WCC helps high school students prepare for global entrepreneurship

 

Published on May 2, 2013 2 p.m. by Janet Hawkins,

WCC is hosting a three-day event for area high school students who are destined to work in the dynamic and ever-changing business environments around the world.

The Washtenaw County Global Trade Mission seminar for high school students will be held Thursday, May 9, through Saturday, May 11, at WCC. It is designed to introduce tomorrow’s product and service providers to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship on a global scale. The seminar is free.

“Washtenaw Community College is proud to provide this real-world experience, and the insights it brings, to the students in our community who will be shaping the global economy in a few short years,” said Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, WCC president. “This event will help us further our commitment to help today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce become job ready, wherever their opportunities may take them.”

“This is the future workforce,” said Faris Alami, international executive management consultant and GTM director. “Global Trade Mission provides students with the opportunity to learn about issues in global trade, cultural diversity, entrepreneurship, and business, along with the latest technology tools. At GTM, we are developing the next generation of leaders and talent.”

According to Alami, students will learn from regional experts and other professionals via international video conferencing. They will work in cross-functional teams to simulate an international trade mission in response to global challenges that include alternative energy, homeland security, medical devices, information technology, and robotics.

Each team will create a comprehensive business plan. Each student will assume one of four executive roles, which focus on the development, marketing, and selling of a product. Students will use a variety of resources for their research, including both personal and virtual formats. On the final day, they will present their plans to professionals involved in global trade.

“WCC is excited to be hosting the first ever Global Trade Mission event in Washtenaw County for area high school students,” said Linda Blakey, vice president of student and academic services. “To be successful in the global job market, tomorrow’s workforce must be familiar with different cultural practices and perspectives. This program will be a great introduction for the participants.”

For more information on the Global Trade Mission at WCC, contact Alami at 248-688-5353 or visit the event’s website.

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