On Tuesday, April 29, VEI students participated in their final trade show of the year: an open house where visitors could “shop” from companies.
VEI is a business class where, at the beginning of the year, students are split into different companies and departments and are even “paid” with the intention of simulating a real business.
“At the start of the year, we all get to decide on what we want to sell,” senior Veda Kodithala said. “It allows students to lead a mock business simulation.”
Students take on and are “hired” for different jobs in their companies. Whether it’s sales, marketing, or one of the many other roles, everyone plays a part in making their company succeed and run like a real business.
“I’m in committee, which is kind of like the public relations department in a way,” Kodithala said. “We plan all the competitions that our company participates in across the world, we organize the trade shows, and we were the ones that prepare the open house, too.”
Throughout the year, VEI students participated in several trade shows to promote their company. The VEI open house last Tuesday was the final of those shows.
“The VEI open house was our opportunity to wrap up the end of the year, it’s kinda similar to what we do in the trade shows,” Kodithala said. “All the different firms get to set up a booth.”
The visitors of the open house were given fake credit cards and the opportunity to buy from the companies. There were also stations designated to explain what each department’s role is.
“We invite a lot of teachers, and a lot of students’ parents come too,” Kodithala said. “Sometimes we also have students from classes come in.”
This event gives both VEI students and visitors a glimpse into how businesses are run, giving them experience in their specific departments, and allowing them to decide what they want to do in the future.
“All kids interested in business should at least give VEI a try,” Kodithala said.
