The University of Winchester’s Faculty of Business and Digital Technology has launched an innovative Consultancy Club, providing students with real-world experience while helping local clients enhance their online presence and social media strategies.
Students Gain Practical Experience Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The newly formed Consultancy Club brings together students from various disciplines within the faculty, including Accounting, Marketing, and Business Management. The initiative was launched by Julia Osgerby, Associate Dean of the faculty, and Dr. Claire Ancient, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, with the goal of breaking down academic silos and fostering integrated project work.
Students volunteer to participate and are divided into interdisciplinary teams, each working with real clients to develop and implement social media strategies. This hands-on approach provides invaluable practical experience that complements their academic studies.
Author Tom Spencer Benefits from Student Expertise
One of the club’s first clients was author Tom Spencer, who writes for both children and adults. As an independent author without the backing of a major publisher, Spencer faced challenges in marketing his books and building his personal brand.
The student team worked closely with Spencer to analyze his existing social media presence and develop a comprehensive strategy to increase his visibility among his target audience and the broader publishing community. The team focused on leveraging platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn to maximize reach and engagement.
Beyond strategy development, the students provided practical coaching to Spencer on creating Instagram reels and editing video content for TikTok. This hands-on guidance proved particularly valuable as Spencer navigated the technical aspects of content creation.
Measurable Results and Student Development
The collaboration yielded impressive results, with Spencer reporting a 246% increase in his social media reach following the implementation of the students’ recommendations. This significant growth demonstrates the effectiveness of the strategies developed by the Consultancy Club.
Matthew Davison, a student studying Accounting and Finance who participated in the project, highlighted the value of the experience. He appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with students from different courses on a “practical and realistic” exercise. Davison noted that his team immediately connected with Spencer and felt comfortable brainstorming ideas focused on increasing his social media reach.
The project also allowed students to showcase their individual expertise. Davison, who has particular skills in video content creation for social media, offered one-on-one consulting to Spencer in this area. This personalized approach ensured that Spencer received comprehensive support tailored to his specific needs.
Expanding the Consultancy Club’s Impact
Following the successful pilot program, the Consultancy Club is continuing its operations and seeking new clients. Organizations or individuals interested in receiving help with their online presence and social media strategies can contact Julia Osgerby at [email protected] for more details.
The club represents a win-win situation: students gain valuable real-world experience and develop practical skills that enhance their employability, while local businesses and individuals receive expert assistance at no cost. This model of community engagement and experiential learning exemplifies the University of Winchester’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
The Future of Digital Marketing Education
In today’s digital-first world, understanding social media strategy and online presence management is crucial for success in virtually every field. The Consultancy Club at the University of Winchester recognizes this reality and provides students with the opportunity to develop these essential skills while still in university.
For aspiring marketing professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, the ability to effectively manage social media presence and develop digital marketing strategies is increasingly important. The hands-on experience gained through the Consultancy Club gives students a significant advantage as they enter the job market or launch their own ventures.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the Consultancy Club will play an increasingly important role in preparing students for the realities of modern business and communication. By combining academic knowledge with practical application, the University of Winchester is helping to shape the next generation of digital marketing professionals.
