Business students lend helping hand to Habitat for Humanity

Recently, a team of Nipissing University business students from a Business-to-Business marketing class had the opportunity to provide consulting services to Habitat for Humanity North Bay.“Students broadened their skill sets by applying classroom theory to practical situations in order to provide actionable recommendations to the Habitat board” said course instructor Kevin Hutchison.
After spending several months conducting in-depth research and holding meetings with key Habitat members, the Nipissing students developed several strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing the organization's business operations. The recommendations were communicated through a comprehensive consulting report submission and a formal presentation to the Habitat board.
Students were divided into three collaborative groups, each focusing on generating recommendations that were financially sound and in alignment with Habitat's short and long-term organizational strategies.
The marketing/fundraising team created action plans for Habitat to implement:a professional sponsorship programa yearly large-scale fundraisera strategy for identifying and formulating synergies within the community
The volunteer recruitment/engagement group recommended:a volunteer orientation and mentorship programto implement more events to recognize the efforts of membersa recruitment strategy to attract new volunteers with specialized skill sets
The business operations team advised Habitat to:employ the online forum prototype that was developed for themenhance their board and committee structurespartner with Nipissing University's iLEAD programhire of a full time Executive Director and run a Re-Store to ensure the sustainability and growth of the organization
“The work done by the students resulted in several great takeaways that Habitat could use and pass on to Regional Affiliates. The organization is very enthused about putting some of the recommendations into practice,” said John Humble, Chair of the Habitat board.  “On behalf of Habitat North Bay and Blue Sky Region, we express our gratitude to the whole team for a job well done.”
Students were also quite satisfied with the outcome of the project.
"Having the opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity was an invaluable experience that allowed me and my peers to experience and solve business dilemmas first-hand by applying our knowledge in a real world scenario," said student participant Beckett Penfold.
"The experiential learning inherent in Nipissing’s business curriculum affords students the opportunity to expand their horizons, enhance their professionalism, and increase their marketability," said Hutchison.?