2010 Advisor Application

Thanks to the following group of terrific individuals who volunteered their time to be advisors at the 2009 program!

The CA’s Role
A CA is a professional businessperson who serves as a mentor to a “company” of 10-12 students. As a CA you will guide your company as your students elect officers, make decisions for a business simulation, brainstorm ideas for an imaginary business venture, develop leadership skills and begin to work as a cohesive team. You will support your team as they navigate their way through a series of challenges, all designed to introduce students to the REAL world of business.

CAs play the most important role in the success of the program. Not only do they serve as role models from the community, they also develop a personal connection with the students that will help inspire them for the future. All CAs are provided extensive training and mentoring throughout the program. All materials and curriculum are provided.

What Do You Get?
The CA program is one of the best professional development sessions available. CAs participate in seminars on current business topics, network with other professionals, and enhance their mentoring, communication and time management skills. CAs rise to the challenge of getting their team of "future employees" moving in the right direction to accomplish their goals.

The primary CA qualification is a desire to share business and work experience with high school students. Prior experience working with high school age students is helpful, but not essential. Some other helpful qualities include: enthusiasm for your work and business; strong communication skills; creative problem solving techniques; team building skills; desire to work with students from diverse backgrounds; ability to be an exemplary role model; and experience with your company or field.

Through participation in BW, CAs and sponsoring companies gain:

• Personal/Professional Growth
• Volunteer/Community Involvement
• Shared Knowledge
• Leadership Development
• Company Name Recognition
• Team Building Skills

Program Details
CAs volunteer their time to the program. In return, BWwill cover your meals, materials, a dorm room on campus and transportation during the program. A nearby hotel or campus facility provides lodging and after-hours camaraderie. Please note that if you choose to stay off-campus, lodging is at your organization’s expense.

Many companies support BW by sponsoring a CA from their organization. CAs who are without corporate support will be housed in campus facilities at BW’s expense unless they choose to pay for their own hotel expense.

Orientation
CAs must commit to five days of their time. BW runs from Sunday to Wednesday and CAs must attend a half-day training session, one week before the program starts. BW is a challenging yet extremely rewarding experience. Daily programming begins at 8:00a.m. and concludes around 9:00p.m. CAs must give their full attention to the program and leave business concerns at the office since a significant amount of time will be spent with their company.

Testimonials
The most enjoyable part of BW is working with the students and having a sort of ‘lightbulb’ go off when they realize how to play the BizSim game and as they work through the logistics of their business plans.” - Erin Belot, WPS Health Insurance

“The professionalism of the BW staff and WMC principals has encouraged me to become a better professional and represent myself and my company in the very best light. Being a BW Advisor has increased my credibility quotient to my peers and superiors.” - Arlynn Griffin, Medical College of Wisconsin

“There are several key aspects of the BW experience that can be applied to my job: the importance of successful team-building; the opportunity of working with “diverse” groups; time management skills; the value of “hands-on” learning; and the understanding of human dynamics.” - David Hovde, American Transmission Company

“I feel the information and experiences I can provide to the students relating to my position at my workplace helps the students to understand business day-to-day. In addition, listening to the students’ perspective on the business world gives me, as an advisor, a refreshing outlook into my own career.” - Andy Lemorande, Schneider National, Inc.

“Program participants learn how to start and run a business, and that helps them understand how our free-market economy works. The program has proven results – it is not only an educational experience, but it is also an emotional experience, and participants translate those experiences into their everyday lives.” - Glen Schwalbach, Wisconsin Public Service Corp.