A 'boot camp' for secondary schools run by Chartered Accountants Ireland has been attended by almost 10,000 students since it started in 2019.
As part of the camp more than 60 teams and individuals took part in the “Be the Boss” challenge.
The event was described by organisers as "a gamified business simulation exercise in which entrants take on the role of CEO of their own fictitious company."
"They must tackle a business crisis by applying the learnings from Boot Camp, including interpreting financial statements, problem solving, collaboration and leadership skills to develop a solution to overcome the challenge and justify their rationale."
It can be taken as an introduction to accounting in TY or as revision in 5th and 6th year.
Boot Camp programme creator Brian Feighan said: “The real learning in Be the Boss comes not from working out specific answers but from the decision-making journey.
"Be the Boss challenges students to research and evaluate information, assess risks and benefits and then think critically about the results.
"They need to be creative in how they solve problems and exercise good judgement and commercial awareness.
“Boot Camp and Be the Boss show what it’s like to run a real business – you must both work with others and think independently.
"Crucially, you must also be confident in your information.
"As the world becomes ever more complex, these essential business skills set great business leaders apart and they will serve all these great students well in their lives and professional careers.”
The winning team were from transition year in Edmund Rice College in Carrigaline, while second prize went to Kristiana Bogdonova from Mercy College Coolock who completed the challenge with support from her teacher, Rachel Shaughnessy.
Olivia Fahey from The Teresian School in Dublin 4, who completed the challenge independently as a solo student, took third prize.
Former President of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Sinead Donovan, said: “I congratulate the more than 60 entrants to this year’s challenge.
"The talent and knowledge evidenced in all these submissions show the students’ vitality and enthusiasm, nurtured by their teachers and schools who are so important in supporting this profession.
"This opportunity to see the next generation of leaders at work is inspiring, and equally, it gives them the opportunity to see what being a Chartered Accountant is all about."
Boot Camp is open for enrolment - https://chartered-bootcamp.teachable.com or contact Veronica.Byrne@charteredaccountants.ie
