The DEN Student Conference held on May 12th, 2023, at Westminster University was an enriching and inspiring experience for students and staff from the City and Islington College Business of Enterprise.
BTEC students and Capital City College Group staff members attended the conference. It provided an excellent platform for students to showcase their confidence and express their ideas in front of a diverse audience. The event culminated in the student’s hard work, education, and practice, and it was truly gratifying to witness their excitement and enjoyment.
City and Islington College Business of Enterprise is committed to preparing students for the competitive workplace. The DEN conference played a pivotal role in this endeavour, allowing students to develop soft skills. The event emphasized the importance of well-rounded individuals who effectively communicate, engage with others, and present their ideas. The attendees gained valuable insights and expanded their knowledge base through interactions with university students.
The student presentations at the conference were a standout feature of the event. Each student had a limited time to discuss complex political, socio-economic, and environmental topics. The concise and impactful presentations highlighted the far-reaching effects of these issues on global communities. The diverse perspectives and opinions presented provided a fresh outlook and sparked further exploration among the vocational students from City and Islington Business and Enterprise.
The conference offered students a unique opportunity to enhance their public speaking skills. Taking the stage in front of university students and engaging in thought-provoking discussions helped boost their confidence and honed their ability to communicate effectively. The experience of sharing ideas with a wider audience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the students’ futures.
The DEN conference fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing between the Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) sectors. It provided a platform for educators and students from both sectors to exchange ideas and showcase good practices. This cross-sector collaboration proved invaluable for the students, as it gave them a glimpse into university life and the level of analysis and evaluation required at higher levels of education.
The DEN Student Conference 2023 was a resounding success, positively impacting the City and Islington College Business of Enterprise students and staff. The event provided a platform for students to demonstrate their abilities, develop soft skills, and engage with university students. The conference also encouraged cross-sector collaboration and knowledge sharing, fostering a sense of unity and shared goals between the FE and HE sectors. The valuable experiences gained at the DEN conference will undoubtedly shape the future endeavours of the attendees and contribute to their personal and professional growth.
Lee Kennedy Lecturer in Business
Capital City College Group
Centre for Business Arts & Technology | Enterprise &Business
City & Islington College | 444 Camden Road | London N7 0SP