From computers to real-world applications, the Business and Marketing Career and Technical Education program is designed to prepare students for careers in management, entrepreneurship, finance and marketing through hands-on experience. Students learn skills such as digital marketing, financial literacy and business planning.
Business teacher Mr. Jeff Luhrs said the Business CTE program is designed to give students a taste of what they may experience in the outside world. What makes the program special is its uniqueness and that it’s more similar to a “workplace” than a classroom.
“The program is different from others because it’s all about teaching students time management and discipline,” Mr. Luhrs said. “Whether they’ll go into business or not.”
Senior Julia Boronow, who has completed multiple levels of the program, said the coursework builds each year and challenges students to grow professionally. As students advance, expectations increase and projects become more independent.
“The only difference between the levels is your abilities and growth,” Boronow said. “You’re doing similar work, it’s just at a different level each year.”
One of the most valuable skills Boronow said she has gained is time management. She also emphasized the importance of professionalism, which she said is reinforced through class expectations and assignments.
“All of the online tools I’ve acquired—I feel like I’ve done so many skills like putting together a resume, putting together a professional email,” she said.
Boronow said those lessons extend beyond the classroom and apply to nearly any field. When students walk into the classroom, they should be ready to participate and stay focused. And although she said there is no single “hardest” part of the program, she acknowledged that balancing projects and deadlines can be challenging at times. Still, she said the experience is worthwhile.
“They should expect to be put to work,” Boronow said. “Do we have downtime? Yes, of course, I feel like every classroom does. But I think hard work really comes into play here.”
Boronow said she recommends the program to other students, especially those interested in media, marketing and online content.
For Boronow and other students, the program provides more than classroom instruction. It’s given them the chance to develop confidence, organization and professional skills to carry into their futures.
