Virtual Enterprise Class Puts Students in a Real Life ‘Shark Tank’

Mr. Karpieszuk reviews Mysterra’s plans with the group. *Photo: Jaydon Chen ‘24*

By LIZI SOKHADZE

It’s about that time we all start thinking about the courses we want to take next year. Rising seniors, you’re in luck, as a hidden gem of a class, Virtual Enterprise, is eligible to you and will be offered for the upcoming fall semester!

Virtual Enterprise, a new simulated business course taught by Mr. Jakub Karpieszuk (a.k.a. Mr. K), meshes all aspects of being an entrepreneur: sales, marketing, finance, and human resources, giving students the opportunity to experience a corporate life.

“This class actually teaches students to learn teamwork and communicate with one another,” said senior Jaydon Chen, the chief marketing officer (CMO) of Mysterra, a firm created in the class. “If one person doesn’t do their part in the work, it interrupts the flow of the firm like any other business. Communication is absolutely key to class success and also in the real world.”

The class has already produced a hit, as its Mysterra team placed in the top 10% of the National Company Branding Competition this January for creating a memorable brand.

“The marketing department is just too good,” said Chen, who feels as though his employees exceed expectations and finish their tasks before he can assign another one. “Suffice it to say, I'm very proud of my department for making me feel useless as their manager because that's a testament to their self-managerial and field skills.”

The classroom has a fair amount of work, students said, though the competitions add some extra weight, and the time commitment is higher than usual for an elective.

“Virtual Enterprise is a great experience, but it isn't for everyone,” said Chen. “It's only for those who are willing to deal with a large workload and all of the stupidities that come with the workplace.”

The class also won second place at the Lightning Business Pitch Competition and is planning on a trip to LIU Brooklyn for the Business Plan Competition.

“This class has been an overall rollercoaster,” said senior Nimra Mughal. “A class portraying a simulated business in which you become employees under a company that you’ve created with your classmates is something I never would’ve thought I’d be participating in.”

Mughal really enjoys how the class sets itself apart from the norm. She had to learn a lot about business. “This class sometimes feels like I'm working outside of school, which is essentially what it is,” said Mughal. “It also gave me an insight into what it would be like to start my own business or work for a firm. Now that I've seen how the business world works, I have a better notion of what I want to study in college.”

Especially if you’re planning on majoring in business, “I strongly recommend that you take this course,” Mughal said. “It not only teaches you the fundamentals, it also provides you with an idea of how it might feel at college or if you were to start your own business.”

“Virtual Enterprise has been a wealth of opportunity, specifically in terms of preparing us for the rigor of the professional world,” said senior Kezia Lee Smith. She feels the course teaches students to have a strong work ethic, and she values the connections with professors and field experts it’s given her.

“Without a doubt, this class is worth every second I invested into it,” said Smith. “The nights spent with my team members for competitions were not in vain — as a new firm competing against veteran high schools, we have always placed in a notable position due to our relentless desire to win. Seeing the fruits of your labor is one of the biggest factors in enjoying this class.”

Smith now holds the trusted position of CEO and is “continually motivated by the hunger for something greater.” She acknowledged Mr. Karpieszuk’s ability to guide his students.

“Mr. K has been a pillar of strength and encouragement,” Smith said. “He was, and still is, always ready to hop on a virtual meeting to coach us and lift our spirits when we come face-to-face with frustration.”

Smith feels this course tops the others she has taken at Midwood.

“Not only are you the employees in the business, but you go on trips to colleges and other educational institutes to pitch your idea to judges – it is like a real-life ‘Shark Tank,’” she said.

“You make friends, work in groups, and create unforgettable memories,” Mughal said. “I have made some wonderful moments that I will always treasure.”