Wednesday, October 17, 2001

Wilmington, NC -- This fall semester, 16 business students from UNCW are being given a unique opportunity to put their education to work in the real world. They are working under the guidance of Dr. Vincent Howe, Jr., associate professor of marketing at UNCW Cameron School of Business. During the semester, the students will create a working marketing agency, and will be responsible for researching, implementing, and evaluating a promotional campaign for their clients, Jeff Gordon Chevrolet in Wilmington and the Chevrolet Division of General Motors. The students will be given a $2,500 budget to help them bring their plans to life, provided by Jeff Gordon Chevrolet. This unique partnership is part of a larger industry-education program sponsored by EdVenture Partners and their client General Motors, known as the General Motors Marketing Internship (GMMI).

After organizing their agency and researching their target market, the students will have the opportunity to design an interactive event, taking place on Nov. 7, 2001, aimed at increasing UNCW students’ awareness of Chevrolet and Jeff Gordon Chevrolet. After presenting their plan to the clients, the students will implement the event and evaluate its impact on their target market. The program culminates in a formal, agency-style presentation by the students to EdVenture Partner representatives, as well as General Motors and Jeff Gordon Chevrolet executives. The presentation is a unique opportunity for students to develop public speaking and presentation skills, in addition to building self-confidence.

Today's college students are in a "catch-22" when entering the job market—they lack experience and find themselves in a situation where they cannot find a job due to their inexperience. GMMI effectively bridges the gap between industry and education and provides students with the hands-on, experiential learning necessary to find employment.To date, GMMI has participated in such activities at more than 350 campuses nation wide. EdVenture Partners in Berkeley, Calif., manage the programs, in conjunction with General Motors and its divisions.