High School Students Successfully Run Fortune's Retail Chain

Philadelphia, PA - In an impressive display of strategic planning, a group of high school students participated in Wharton Global Youth's online Future of the Business World program, where they took control of Getchell's, a fictitious retail chain. The two-week immersive program taught students how to make data-driven decisions based on informed predictions about the business world.

During the simulation, known as Pivot or Perish, students worked in teams to make choices for their retail business and gain an edge by focusing on customers and optimizing business strengths. They had to select a target segment and use limited financial resources to improve Getchell's positioning in the market.

The team that achieved the highest return on investment demonstrated valuable strategies for corporate growth. "Invest big," was the first strategy highlighted, where the team learned that massive changes require significant investments of money and dedication. The pivot came second, as the importance of being adaptable and willing to change direction became clear. Playing to one's strengths was also crucial, as focusing on areas of advantage while investing in weaknesses led to success.

Finally, focusing on facts and evidence-based conclusions was emphasized, as emotions and intuition can be misleading. The program taught students how to gather concrete data and make informed decisions that support business strategies.

Tanvi I, a high school junior from Washington state, reflected on her experience, stating, "I learned four strategies that will guide my future business decisions: Invest big, the pivot is real, play to your strengths, and focus on the facts. These lessons have not only broadened my understanding of business but also helped me prepare for a career in the future of the business world."

With this esteemed program's success story, it highlights the importance of innovative training programs that equip young minds with essential skills to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape.

This article is part of our ongoing effort to share engaging stories and insights on emerging trends in corporate growth and development.