Fairfield Students Team Up with Local Italian Restaurant for Social Media Success
In a heartwarming collaboration that highlights the spirit of community and education, students from Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business have partnered with Romanacci, a cherished local Italian eatery, to craft a robust social media marketing campaign for its Fairfield location. This partnership is a delightful example of how academic environments can merge with local businesses to create win-win situations.
A Real-World Experience
The initiative, under the watchful eye of Assistant Professor of Marketing Woocheol Kim, PhD, transformed the classroom experience for the students enrolled in the Social Media Marketing course. Instead of just reading about marketing strategies, these students got the chance to implement them in a tangible setting. The project was designed to give students invaluable experiential learning opportunities, where they could really see the impact of their work.
Dr. Kim expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting, “This project goes one step further, exposing students to actual issues related to social media and asking them to address those issues. I’d like my students to take this project as something they can be proud to share on their résumé.” Such words echo the sentiments of many students who often seek practical experiences that go beyond theoretical knowledge.
Building Romanacci’s Digital Presence
Throughout the semester, the students divided themselves into teams, each focusing on different aspects of Romanacci’s online identity. Half of the teams dedicated their efforts to organic media strategies, creating engaging content without paid promotion. Meanwhile, the other teams explored the world of paid media, using strategic advertisements to boost Romanacci’s visibility.
Success was measured not just in the quantity of posts, but in real metrics like likes, comments, and website traffic. James Ricci, the chief marketing officer of Romanacci, expressed his surprise at the success of the students’ strategies, saying, “The main part of this partnership was to give students hands-on work experience in the space, but the performance on our social media was way beyond what I expected. As much as the students liked it, we [Romanacci] liked it too.”
An Opportunity for Future Careers
As a cherry on top, this collaboration was not just a one-time experience; it has potentially opened the door for two students to receive semester-long internships starting in spring 2025. This opportunity not only enhances their resumes but also gives them a chance to continue their work with a company that has become part of their learning experience.
Student participant Jonathan Kuzik ’26 shared his thoughts, stating, “Hands-on experience with a local business has provided me with a unique opportunity to apply my marketing knowledge in a practical setting.” His sentiments reflect a collective enthusiasm among many students participating in the project.
The Power of Community Engagement
This initiative underscores Fairfield Dolan’s commitment to experiential learning and fostering meaningful relationships with local businesses. With engaging strategies like these, it’s clear that the best way to prepare students for their careers is to allow them to learn by doing. Dr. Kim’s approach is to bridge the gap between education and the real world, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Overall, this partnership between Fairfield University and Romanacci serves as a shining example of how education can intersect with community engagement. It’s inspiring to see students putting their skills to work and a local business reaping the rewards. Here’s to more collaborations that elevate both students and the businesses they support!
