High Schoolers Learn From Pros at Molloy Business Boot Camp

From Rockville Center Patch:

It’s never too early to lay the groundwork for a promising business career.

That was the philosophy behind the Business Boot Camp recently held at Molloy College. More than 80 high school students from 25 different Long Island and Queens schools participated in the four-day program, learning the ins and outs of the business world.

Throughout the week, students participated in a wide variety of activities designed to foster skills that are necessary in the current business climate. They simulated the New York Stock Exchange by trading candy bars, were taught the finer points of a proper business lunch, and learned how to land great internships.

One specific skill, however, acted as a major theme throughout the week — public speaking.

“We’ve spoken to people on our business advisory board, who we talk to for advice on how we should structure the Molloy business program,” Molloy Dean of Business Stephen Bier said. “We asked them ‘What were the two main skills that you were disappointed in from new employees?’ They all said the same thing. Writing and public speaking.”

To combat that deficiency, students attended a program led by Jim Paymar. Paymar is the host of Long Island Business Report on WLIW21 and has worked at CNBC, FOX and ABC.

The long-time broadcaster is President of the Molloy Business Channel, a program that teaches students about the many connections between the media and the business world.

“What we stress at the Molloy Business Channel is helping students become good presenters,” Paymar said. “We want them to get up in front of a crowd and give that PowerPoint that stuns the boss. You can’t be a wall-flower anymore. It’s a very tough job market. The more flexible you are, the more you’re going to succeed.”

Ron Carman, associate dean for the Molloy Business Undergrad program, taught students about business ethics and the current state of world industry. Carman served as the Head of Company Law for Morgan Stanley.

“Business ethics is really the wrong name. It’s ethics for life,” Carman said. “It’s a hot topic. As much as you hear about ethics on Wall Street and in business, it’s everywhere.”

Carman stressed the importance of having a passion for both learning and business. He believes that the camp began that process for many of the students.

“This week, we have only “wetted the whistles” of your children,” he said. “We hope to satisfy that quench going forward.”

In addition to handing out certificates of completion to every graduate, the evening acted as an opportunity for parents to learn about the Molloy School for Business.

“The thing I like the most about Molloy College is the professionalism of the staff,” Paymar said. “You’ve got people who have worked on Wall Street, have been on Madison Avenue, and have been CEO’s of companies. We have street smarts. We have been there. We have done it and been successful. We want to pass that success, our knowledge and experience onto the students.”

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