Presbyterian College hosted the 31^st Annual South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Business Week this month, July 13-18.

The mission of Business Week is to prepare young adults for business environments by introducing the principles of leadership, teamwork and the American Free Enterprise system, while shaping these individuals into responsible, self-confident entrepreneurs. The students chosen for this program were sponsored by members of the South Carolina business community.

The Chamber event is open to South Carolina’s rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who are ranked in the top one-third of their class academically, have proven leadership ability and are involved in their communities. These students are solicited through the guidance departments of their high schools.

Throughout the week, students were placed in groups of ten to twelve to form mock companies. The students were put under the leadership of 20 top executives chosen from South Carolina businesses. These mock companies are designed to emphasize teamwork and teach valuable skills, such as business finance, business ethics, leadership profiling, the significance of diversity in business, and entrepreneurship.

Students assessed their newly acquired business knowledge in a computer simulation game, which required them to make sound business decisions in order to sustain company profits. The principles learned throughout the week help students to form opinions and begin making choices, like deciding on college majors, which will one day lead to a professional career.

Not only did the 2014 Business Week students learn valuable business skills, but they were also given the opportunity to create lasting friendships with students from across the state. Students were given free time for recreation on Presbyterian’s campus and were encouraged to take part in the group’s planned activities that included a pizza party, a dance, movie night and a talent show.

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Business Week gives students from around the state a glimpse into the world of business, and PC is proud to be a part of this program that brings businesses, communities and students together.