By Ioana Zamfir, Business and Management Student (Level 5) and Student Union Coordinator, FSB Digbeth | Article Date: 22/04/2026

One of the most valuable aspects of studying at Fairfield School of Business is the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. As part of the Level 5 Business and Management (Entrepreneurship) module, accredited by Bath Spa University, I worked alongside my classmates, Adrian Misu, Cristina Anghel, and Albert Matei, to design and deliver a fundraising event as part of our practical learning experience.

This initiative brought together key business skills such as teamwork, planning and communication, resulting in a successful event that raised £58 in support of a UK-based charity focused on empowering young people through confidence-building, employability and entrepreneurship.

We chose to support The King’s Trust, a charity with a local presence here in Digbeth, dedicated to helping young people build confidence, enhance employability and pursue entrepreneurial ambitions. This cause strongly resonated with our group, as it reflects the values of personal development, opportunity and empowerment that we are also developing through our studies.

For us, this initiative was not only about raising funds, but also about creating an inclusive and engaging environment where individuals could connect, interact and feel part of a shared purpose. We aimed to bring people together within the campus community, encouraging participation while raising awareness of the importance of supporting young people in their personal and professional journeys.

On 26th March 2026, we transformed FSB Digbeth’s common room into a welcoming and inclusive environment that encouraged both participation and interaction. The space was designed to feel approachable and engaging, allowing students and staff to connect in a relaxed setting.

We served a selection of hot drinks, including hot chocolate and coffee, alongside healthy snack bars and offered professionally edited headshots. The response from both students and staff exceeded our expectations with strong levels of engagement and a positive atmosphere throughout the event. It also attracted interest from other students who will be completing the same assignment, many of whom approached us to learn more about how we planned and carried out different aspects of the initiative.

Throughout the planning and delivery stages, we applied key business principles, including teamwork, time management, communication, and basic marketing strategies, to promote the event effectively. Responsibilities were distributed within the group to ensure efficient coordination and efforts were made to engage students and staff within the campus community.

Overall, this initiative provided valuable practical experience by bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world application and delivering a meaningful impact within the campus community.

What stood out most to me was the opportunity to put into practice everything we have been learning throughout our course. It reminded me why I chose FSB in the first place. It is a place where learning goes beyond lectures and assignments, allowing students to gain real experience, build confidence and grow personally and professionally.

At FSB, the focus is not only on academic learning, but also on practical experience, strong support and student-centred growth. Whether you are studying Business and Management or exploring other pathways such as Digital Marketing, Health and Social Care Management or postgraduate study, FSB offers flexible and relevant programmes that are closely connected to real career opportunities.

For me, this project was more than just an assignment. It was an opportunity to apply what we have learned in a real-life context, work collaboratively as a team and contribute to something meaningful within the community. It helped me build confidence, develop practical skills and better understand how business concepts work outside the classroom.

Experiences like this are what make studying at FSB truly rewarding. They show that when students are supported and encouraged to think creatively, they can achieve more than they expect and prepare themselves for both personal and professional growth.