At Global Odyssey, students were given the chance to sell various items, including food and other goods, as part of an event focused on entrepreneurship and global awareness. I was part of the accounts team, where I handled the transactions and tracked sales for our group. This experience provided a unique challenge, as it required me to develop new skills in financial management while coordinating with my team to ensure smooth operations.

Demonstrating that Challenges Have Been Undertaken, Developing New Skills (LO2)
Handling accounts for the day was both exciting and challenging. I was responsible for managing cash transactions, maintaining accurate records, and balancing the totals at the end of the event. Initially, I found it challenging to keep up with the fast pace of sales, especially during peak times. However, I quickly learned to organize the transactions efficiently and double-check my work to ensure accuracy. This experience taught me new skills in financial management and helped me become more confident in handling money and calculations under pressure.

Initiating and Planning a CAS Experience (LO3)
As part of the accounts team, I took the initiative to set up a system for tracking sales and expenses. Before the event, I worked with my group to establish a plan for how we would record each transaction, track inventory, and reconcile sales with the money collected. By planning ahead, we were able to operate smoothly on the day of the event and reduce the risk of errors. This experience helped me develop my organizational skills and showed me the importance of thorough planning in achieving a successful outcome.

Demonstrating Skills and Benefits of Working Collaboratively (LO5)
Working in the accounts team required constant collaboration with other team members and the sales teams running the booths. I had to communicate clearly to coordinate cash drops, update them on sales numbers, and resolve any discrepancies. We relied on each other’s strengths, whether it was someone’s attention to detail or another’s quick mental math skills, to ensure that our records were accurate and up-to-date. This experience emphasized the value of teamwork, as we were able to support one another, share responsibilities, and ultimately achieve a common goal.

Engagement with Issues of Global Significance (LO6)
Global Odyssey wasn’t just about selling items; it was also an event to raise awareness of global issues, such as sustainable business practices and cultural diversity. Many booths featured products with a focus on ethical sourcing or highlighted foods from around the world, encouraging us to think about global connections and responsibilities. As part of the accounts team, I saw firsthand how financial success could be achieved while also promoting these important messages. This experience reinforced the importance of making informed and ethical choices, even in business, to contribute positively to global issues.