In Fall 2023, LettuceSocial and California Lutheran University’s School of Management embarked on a dynamic partnership that set the stage for a remarkable learning experience for undergraduates. Over the past year, students have participated in LettuceSocial’s community-driven mission, learning crucial real-world skills while supporting small businesses in the Conejo Valley area. The collaboration has not only benefited the local economy but also equipped students with tools for their future careers in content creation, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
A Learning Platform Rooted in Real-World Experience
This partnership surpassed the traditional classroom experience, providing students with hands-on opportunities to engage with local businesses, learn project management methodologies like Agile Scrum, and hone their communication and marketing skills. Students learned how to position and message the partnership program to small business owners, effectively "selling" the idea of supporting the local economy while creating compelling stories through digital content.
The Skills Students Gained
Over the course of the year, students acquired an impressive range of skills that extended beyond textbook learning:
Content Creation & Editing: Students captured both behind-the-scenes and front-facing footage of small businesses. They developed videography and photography skills, learned to edit raw footage into engaging content, and selected trending music and voiceovers for Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
Communication & Public Speaking: Interviewing local business owners helped students master the art of public speaking. They learned how to engage business owners, explain the partnership’s benefits, and guide them through the content creation process.
Project Management with Agile Scrum: Students didn’t just learn about Agile Scrum in theory—they applied its practices to manage the overall program throughout the semesters. This hands-on approach taught them how to work in sprints, organize tasks, and manage team deliverables effectively.
Analytics & Trendspotting: Understanding the performance of their content was key. Students used analytics to monitor metrics like reach, engagement, and likes, which helped them refine their strategies and improve content performance.
Beyond Social Media: A Broader Learning Experience
While students honed their skills in social media content creation, they also took away much more. They learned invaluable lessons about what it takes to run a small business, understanding the hopes, dreams, and challenges faced by local entrepreneurs. This broader exposure gave them insight into the world of entrepreneurship, helping them develop empathy, resilience, and creativity—all critical traits for the modern workforce.
This partnership between LettuceSocial and California Lutheran University School of Management has been about more than just creating content; it's about fostering community connections, supporting local businesses, and equipping the next generation with skills that will last a lifetime.
As we look forward to kicking off a strong Fall 2024 partnership, we're excited to expand our local business outreach even further. Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of integrating AI workshops into the program, allowing students to experiment with cutting-edge AI tools in content creation. This expansion will continue to enhance the learning experience and provide innovative opportunities for students and local businesses alike.
Stay tuned to LettuceSocial’s Instagram and LinkedIn, where we'll continue to share these inspiring stories and showcase how local businesses and student creators are building a brighter future together.
Comments