Business Technology

Business Technology

Learn how to become a successful employee, entrepreneur, and leader in the ever-changing world of business. Have fun unleashing your creativity as you develop and run your own teen business. Develop your analytical and managerial skills as you learn to run multiple live, on-campus business, such as the Pioneer Lodge (school store), Design + Print Center, and the yearbook.

The Pathfinder Business Technology program prepares students for a variety of careers in the field of business by teaching the basics of personal finance, advertising and marketing, entrepreneurship, accounting, management, insurance, and investments. Students also learn design elements through the use of Adobe software and photography. Heavily on the Microsoft Office suite.

 Business Technology (BT) prepares students for a wide range of business and office career paths by combining the business, computer, and office technology fields into one course of study. Students graduating from Business Technology are ready to enter different sectors of the business world with very marketable skills. Through the four year program, students gain a thorough knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and desktop publishing applications. In addition, students explore related business topics such as marketing, business management, customer service, entrepreneurship, communications, accounting, and finance. BT students leave ready to be effective team members in a business organization or develop their skills further in college.

Business Technology is a four-year, pre-professional program designed for students planning careers in business or finance. In a simulated office setting utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, students become acquainted with the skills, abilities, and attitudes needed for successful job performance in the technical business office profession. Students explore a wide range of procedures including keyboarding, computer applications using word processing, spreadsheets, database, and presentation packages, Internet exploration, records management, accounting, consumer education, business mathematics, operation of office machines, and general office procedures.

The strong emphasis placed on career planning is intended to guide students to challenging fields in which significant growth is anticipated by the U.S. Labor Department over the next ten years. Each student will spend 50% of the school year in their career/technical education program. Additionally, they will complete three related courses each year during their academic cycles.

Students who complete this program will be highly prepared for employment in today’s computerized and technical office.

Seniors complete a portfolio project and are encouraged to participate in an internship which provides career opportunities. Seniors may also be eligible to work in a co-op job. With further training in this field, additional opportunities for career advancement increase. Also throughout the four years, students will sit for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams.

By earning a “B” or better in certain courses, students in the program can earn college credits at Bristol Community College.

Students in Business Technology become members of Business Professionals of America (BPA) and are eligible to take part in BPA sponsored skills competitions involving high school students from across Massachusetts. State winners become eligible to participate in BPA’s national competition.

Graduates from the Business Technology program will be ready for employment in a host of settings and will be prepared to participate in post secondary programs at the associate and bachelor’s level. The Business Technology program is also in the process of obtaining articulation agreements with Bristol Community College, enabling students to earn college credits for work in high school.