How Participating in a Business Competition Prepared Me Professionally

As a high school senior, I visited Towson and was instantly drawn to their signature program - The Associate, a competition modeled after the hit T.V. show, The Apprentice.

Senior business students compete for a job during an eight week period solving real problems and present their solutions to local businesses.

After applying and becoming one of 8 students chosen to compete, I was ecstatic to participate in something that sealed the deal for me to attend Towson in the first place.

The final two contestants were able to bring back two students who were "not hired" to help them present their final case to First Mariner. This is my portion of the presentation on beacon technology.

Unfortunately, I didn't win. I was "not hired" because my personality didn't match the culture of First Mariner, the employer of the winner.

Robert Kunisch, President and CEO, explained that their employees are very conservative and with my presentation skills, I would be a better fit in a position that put me in front of people often -good way to go out (I think)!

It was an awesome experience, and I learned a ton. Here are my top 3 lessons learned:

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