This year in the Belleville CEO program has helped me grow both personally and professionally in ways I didn’t expect. As an aspiring entrepreneur, I’ve learned how important it is to understand the ins and outs of the business world, no matter what career path I choose. As a student, I’ve become more responsible by learning how to manage multiple tasks and stay organized throughout the year. I now believe in my ability to manage my time and effort effectively, which is something I wasn’t as confident in at the beginning.
One of the biggest areas of growth for me has been in my public speaking and time management skills. CEO constantly pushed me to stay on top of my work and communicate clearly, and over time I became much more comfortable speaking in front of others. I’m most proud of my improvement in public speaking because it’s a skill that applies to any career and even everyday interactions. Being able to confidently speak, even in small moments, can make a big difference.
This program also taught me resilience and resourcefulness. I’ve learned that every idea has value—there is no such thing as a bad idea, pitch, or plan. That mindset helped me stay motivated and keep improving instead of getting discouraged. In terms of teamwork, I learned that every role matters. No matter how big or small someone’s contribution may seem, all roles come together to create a successful final product.
CEO has also influenced my future goals. While I plan to pursue mechanical engineering, this experience has shown me that I would also be open to a career in business or accounting if my path changes.
For future students, my advice is simple: get as involved as possible. You won’t find another class like CEO, so take full advantage of every opportunity it offers.