Presque Isle High School senior Jack Hallett is a second-year student in the business technology program at Presque Isle Tech Center. Participating in the business technology program has helped Hallett choose a career path after graduation.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school. Business is a broad field, and you can do a lot with a business degree,” stated Hallett.
“Students who take business classes have the opportunity to develop core skills across an array of subjects,” said Kristen Nunez, business technology teacher at PITC. “At PITC, this includes introduction to business, introduction to computer applications, customer service, personal finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, and accounting. This helps to prepare them for a variety of careers, ranging from business management to administration.”
Students who have completed the business program at PITC have found employment in human resources, insurance, accounting, financial advising, and retail management.
“The career opportunities in business are endless,” Nunez continued, “if you’re not sure what you want to do after high school, this is a good place to start.”
The business program is ideal for students who want to own a business or study business in college. Business students have the opportunity to earn high school and college credits through the concurrent enrollment program. All seven business classes at PITC are worth three college credits each through Northern Maine Community College, giving high school students a head start on their college career and ultimately, saving them time and money.
Business students develop communication and writing skills as well as use computer technology to gain technical skills necessary for future occupations. “The business classes help improve a students’ employability skills which benefit them no matter what path they take in life,” stated Nunez.
Students also have the opportunity to collaborate with area businesses. “We partake in the Invest Program with MMG Insurance. Students receive classroom education in risk management, learn valuable life lessons, and interact with insurance professionals,” said Nunez.
Hallett has learned a variety of skills in the business program, diving deeper into subjects such as marketing. “We are learning the steps and processes involved in marketing products and services. There is so much more that goes into marketing than just posting an ad on the Internet,” stated Hallett. Hallett enjoyed personal finance.
“The class is the definition of what you will need in the real world. It was really informative,” stated Hallett. Hallett likes the convenience of using different online platforms in the business program to complete his work. “I like how everything is online and easily accessible,” stated Hallett.
Hallett believes that the knowledge he has acquired in the business program will benefit him in his future, especially in regards to working with others. “Customer service is important in any career you go into. Whatever you do, you will be working with people, so you will need to have good customer service skills,” said Hallett. When he graduates in June, Jack plans on studying business and sports broadcasting in college.
Because PITC welcomes students from surrounding towns including Ashland, Mars Hill, Caribou, Easton, Washburn, and Fort Fairfield, Hallett has enjoyed meeting new people. “It’s nice to get to know students from other schools. The connections you make with other students is really important,” Hallett stated.
Jon Blanchard teaches accounting at PITC. “Students who pursue accounting as a profession can work in any type of business,” Blanchard stated. “Accountants maintain “the books” for business.” Students who earn an undergraduate degree in accounting can continue their education and pursue a master’s in business administration or become a certified public accountant.
According to Blanchard, students should take the business program because of the opportunities it provides. “It opens the door to so many options as students move forward in life and discover what their true passions are,” Blanchard said.
“My favorite part about teaching is my students,” Nunez said. “I love helping them understand the business content, especially when they start to see the connection between what they are learning in my classroom and their own personal lives.
Blanchard also enjoys working with the students. “Students are not required to take business classes; they choose to take them. So, having a classroom full of students who are interested in the subject matter and want to succeed is a great way to start every day,” said Blanchard.
Blanchard offers advice for high school students who may be considering a career in business. “Give it a try! The worst thing that can happen is that you’ll find out it’s not for you and it doesn’t cost anything to learn that lesson. More likely though, you will discover something you enjoy and a tool to help you for the future!”
The Presque Isle Tech Center serves high school students in the Central Aroostook area including Presque Isle, Caribou, Fort Fairfield, Easton, Washburn, Ashland, and Mars Hill. For more information about the Business Technology program or any of the programs at PITC, please contact 207-764-1356 or visit www.sad1.org/o/pitc/.
