A group of students at DeVry University’s Addison campus recently received a unique opportunity.
Not only did they get real-world, hands-on experience in their field of study, but they also worked with former Chicago Bears cornerback Donnell Woolford to create a marketing plan and materials for his youth flag football league.
“They did an excellent job,” Woolford said at the group’s project presentation Monday. “I was very honored to work with them.”
Students Falak Anwar, Cassandra Libel, Noreen Lydon and Dustin Perkins, all seniors studying sales and marketing, were picked by DeVry professor Bonnie Rucks to work with Woolford for the Senior Project I course. Although she did not teach the course this session, she served as that specific team’s adviser.
Rucks and Woolford are friends from when the instructor did marketing for the Chicago Bears.
Woolford’s Greater Chicago Flag Football League launched in August, and as it looks to expand, the retired Bear turned to his friend, whom he refers to as a “marketing genius,” for help.
DeVry students developed various ways to help Woolford, from designing marketing materials, like a new logo and flier, to developing ways to market the league, including through social media.
DeVry University has long partnered with area businesses and organizations to provide these types of real-world learning experiences for students.
“It’s one thing to talk about accounting or it’s one thing to talk about marketing, but it’s another thing to actually do accounting or do marketing,” Senior Project I Professor Tim Stephan said.
When discussing what they learned during their presentation, the students said it was valuable to them to experience the importance of communication and team work.
“Now I feel like we’re going to be extremely confident going into entry-level positions,” Lydon said.
Moving forward, the football league will continue to work with the DeVry students to finalize a marketing plan and materials.
The full article written by Mary Beth Versaci can be viewed on MySuburbanLife.com.
