Cleveland: Virtual business offers real experience

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Their business is virtual, but everything else about it is for real.

Cleveland High School students have joined an international network of virtual reality companies on the Web. But all the work, from job interviews to business plans and marketing, give students a taste of what it’s like in the everyday business world.

Their company, Rugged Mountain, has 12 employees.

“We sell outdoor equipment and apparel for ages 16 to 27 but also to other age ranges as well, but that’s our main market. And we offer cabin stays and activities like hiking and bike riding,” said student CEO Sofia Miranda.

Rugged Mountain started Dec. 1 after students went to actual companies that deal with outdoor recreation gear and activities. They went to financial institutions for advice and to get a virtual loan. Students say they will be relying on those real companies for advice as they need it.

Concepshe’an Rice is Rugged Mountain’s employee relations specialist.

It’s a virtual company, so what problems can employees have?

“They don’t keep on task,” she said.

Product designer Ayana Liggett also helps put together the catalog.

“We offer anything you would want for outdoor adventures, camping, that sort of thing,” she said.

Virtual Enterprise is a simulated workplace that dozens of Tennessee classrooms have joined. It was developed by the New York Department of Education, according to Web sites.

It’s a new class at Cleveland High, said teacher Kathy Murphy. She and others have been training for more than a year to become part of the Virtual Enterprise network.

At the end of the spring semester, she said, the students will do all their end-of-the-year tax reports and develop an annual report.

“When they come back the next year, we will start over with training. We will have to look at our business plan again but we don’t have to start from scratch. But they will need to revise it,” Ms. Murphy said.

At a recent open house, Rugged Mountain held in its classroom, junior Katherine Longwith said she was visiting to learn more about the class. She thinks she will be part of it next year.

“I know I kind of want to go into business, but I’m not sure what. I’m kind of hoping this class will help me figure that out,” she said.

The students had to apply for their virtual positions with four interviewers from the community.

With some business experience behind them, returning students next year may do the interviewing. That would be yet another learning experience for the real world of business, Ms. Murphy said.