From Classroom to Community: A Gateway to Grandiose Growth
By Elena Magdolna Tifra, Mona-Maria Pantilie (LSST Student Ambassadors) & Aparajita Guria (Lecturer Business, LSST Luton)
This summer, in a bid to strengthen ties with the local community and raise awareness about its diverse range of courses, LSST Luton, set up an engaging marketing stall in the heart of Luton’s town centre. Organised by Mr. Tariq Aziz and Mr. Nasir Bashir in LSST’s marketing department the initiative brought together enthusiastic student ambassadors and dedicated lecturers, all working to promote LSST and its educational opportunities. This effort resulted in increased foot traffic, heightened brand visibility, and enhanced brand recognition.
The event took place throughout July, August, and September 2024, with LSST’s Luton stall quickly drawing attention. A key factor in its success was the creation of a visually compelling booth (as pictured), featuring LSST’s vibrant colours and logo. The banners, informative brochures and branded merchandise were neatly displayed, while the welcoming faces of our students and staff greeted passers-by with enthusiasm. The stall became a lively hub of interaction, attracting prospective students keen to learn about higher education and parents seeking opportunities for their children – and for themselves.
A Team Effort
One standout feature of the campaign was its personal touch. LSST Student Ambassadors not only promoted the courses they were passionate about but also shared their own experiences at LSST. Their testimonials provided a unique and relatable perspective, helping prospective students envision themselves studying at LSST. Friendly companionship among staff added a layer of stimulation, with participants competing to attract the most interest and sign-ups through genuine word of mouth and our own experiences.
A key benefit for participants was the comprehensive sales training provided, which helped staff enhance their marketing skills. This training also counted towards their CPD (Continuing Professional Development), offering professional growth while contributing to LSST’s outreach efforts.
“As a student at LSST, my experience promoting the institution at the stall was unexpectedly smooth and rewarding. Despite having no background in sales, advocating for LSST felt effortless because of my genuine belief in its value, shaped by my positive journey as a student. Sharing my authentic experiences – from how our lecturers demonstrate compassion and support, to the constructive feedback we receive – resonated deeply with those considering LSST for their education.”
— Mona, Health & Social Science Student at LSST
This campaign proved to be a resounding success, further embedding LSST within the local community and providing invaluable learning experiences for staff and students alike.
A Chance for Growth
LSST’s Lecturers also played an integral role in the event, offering detailed insights into the curriculum and the wide-ranging support LSST provides. They emphasised the college’s commitment to academic excellence, highlighting state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of learning pathways that cater to diverse interests. From business management and health and social care to digital marketing, visitors to the stall found courses that sparked their curiosity and aligned with their aspirations. It was also an excellent opportunity for prospective students to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and build confidence in an engaging and dynamic environment.
Engaging with the community proved to be a fun and rewarding experience for the team. As they connected with prospective students, they discussed personal goals and demonstrated how LSST could help them realise their educational ambitions.
Connecting Community
This community-centred marketing initiative is one of many efforts by LSST Luton to strengthen ties with its local area and ensure that prospective students are aware of the vibrant and supportive environment available to them. LSST’s presence in the town centre has already made a significant impact, fostering excitement both within the local community and at the college for the opportunities ahead.
While I had previously worked with LSST’s Marketing department, meeting new colleagues, lecturers, and student ambassadors was a new experience for me. We assembled an incredible crew and made excellent connections with everyone at the stall.
Even though we had good and bad days, we tried to address any problems that arose along the way by taking things one step at a time. We treated everyone with respect and made every effort to meet their requirements since we understood that each person is unique.
LSST, in my opinion, provides excellent prospects by providing people with second chances and assisting them in growing as individuals and as employers.
As the marketing stall wraps up, LSST Luton is already seeing positive results, with increased interest in its courses and a stronger connection with the local community. This initiative has not only helped to boost student intake but also fostered a sense of teamwork and achievement among staff members. LSST Luton is proud of its efforts and looks forward to welcoming a new cohort of students who have been inspired by their interactions at the stall.
With the success of this summer’s campaign, the college is exploring more ways to engage with the community in the future, continuing its mission to provide accessible, high-quality education to learners from all walks of life. LSST is ready to continue this momentum and grow even further.