A group of EIT Bachelor of Business Studies students are swapping class time for real work experience – out where business happens.

The marketing class led by lecturer Regan Cotter are currently engaged in a marketing research project at the National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier. Today, the students were busy monitoring the visitors, their dwell time in each area, recording their comments and interviewing them to gain better consumer insight.

For Regan it’s about providing the students with hands-on experience but also giving them the chance to create valuable connections. “It’s a win-win situation,” says Rachel Haydon, general manager of the aquarium. Looking ahead, the students will present their findings, make recommendations and create a social media content calendar.