The marketing class held its first-ever showcase during lunch on Jan. 24 in the Commons. The showcase, which took place at the end of the semester, gave students hands-on experience creating, presenting and promoting business ideas. It summarized the students’ work throughout the course and allowed them to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.
The marketing course introduces students to key concepts of marketing theory and its role in a free enterprise system. The curriculum includes topics such as social media marketing, e-commerce and digital marketing, as well as the legal and ethical considerations within the field. Kimberly Gustin, who brings years of experience as both a business owner and an employee of a major corporation, teaches the class to give students practical skills that will benefit them in future careers.
According to Gustin, the primary goal of the class is to expose students to different aspects of marketing, such as advertising, branding and campaign management, while also helping them develop strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the class provides students with networking opportunities, including guest speakers and projects inspired by real-world business scenarios.
The marketing showcase was created to allow students to put their skills into action. “The main goal of this first semester was to allow students to put their project management skills to the test and showcase a marketing plan, service, or product of their choosing,” Gustin said.
Despite challenges, including snow days that cut into preparation time, students managed to pull off an engaging and innovative event. The process required them to develop a full marketing plan, conduct market research and create presentations to pitch their ideas. One unique aspect of the preparation was a mock LinkedIn interview, where students interviewed each other and formed teams based on their strengths. The goal of this process was to mirror real-world hiring and team-building experiences closely.
Students presented a variety of creative business ideas, such as junior Natalie Asvestopoulou and her group, which focused on international vending machines. “It was a different way to learn because we worked in groups of about four people and had to write a 10-page marketing plan and prepare a presentation,” Asvestopoulou said.
She also said that the class helped her develop crucial business planning and public speaking skills. “The class is important because you can learn how to communicate with people and make yourself more presentable. I think the marketing class did a great job with their expo,” the school’s vice president of chapter development for DECA, junior Maria Thomas said.
While the first event was mainly an internal showcase, Gustin hopes to expand future expos by inviting local business leaders to judge student projects and provide real-world feedback. “I had some teachers give feedback this time, but I’m hoping to involve more business professionals in the future,” she said.
The success of this first showcase has set the stage for an even bigger event next semester. Gustin plans to host another showcase in May for the second-semester marketing class, with improvements based on student and faculty feedback.
The course offers opportunities for students interested in marketing, business or entrepreneurship. Gustin encourages students to take advantage of the program, noting that 75% of high school graduates will enter some form of business-related career. She advises students to explore these opportunities early while they’re free, as similar college courses can be costly.
Students can get involved by registering for Marketing or Careers classes next fall or spring and joining business clubs such as DECA and FBLA. Those interested can also follow the marketing program’s journey on Instagram @woottonmarketing.
