Comparing theory to real (working) life … mentor companies make it possible

25 september, 2016

VRG Economy program vision – EK2020

On Thursday, September 22, VRG welcomed 15 new mentor companies to school to meet their year 2 Economy students. As defined in our vision for the Economy program, we want our students to have authentic and relevant learning experiences. When we studied our classroom practices, we realized this was one area we could achieve more if we pushed students to go ”out” and ”see” what really happens when theories are applied in real world environments.

This is the second year, we welcome Mentor Companies to school to be paired with students in year 2. Throughout their studies in year 2 and 3 , students will study, visit, investigate, observe and report on their mentor company. By developing a genuine relationship with the company, students are better equipped to study the practice that relates to the applied theory.

It is no easy task to find 15 companies each year to accept the responsibility to be a Mentor Company. We are lucky! When we looked into our alumni group and our parent network and asked who would be willing, many answered. More than half of our mentor companies have former VRG students as founders or employees.

During this ”kick-off”, representatives from each company and students introduced themselves. Then, students explained about an assignment where they have studied theories about HR and how to motivate employees. This will be the focus of their first visit to the company.