MSU Welcomes High School Students for Annual Tech Day | News, Sports, Jobs

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Tech Day at Minot State University: A Showcase of Future Business Leaders

On a crisp Wednesday morning, students from Bowbells High School joined their peers from across the region at Minot State University (MSU) for the much-anticipated annual Tech Day. This two-day event, themed around cybersecurity, brought together fifteen high school groups, including participants from as far away as Tioga, to engage in a series of competitions designed to test their knowledge and skills in various business and technology-related subjects.

A Collaborative Learning Experience

Tech Day is not just a competition; it’s a collaborative learning experience that allows students to showcase their skills in a supportive environment. Each participating high school sent a team of eight students, who faced off in tests covering a range of topics including accounting, business communications, business fundamentals, business law, cybersecurity, presentation software, and spreadsheets. These subjects were carefully selected in collaboration with business education students at MSU, ensuring that the challenges reflect real-world applications of business knowledge.

Jan Repnow, the event’s organizer and an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Business, likened the event to a science fair, emphasizing the preparation that both teachers and students invest throughout the year. “This is something the teachers plan for through the year, and something the students know about well in advance,” she explained. With 17 years of experience organizing Tech Day, Repnow is passionate about promoting cybersecurity and providing students with a platform to demonstrate their capabilities.

Bridging Classroom Learning and Real-World Skills

The importance of Tech Day extends beyond competition; it serves as a vital stepping stone for students preparing for future events, such as the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) conference. Ann Crosby, a student from Bowbells High School, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “It was really fun because competitors were pitted against students they knew from other activities like sports, so conversations crossed subjects.” She noted that the experience provided valuable practice not only for FBLA but also for real-life situations, giving students context to their classroom learning.

Clara Ankenbauer, another Bowbells student, highlighted her school’s strong involvement in FBLA, using Tech Day as a practice run for their upcoming state conference. This sentiment was echoed by Rebecca Maroney, who participated in a spreadsheets test that assessed her knowledge of Microsoft Excel, a crucial tool in today’s business environment.

A Community of Support and Inspiration

The atmosphere at Tech Day was one of camaraderie and encouragement. Cole Krueger, MSU’s marketing director, who volunteered at the event, described Jan Repnow as “kind of a legend on campus.” He took the opportunity to challenge students to embrace the unknown, encouraging them to say, “I don’t know,” and seek out the resources they need to succeed. Krueger’s message resonated with the students, inspiring them to continue pursuing opportunities that challenge their skills and expand their knowledge.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Young Business Leaders

Tech Day at Minot State University is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the skills and potential of young business leaders. As students from Bowbells High School and other regional schools showcased their talents, they also forged connections and gained insights that will serve them well in their future endeavors. With dedicated educators like Jan Repnow at the helm, events like Tech Day are instrumental in preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the world of business and technology.

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