What kind of skills are businesses looking for? What skills and knowledge are necessary in today’s workforce?
Well, Utah Business Week (UBW) is a week-long business experience that exposes high school students to all aspects of business, giving them valuable experience and skills that they can take with them to whatever job and career they end up choosing.
For one week, students attend classes at Utah State University which are taught by some of Utah’s most prominent business professionals. Students are divided into companies where they develop a product and create a logo and radio commercial to market their product. A panel of judges evaluates their work to select winning companies.
Students also compete in a simulated business experience where they have to make business decisions regarding supply and demand, price point, personnel, facilities and equipment needs, advertising, research and development, and much more.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re more creative or analytical; your strengths can be used in various facets of business and you may not even realize it,” said Mikael Short, Salt Lake Chamber communications coordinator and Utah Business Week alumni. “I didn’t think I’d be much of a business person, but Utah Business Week opened up my eyes to how my creative side can be an asset to a business. ”
When students aren’t working on projects with their companies, they interact in a very intimate setting with top business executives and learn from their years of business expertise. This year, students will hear from representatives from Goldman Sachs, Boeing, Questar, Zions Bank, and Workers Compensation Fund among other great Utah companies.
UBW isn’t all business–there are dances, athletic activities, and so much more than just sitting in a classroom.
Students from all over the state are able to participate in this program for only $100 for the entire week. Generous contributions from some of Utah’s top make it possible for students to attend for such a minimal fee.
UBW 2014 will take place from July 27 through August 2. For more information and to register, go to www.utahbusinessweek.org. For questions, call Chelci Fullmer at 385.351.8340.
