Whether you simply want to get better at saving YOUR money, or if you are interested in a career in Business, Finance, Coding, Information Technology, Marketing, or owning your own business, the Business/IT Department has you covered. Learn important skills today that will help you succeed in your future through Career and Technical Education (CTE).
Business/Marketing and Information Technology
Students in the Business/IT career pathway develop skills in the areas of banking, finance, accounting, computer technology/software development, cybersecurity, agile processes/project management, insurance, advertising, wholesaling, retailing, manufacturing, international trade, and competitive employability skills. College-bound students may choose to join the Academy of Finance. Internship training and Jobsite problem-solving link school curriculum with practical experience. An integrated curriculum with other academic content areas enables students to meet college entrance requirements. Students are eligible to work half days during their senior year and earn credits for their job placement.
Student Organizations and Work Place Learning Opportunities
The DECA experience starts in the classroom where students learn business concepts in preparation for college and careers.. It enhance their career knowledge and skills by putting them into action through rigorous project-based activities that require creative solutions with practical outcomes. Students are challenged to become a poised professional with ethics, integrity and high standards.
A student-run branch of Educators Credit Union is located at Hamilton and provides important resources and real-world experience. Students who meet certain competencies will be eligible for employment at U.S. Bank in an above entry-level employment position.
Students in the Business/IT career pathway may also participate in the SkillsUSA student organization. Skills is a skills gap program that helps students prepare for their future through the development of technical skills grounded in academics, personal skills such as integrity and professionalism, and essential workplace skills including leadership and teamwork.
Courses
Practical Computer Applications – Do you want to be marketable? This course will help you master advanced skills in the areas of word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications. You will be able to prepare and print documents in Microsoft Word, design and set up a spreadsheet with basic functions and graphs using Microsoft Excel and prepare for presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint. This course is vital for students planning to enter the workforce or postsecondary education.
Keyboarding – If you want to learn touch typing, this is the perfect course for you. In this course you will master the skill of entering alphabetic, numeric and symbolic information on a computer keyboard. Emphasis will be placed on development of accuracy, speed, proper techniques, and concept finger positions. You will develop skills for composing and producing personal, educational and professional documents – memorandum, letters and simple tables using Microsoft Word. This course teaches a real-life skill as well as discipline, problem solving, and attention to detail
Intro to Multimedia (9-10th grade) – Media is all around us – from the ads that pop up in the middle of your game to the huge billboards on the highway. In this class, students learn how to analyze media messages and create their own while learning graphic design, photography, and videography skills.
Multimedia Photo & Video (10-12th grade) – Once you’ve learned the basics in the Intro class, you’re ready to work towards professional quality photography and video production. We work with customers inside and outside the building to create dynamic and inspiring multimedia products. Students work towards and earn industry recognized credentials in Adobe suite applications and project management. This class also takes on the SkillsUSA curriculum learning leadership skills, teamwork, project management, and graphic design. They compete in local, regional, state, and national competitions.
PLTW Computer Science Essentials (9-10th grade) – Whether building apps to meet client needs or programming virtual robots, PLTW Computer Science Essentials class teaches students using fun and interactive activities that not only build knowledge and skills in computer science, but also allows students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance. This class provides students with in-demand, real world knowledge and skills they will use for the rest of their lives on any career path they choose.
PLTW Computer Science Principles (10-12th grade) – In this advanced placement course, students learn how to program in Python 3, create games, apps, and simulations, program an autonomous car that uses artificial intelligence, and work with data and cybersecurity. Students who successfully complete this course may earn college credit. Students may also earn industry recognized credentials in IC3 and Microsoft networking.
Start Your Own Business – Do you have what it takes to own your own business? Great businesses are built on top of great ideas. This class lets you experience the powerful combination of great ideas and great business sense by developing a business plan and learning about what it takes to be successful in today’s business world.
Personal Finance – Do you have what it takes to better control your money and prepare for financial success? The Personal Finance course teaches you all you need for becoming debt free and building a better financial future; like budgeting, saving, building good credit, planning for college, insurance, investing, car/mortgage loans, and planning for retirement. Sign up and learn what it takes to survive and thrive in the 21st century financial world. This course is required for graduation.
Accounting – Understand how businesses and investors look at a business to determine its worth, and whether it is doing well. Become a business problem solver. Accounting is more than math – it provides information that owners and investors use to become financially successful.
Marketing Techniques – Juniors and Seniors have a great opportunity to discover the world of marketing. Students will explore the various career opportunities in marketing while creating hands-on marketing campaigns for our schools Educators Credit Union branch. This is an elective class that allows your creativity to shine!
Marketing CO-OP / Young Executive Marketing – Seniors in good standing are invited to make the senior CO-OP work experience part of their senior year. Students in this program will work at an approved worksite gaining work experience while making money and earning a grade. Students will also be enrolled in the CO-OP classroom portion where they will discover various career opportunities and receive resume building experiences.
Business Law – If you call off an engagement, can you keep the ring? Why will a car dealership not sell to a 16-year-old student without an adult? The answer to these questions and more are in Business Law. Know your rights in contracts, including renting, selling, and buying, and in employment law.
Links
ECU.com
Hamilton has partnered with Educators Credit Union to create a working in-school ECU branch run by the Business Department students. Students can volunteer as ECU tellers allowing them to learn valuable financial skills and customer service skills along the way. See a Business Teacher for more information on how to volunteer and how to open your own checking and saving account today.
MATC.edu
Want to earn FREE college credits? The Hamilton High School Business Department and MATC want to give you a head start toward your future by offering FREE college credits. Simply take one of the three articulated classes and pass with a “C” or better to receive three (3) college credits from MATC in that particular course. Courses offered with articulated credit include Accounting, Marketing, and Starting your own Business (Entrepreneurship).
*Credits are transferable to many other schools including all UW system schools and may be transferred as elective credits if desired. See a Business Teacher or your Guidance Counselor for more information.