This is the first year that Prairie Ridge has offered Virtual Enterprise, International, a new business class.
For the first few months, the students were preparing for their job interviews in order to be hired for a position in the company. After they were hired, it was the students’ job to prepare for the trade show that took place in November.
In the typical class period of VEI, the students are all busy at their computers. They are doing things that range from processing online orders to creating a bulletin board for the employee of the month. Each day they are not assigned what to do and all that is given is a monthly task list. All the departments in the company help one another and nothing would get done without everyone’s cooperation.
The name of the company is Deja Vu. Our firm is brand new this year, adding to the already impressive number of firms nationwide, 500. The products the company sells are, virtual, but incredibly fashionable watches. The process of creating the company from scratch took almost two months.
All of the students in the company are not necessarily qualified for their positions within the company but everyone holds their own. Even without the qualifications, the company has progressed incredibly far considering there were no guidelines for any position in the company.
Then the trade show came along.
This year, the trade show was held in Tennessee where eight of PR’s VEI students displayed products and tried to sell to other companies. Everyone was doing their parts in completing the company goals which were all directed towards selling products and networking with other firms at the trade show.
Thanks to our amazing design team, the company took second place for best booth design out of the 96 total booths that were at the trade show, exceeding VEI teacher Mrs. Maloney’s expectations. The booth was “clear in what they were selling,” she said, and “elegance” led to the victory.
Gabby Sim, Chief Executive Officer, explains how her job is, “[running] and [organizing] the company.” It is necessary for her to be a boss to her peers as well as a friend. In regards to the trade show, Gabby says, “the fact is that this is the first time anyone from our district has gone to [a trade show] and we placed second. That says something about our dedication of the students here at Prairie Ridge.” It is because of their dedication that this business has become so successful compared to others. “The product line is unique.” Orders for the products are already overflowing and, “each employee is vital,” to the company. The class “feels like a real business.” Next year, Gabby would like to see multiple firms at Prairie Ridge and see “a great program expand and [have] other students be given the opportunities,” that she was able to have.
The Chief Financial Officer, CFO, of the company is Holly Robinson. She says that her favorite part of the class is that she, “gets a real life experience in a virtual class.” Even if someone is not interested in a business major in the future, this class gives the student the experience in a business like world so that they can be sure. Holly did an excellent job at the trade show; she brought in an outstanding $10,000 from one customer! Her favorite thing from the trade show, though, was that she was “able to work well with her fellow students.” Students who intend to take this class should not be afraid to step up and work hard to get what they want.
Julia Reid, who is in the Marketing department, also went along to the trade show. Julia’s favorite thing about the trade show was “getting the experience of [bringing] people to the booth and actually being able to sell a product to them.” The class is fast-paced and gives students the chance to be independent and allows them to make their own decisions. Julia feels that other than a few minor changes, such as submitting certain plans for the trade show earlier, there is only one thing she would change for next year. “Get first place.”
Every student played a part in placing at the trade show. Jack Billimack’s favorite part of the trade show was that he was able to, “[learn] real world skills that will help [him] down the road.” Everything he has done in the class helped prepare him. Since the class is applied instead of “busy work,” it’s easier to learn than compared to another business class. This class is a must for any student who would like to pursue a career in the field of business.
Ryan Wayman works for the company in the design department. Ryan likes the fact that everyone has the independence and determination to run the class. “A previous background in business at Prairie Ridge,” would help a student succeed in this class. A good attitude is also vital. Learning to work with people you don’t like is an important communication skill the class teaches.
Mrs. Maloney said she is “extremely [excited] to offer a class that will give students a real life experience.” She has to develop a brand new curriculum that will “fit the needs of the district and accomplish the goals of Deja Vu.” Mrs. Maloney intends to get feedback from students who are currently taking the class on how to improve the class for next year. She wants students to be able to reflect upon their past experiences here and find that it was one of the most valuable courses to prepare them for the business world.