking an interest in how effective communication can impact audiences. After moving to the U.S. for her master’s at Purdue University, she found herself drawn to the marketing needs within higher education, eventually landing a role as a marketing consultant under the leadership of Terry Thompson, one of the pioneers in higher ed marketing. Her experience at Purdue proved invaluable, setting the stage for her ongoing career in higher ed marketing.
Kin’s journey highlights how marketers often find themselves in higher ed without planning it, discovering its unique rewards and challenges along the way. Her story encourages others to embrace nontraditional backgrounds, as varied experiences can enrich the field with fresh perspectives.
What Are the Biggest Challenges in Higher Ed Marketing Today?
One challenge Kin faced, particularly as a woman of color and immigrant, was proving her value within institutions that weren’t initially structured to accommodate diverse career pathways or sponsorship needs. From overcoming immigration obstacles to standing out as a qualified candidate with international experience, Kin emphasized the importance of self-advocacy. She created her own personal ROI pitch, articulating the unique value she brought to each role—insights that can help other aspiring marketers navigate systemic or cultural challenges.
Moreover, for institutions like the University of Redlands, where Kin will soon take on a leadership role, an additional challenge is establishing a marketing operation from scratch. Kin will be setting up core structures in brand management, data analytics, and content strategy, underscoring the importance of building teams and processes that can scale with institutional goals. Her insights reflect a crucial lesson for higher ed marketers at smaller or resource-limited institutions: building a marketing foundation requires aligning closely with institutional goals, being resourceful, and creating partnerships within the campus community.
How Can Aspiring CMOs Prepare for Leadership in Higher Ed Marketing?
Kin and Jaime emphasized that networking and mentorship are essential components of career growth in higher ed marketing. For Kin, these relationships were instrumental, offering guidance and opening doors in an industry where the career path isn’t always straightforward. She shared practical tips for aspiring CMOs, such as reaching out to potential mentors, attending industry events, and engaging in professional organizations, even if it feels outside one’s comfort zone.
In addition to networking, Kin discussed the importance of building both technical and people skills. For instance, a solid grasp of data analytics, brand management, and marketing technology is crucial for today’s marketing leaders. But just as important are skills in people management and cross-departmental collaboration, as CMOs often need to align diverse teams with institutional priorities. For aspiring CMOs, Kin recommends building a well-rounded skillset, being open to continuous learning, and adopting an adaptable leadership style to navigate the complexities of higher ed marketing effectively.
Kin’s journey and perspectives highlight that breaking into and excelling in higher ed marketing requires resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is sponsored by our friends at Nectir - the instant chat tool that engages campus communities and reduces burnout. This community and engagement platform is purpose-built for higher education and connects campus classrooms through conversation. In just 12 months, tens of thousands of students, instructors, and administrators at partner campuses have made Nectir an integral part of their daily learning experience. Learn more about how you can get Nectir on your campus here.
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!
Our podcast network is growing by the month and we’ve got a plethora of marketing, admissions, and higher ed technology shows that are jam packed with stories, ideas, and frameworks all designed to empower you to be a better higher ed professional. Our shows feature a selection of the industry’s best as your hosts. Learn from Mickey Baines, Zach Busekrus, Jeremy Tiers, Corynn Myers, Jaime Gleason and many more.
Learn more about The Enrollify Podcast Network at podcasts.enrollify.org. Our shows help higher ed marketers and admissions professionals find their next big idea — come and find yours!
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