Company Advisors (CA’s) play the most important role in the success of the Business Challenge program. Not only do they serve as real-world role models from the community, they also develop personal connections with the teens helping to inspire a grand future of possibilities.
The Role of the Company Advisor
Company Advisors are business professionals who volunteer for a full week to guide a “company,” a group of 10-12 teens, through an interactive real-world business simulation. As a CA, you’ll mentor your student Company as they elect officers, make decisions for their business simulation venture, brainstorm ideas, and develop leadership and teamwork skills. You are the support for the company as they navigate their way through a series of challenges designed to introduce them to the REAL world of business and careers.
Our best Company Advisors are people who have:
A sincere desire to help young people reach their potential
An interest in learning more about the free enterprise system
A basic understanding of the business nature of their industry
A desire to meet new people and have fun
Exemplary ethical and moral standards
Flexibility
A sense of humor
Benefits of Being a Company Advisor
Anybody who has ever been a CA will tell you that the experience is exhausting. But they will also tell you that it was one of the most rewarding weeks of their lives. The benefits don’t end with the chance to make a difference in the lives of teens, our CA’s also say that they are better employees after they’ve participated in the program.
Some of the professional benefits of being a CA are:
A chance to network and build camaraderie with top business professionals from across the state.
An opportunity to improve team-building and leadership skills.
A challenging exercise in facilitating a group of strangers and molding them into a cohesive team that works together effectively.
A chance to collaborate with business professionals and educators to help shape the workforce of tomorrow.
An opportunity to enhance public speaking and presentation skills.
Allows an opportunity to market individual jobs and companies the future workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions about Being a CA
Who should be a CA?
BC has had individuals representing career fields such as finance, engineering, manufacturing, advertising, law, environmental protection, and computer technology. If you are interested in contributing your time for this truly unique and rewarding opportunity, don’t hesitate to contact the BC office!
What is the time commitment?
While being a CA is an incredibly rewarding experience, it can also be exhausting. The Business Challenge takes place on Dickinson State University’s main campus. CA’s stay in hotels nearby and are expected to arrive on the Saturday before the program begins and stay through the following Friday.
What kind of training will I receive?
Business Challenge requires CA’s to attend a full day of training on campus right before the program begins. This session will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the Business Challenge Week experience, as well as offer the tools, skills and knowledge needed to guide your team through the week. CA’s will be sent the entire curriculum packet prior to the program including meeting agendas, activities, and a full program schedule. We will also have BC team members and veteran CA’s mentoring you throughout the week.
Are my expenses for the Summer Program covered?
Most companies see Business Challenge as a professional development tool and pay for their employees to attend. All meals, travel for BC activities, and Medora Musical ticket are covered. CA’s are asked to cover their own hotel costs. CA’s are welcome to stay on campus for approx. $10/night if they’d prefer.
Interested in being a Company Advisor?
Head over to our contact page and send us a message!
