Aug 2, 2010

After an inspiring and exhausting week working in three schools across the county leading enterprise activities, I thought I’d share my reflections as a business leader working with young people.

Well a few years ago we (at Business Navigators) decided to create an exercise that gave students the chance to design, plan and sell their own Adventure Clothing Business to a bank manager. We have worked in business for many years and we wanted to give students the chance to practice and display some of the skills that will make them successful in the world of work.

 Working in teams, the students have to create the brand, decide on their market, the products, where to position their shop and make a whole host of other key business start up decisions. Most importantly, they have to work out the finances; how much money they need, how many products they need to sell to make a profit, etc......

 The students prepare and deliver presentations (Dragon's Den style) to a bank manager and try and convince him to lend them the money to enable them to start up the business. There's a winning team and needless to say, things get very competitive!

 In each school we were working with full year groups (100+ students) of 14 – 16 years.

 Ann Daniels, the polar explorer, kicks off the day by giving all a fantastic illustrated talk about her exploits. I always find it hard to reconcile the photos of Ann at minus 50°C pulling a huge sledge up an ice bank 30 ft high, with the slightly built mother of 4 children back in Devon! It really does illustrate to all what we all can achieve if we really have determination and passion. Everyone is inspired to stretch their "comfort  zones" and try something new (slightly scary) and exciting during the day.

 The students work all day on their presentations and we were lucky enough to have some real Bank Managers present to listen, judge and give some excellent constructive feedback at the end. Everybody learns, whether they are winners or not.

 What about my lasting impressions of the week?

 Firstly the students – full of enthusiasm, energy, ability and creativity. These are all adjectives I would use to describe them. I am constantly inspired by their ability to create and surprise. Frequently the students who shine during the day are not the highest academic achievers; they thrive in this practical "hands on" team environment.

The ability of the staff to channel the energy of the students into constructive output and think on their feet throughout the day leaves me in awe. I'm exhausted after a week never mind a term or year. The best act as a catalyst for the students and they too learn from the day and use it to help the students learn and grow, both during the day and in their subsequent studies. This is really rewarding.

 Most of all, in the students, we can all see "light bulbs" light up as they open up to the possibilities of the work environment and see how stimulating and fun it can be. I'd like to think we have inspired some of the budding entrepreneurs and leaders of the future.

To any business people reading this blog I would recommend working with schools and students. It really is a mutually beneficial experience. I guarantee, the more you put in the more you will learn, enjoy and develop your own skills.

 Get in touch with Devon Education Business Partnership to find out how you can get involved.  I can recommend it!

Posted by: John Wych - Business Navigators
Filed under: Schools, DEBP, Events