Are you interested in learning more about the world of business? Have you always wondered how a real world firm operates and carries out its daily functions? If so, then Virtual Enterprise is the class for you. Virtual Enterprise is a class that allows for aspiring entrepreneurs to experience how a business firm really works. Overall, the class is a simulation of a real business on a global scale; firms from different schools can interact with each other and buy products from one another using the virtual currency gained from the sale of each other’s products.

In the class, there are five departments that handle different aspects of the company: Human Resources, Finance, Public Relations, Marketing, and Technology. No matter who you are or what skills you possess, there is sure to be position that suits your niche. Each department has a department head, who has a manger below them with associates under the manger. Cecilia Amone, the Chief Operations Officer, says that leading her peers is “hard because you don’t want to put your friendship at risk, but it’s nice to work with people who know you so well.” Additionally, the CEO is the head of the firm and helps delegate responsibilities of the firm in its day-to-day activities. Below the CEO are the Chief of Staff and the Director of Media and Presentations who, combined with the department heads, make up the Executive Board of the firm. The manager of the Human Resources Department, Hallie Roche, explains that Virtual Enterprise has taught her “patience, knowledge of human resources, how to work well with others, as well as time management and how to meet your deadlines.”

Ms. Eileen Palazzo is the Director of the Long Island region of Virtual Enterprise. When asked about the benefits of the class and how it can help develop a student, she said  “When students walk into the Virtual Enterprise classroom they are challenged and inspired as business literally comes to life for them.  VE shifts the educational paradigm; the teacher becomes the facilitator/advisor and the students are charged with creating and operating a profitable business in a competitive virtual economy complete with a banking system. This real-world challenge transforms the classroom into a workplace and the class into a firm where students are colleagues; they learn firsthand about business and develop entrepreneurial and collaborative skills that will give them a competitive edge in college, careers and life. The VE experience is transformative as students emerge as confident business professionals inspired to set goals, dream and achieve.”

Virtual Enterprise teaches people the formation and management of a business’ operations and is a realistic simulation of a real company. The experience gives those wishing to pursue a business career the opportunity to learn about their desired role in the business world. Virtual Enterprise is an enriching and valuable class that you shouldn’t pass on, and it might be the most fun you’ll ever have in a class in high school.