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This presentation/paper reflects on the first and second iterations of a new paper offered to third year Management students: “Engaging with Social Enterprise and the Community”. The paper is intended to provide management studies students with an introduction to the diversity and strength of the community/not for profit/third sector; as well as develop their relational skills through interaction and reflection. In doing so, I seek to improve their ability to work across and with a variety of organisations.

In recent years I have become increasingly concerned about the lack of understanding and misconceptions many management students have about the community sector. Many of these students may eventually be either employed in community organisations, or work in businesses engaged in CSR initiatives etc, so it is important that they have a sound understanding of this sector. I seek to better prepare students for such interactions when they entered the ‘real world’, so experiential and action learning are a key component of this paper, enabling students to gain ‘hands on’ experience (Wankel & de Fillippi, 2005). In addition to our class lectures and discussions, students are required to find a volunteer position and complete a minimum number of hours service. The focus here is on service and interaction with organisation members, not completing a university ‘project’ (although of course there are a range of assessment tasks within the paper).
Although class numbers have been small, student feedback has been extremely positive. All students suggested that the fieldwork component be extended, and several students have indicated their intention to continue their volunteer involvements. On completing the course students not only demonstrated an increased understanding of the third sector, but also increased interest in the career opportunities it presents.

Wankel, C., & de Fillippi, R. (Eds.). (2005). Educating managers through real world projects. Greenwich, Connecticut: Information Age Publishing.