Capturing authentic student experiences for a digital-first audience

Prospective online students aren't just seeking information; they're seeking a sense of belonging. The Garden partnered with Monash Online to create a series of videos and blogs giving genuine insight into its courses: the challenges, the flexibility and the experience, told by the students living it.

Client: Monash Online
Industry: Education
Solutions: Creative & Content
Region: Australia

The challenge

Online study carries lingering perceptions of isolation and second-best support, and Monash Online needed content that dispelled them honestly. Student engagement itself was the practical hurdle: with courses delivered online, many students work full-time around busy schedules, so capturing their stories demanded an open, organised approach that built rapport and trust on the day.

Our solution

We gathered insights directly from current students through surveys, and those testimonials became the cornerstone of the content: high-resolution video storytelling and blogs offering a genuine, unfiltered look at online study, the hardships, what students wished they’d known beforehand, and their advice for those following them.

The website led as the primary channel, strengthening Monash Online’s digital presence as the foundation for future expansion onto platforms like LinkedIn, so every prospective student visiting could see a reflection of their potential journey.

The results

The content has become a cornerstone of the website’s appeal, drawing prospective students in with its authenticity. Every video produced was approved by senior stakeholders without changes, and students’ own words carry the message: the flexibility to study around a full-time job, courses more engaging than peers report elsewhere, and the weight a Monash qualification adds to a career.

What our clients say

I have been working with the team at The Garden over the last 6 months on a project to capture student stories via video profiles, long form blogs and quotes. I can't speak highly enough of Holly and the team, who are all incredibly professional and have made the entire process seamless. Holly is so organised, from coordinating filming locations and students to managing the blog production, she has ensured everything runs smoothly and with short turn around times. The team understood the assignment perfectly – every video produced has been engaging and showcases the student's story in an authentic and relatable way, and every one has been approved by senior stakeholders with no changes – no mean feat! I look forward to continuing to work with Holly and team.

Amanda SeverMarketing Manager, Monash Online