|
HAVE YOUR HEARD ABOUT
VIRTUAL ENTERPRISE?
By Ms. Patricia Morgigno
WIHS NYS Business and Marketing Honor Society Advisor
Class of 2028 Advisor
International Baccalaureate Educator
Virtual Enterprise Facilitator
2023 Long Island Business Teacher of the Year
West Islip High School
One Lions Path
West Islip, NY 11795
Virtual Enterprise (VE) is a hands-on, career-focused program which provides students with the opportunity to engage in real-world business experiences. Students develop essential leadership, professional, and technology skills through hands-on, immersive, work-based learning experiences. Teachers become consultants as students manage their virtual business. Working in departments, students manage day-to-day functions, produce key deliverables, assess growth, make decisions, respond to challenges, and participate in a variety of business-related events and activities. VE classrooms connect students around the world and turn the classroom into a vibrant, international workplace.
Key Components of the VE Program:
● Hands-on Learning: Students manage departments such as Administration, Accounting, Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and IT in a simulated business environment. This experience provides practical experience and prepares students for future careers.
● Global Interaction: Students engage in trade with student-run businesses worldwide, promoting cross-cultural awareness and understanding of the global economy.
● Competitions: Students participate in New York State regional competitions, national and international competitions, including:
- Business Plan Competition: Student executives present their business plans to professional judges, competing for a spot in the National Business Plan Championship, held at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
- Best Booth & Sales Pitch Competition: Students showcase and sell their products at numerous online and in-person trade shows held throughout the year, demonstrating their marketing and sales skills.
● Real-world Experience: Students conduct market research, develop business plans, create annual reports, and experience financial market dynamics.
● Collaborative Opportunities: Through partnerships with local colleges and businesses, students network and gain valuable exposure to industry professionals.
In summary, VE provides a comprehensive and immersive experience in business education, offering students practical skills and knowledge that are highly valued in the workforce. It prepares them for both college and future careers by giving them real-world challenges and opportunities for personal growth.
(Pictured below are West Islip High School VE students at the NYS Leadership Conference, held at Long Island University in November 2024)
| 
