Real-World Experience at the University of Brighton: Collaborating with Brighton Fringe

At the School of Business and Law at the University of Brighton, we prioritise providing our students with real-world experience to complement their academic learning. Recently, our International Events Management with Marketing students had the opportunity to work on exciting projects with Brighton Fringe, gaining essential skills and insights for their future careers.

University of Brighton students support Brighton Fringe

As part of the module Developing Professional Practice in Business, our students, including Ellie, Bree, Molly, Olli, Becca, Carol, Georgia, and Ed, engaged in projects that integrated academic knowledge with practical experience. This hands-on approach is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the business world.

The student groups focused on two main goals:

1. Creating an income stream plan to enhance the development and online sales of Brighton Fringe’s merchandise.
2. Developing a promotion plan to increase engagement with the younger demographic.

Comprehensive University Support

Throughout the project, students received extensive support from university staff. Regular meetings with course and module leaders were crucial in navigating project challenges and ensuring successful outcomes. Academic Supervisor Michael Williams provided weekly guidance over the 10-week project, ensuring students stayed on track and made meaningful contributions.

“Working with Brighton Fringe provided our students with a unique opportunity to apply their academic learning in a real-world context, developing essential skills for their future careers.”

– Dr. Michael Williams, Cohort Lead for Events and Tourism

In-Depth Student Research

The students conducted thorough primary and secondary research, analysing Brighton Fringe’s current merchandise and audience data. They conducted surveys and gathered consumer preference data, which informed their recommendations for income generation and promotional strategies. This research not only benefited the project but also equipped students with valuable research skills for their future careers.

Project Activities

The final deliverables included:

• A 10,000-word promotion plan with three key recommendations, supported by an infographic.
• A detailed report on enhancing merchandise sales.

Recommendations to increase engagement with the younger demographic included:

1. Expanding Social Media Marketing: Leveraging various social media platforms to effectively engage younger audiences.
2. Incorporating Influencers: Partnering with influencers to reach a broader and more engaged audience.
3. Direct Student Involvement: Encouraging student participation in Brighton Fringe activities to foster a deeper connection with the event.

What skills are developed when working on live briefs?

Throughout this project, the students developed several key skills essential for their future careers:

• Team Collaboration: Effective communication and teamwork.
• Research and Analysis: Conducting surveys and data analysis.
• Marketing and Merchandising: Developing product ideas based on research.
• Professional Communication: Regular updates and consultations with industry professionals.
• Project Management: Coordinating meetings, setting deadlines, and ensuring timely task completion.
• Time Management: Efficiently managing their time to meet project deadlines.
• Creativity and Innovation: Developing creative solutions and innovative marketing strategies.

“We all as a team have expanded upon our skills and developed new skills during this 10-week project, such as; time management, team work, creativity and innovation. these skills we all hope will help us once we graduate and seek to secure job opportunities.”

– Becca, School of Business and Law student

Join Us at the School of Business and Law

At the University of Brighton’s School of Business and Law, we ensure our students are well-prepared for their future careers by integrating real-world projects into our curriculum. Collaborations with organizations like Brighton Fringe demonstrate how practical, hands-on learning can enhance academic knowledge and prepare students for professional success.

For more information about our courses and how we prepare students for successful careers, visit the University of Brighton’s School of Business and Law website. Our students’ experiences reflect the value of practical, hands-on learning in preparing for the future.

Thanks to our brilliant students who participated in the project and shared their experiences: Ellie, Bree, Molly, Olli, Becca, Carol, Georgia, and Ed.

Skills Development at the University of Brighton’s School of Business and Law

Our focus is on equipping you with skills and knowledge that will benefit you at any career stage. We believe merging the academic and professional worlds is key to your success. All our courses are designed to let you explore real-world issues through field trips, case studies, employer-based projects, industry competitions, and expert guest lecturers.