Youths aged 14-19 from as far away as Northern Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Indonesia and Sri Lanka were at UTM for the 38th annual Canadian Junior Achievement Conference (CANJAC).
In teams, the 160 students were challenged to answer one, not-so-simple question, said CANJAC conference director Sue Suess: What are the key priorities and strategies organizations need to consider to be responsible corporate citizens in the global market?
"The theme is Mission Responsible, and these students are so bright and so creative in their solutions," said Suess.
Students were chosen by their local Junior Achievement groups to attend the conference because of their specific interest in business and business-related careers. While at UTM, they stayed at Oscar Peterson Hall residence.
Through networking, breaking down into teams, discussing ways to make decisions and in-class seminars with local business consultants, the students came up with a team presentation outlining key business responses, including marketing and human resources components.
The groups will present their results today, the final day of the conference.
"I've learned a lot more about business and gained experience on every skill," said Stacey Karpenko, from London, Ontario. "This has helped me prepare for university and future employment."
Jillian Thorne, from Saint John, New Brunswick, is attending her second CANJAC conference. She said that as much as it's great to network with like-minded youth, it's also a chance to socialize and make friends.
Norway's Kristina Opsahl is one of three from her country to make the trek to Canada.
"I'm having fun and learning so much," she said. "I'm learning about other Canadians, and they're a lot like Americans — crazy and loud."
Opsahl said the business systems they're learning are similar to those used in Norway. She's heading into Grade 12 this fall, and says she'll definitely use the skills she has picked up at the conference, which also included other challenges, and some fun.
One exercise had the groups build a car out of scrap materials including cartons, tape and string, and then make a business plan to promote it. On Tuesday, the students enjoyed an afternoon at Canada's Wonderland.
The conference is held at different locations every year.
jslack@mississauga.net
