Clapton students learn the essence of marketing

A group of Year 12 students from Clapton Girls’ Academy were introduced to the world of marketing and digital media on a visit to Essence, the world’s largest independent buyer of digital media. The Level 3 Business BTEC students were visiting as part of a vocational learning project, organised and delivered by Inspire!.

As well as touring Essence’s offices, meeting employees and learning about the roles of a range of staff, students were challenged to pitch a product to a panel of five Essence volunteers. Students had already been given the product brief – as well as guidance on what to include in their presentation – by a member of Essence staff who visited the students at school to set them the marketing challenge.

Having had plenty of time to work on their pitches, the students did a great job in front of the Essence panel (the winning team ‘Vision’ were lucky enough to be rewarded with Essence goodie bags!), who commented on their professionalism, clear delivery and relevant content.

By introducing the students to the language and concepts of marketing, and giving them a chance to present in front of employee volunteers, the project helps students improve their communication, teamwork and presentation skills. Through meeting a range of staff and seeing first-hand how a media agency works, students also learn more about the various career paths open to them in marketing and digital media.

Inspire! would like to thank Essence for once more giving up their time and opening up their offices to support the education and career development of these young people. We would also like to wish them a happy 10th anniversary – congratulations!