For business students, some of the most valuable lessons can come from hearing directly from people who work in the industry every day.
That was the idea behind a recent visit from Mark Williams Auto Group to the University of Cincinnati, where freshman business students spent an afternoon learning about the automotive industry and what it takes to operate a dealership.
Representing Mark Williams Auto Group were Charlie Watson, Marketing Director, and Josh Williams, General Manager of Queen City Ford and Vice President of Mark Williams Auto Group.
The conversation gave students an opportunity to hear about the automotive business from two professionals with firsthand experience. Rather than focusing on just one area of a dealership, Charlie and Josh discussed the wide range of functions that contribute to the overall operation.
Students learned about dealership departments, the relationship between those departments, revenue generation, marketing strategies, customer acquisition, and the importance of creating a consistent experience for customers.
The discussion also touched on the challenges businesses face as technology continues to evolve.
Artificial intelligence has quickly become a major topic across the business world, and automotive retail is no different. Dealerships are finding new applications for AI in areas such as advertising, customer communication, lead management, data reporting, and operational efficiency.
For students at the beginning of their business education, conversations like these can provide useful context for the concepts they are learning in the classroom. They also demonstrate how business decisions can be affected by changes in technology, consumer behavior, and competition.
The students were active participants throughout the afternoon. Their questions helped guide the conversation and allowed Charlie and Josh to address topics that were especially relevant to the group.
The visit will also serve as the foundation for a class project.
As part of their coursework, the students are preparing a SWOT analysis of Mark Williams Auto Group. They will evaluate the company from a business perspective, considering its strengths and weaknesses as well as potential opportunities and external challenges.
Having the opportunity to analyze a real company gives the students a chance to put classroom concepts into practice. It also creates a unique opportunity for Mark Williams Auto Group to hear directly from students who are approaching the organization with fresh eyes.
At Mark Williams Auto Group, we value opportunities to connect with students and share what we have learned through our experiences in the automotive industry.
We appreciate the University of Cincinnati for inviting us back and the students for their enthusiasm, questions, and engagement. We look forward to seeing the ideas and insights they bring to their final presentations.