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Johnson & Wales University

College of Business Faculty Publications and Research

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2022

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Business

Student Perceptions Of Virtual Guest Speakers, Sara Jablon-Roberts Jan 2022

Student Perceptions Of Virtual Guest Speakers, Sara Jablon-Roberts

College of Business Faculty Publications and Research

This research focuses on fashion student experiences of virtual industry guest speakers. Analysis of data from 130 participants enrolled in the researchers’ fashion classes at two United States universities suggested that, although there are disadvantages to the use of virtual industry guest visits, many students still find them valuable. While students overall preferred in-person visits, their concern with technological issues seems to have lessened during the forced move to remote coursework during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have come to realize that the online medium, especially through the “chat” functionality found in videoconferencing platforms, can be an effective tool.


Student Perceptions Of Industry Guest Speakers, Sara Jablon-Roberts, Arienne Mccracken Jan 2022

Student Perceptions Of Industry Guest Speakers, Sara Jablon-Roberts, Arienne Mccracken

College of Business Faculty Publications and Research

Research inviting industry practitioners to speak in classrooms is frequently anecdotal. The purpose of this study was to explore student views on the value of guest speakers in the classroom. Students surveyed typically saw industry guests as useful, especially when a speaker’s personal experiences and career choices were relevant to a student’s own desired future. In addition, beyond hearing from a knowledgeable professional currently working in the industry, students hoped for a very personalized experience, with individualized career advice and time to ask questions. Students also appreciated speakers who were well-organized, persuasive, and included visuals.