This summer, while many teens were swimming and boating, Keaton Lee was studying the business bestseller, Freakonomics.
Lee was preparing for VANTAGE, Minnetonka High School’s advanced professional studies program. VANTAGE provides juniors and seniors with real-world experiences in corporate settings.
“VANTAGE is a lot more hands-on than the classroom,” said Lee, a senior. “We are learning business by working with local companies and speaking with professionals rather than reading from text books.”
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VANTAGE students meet at The Commons, a shared workplace with locations in Minnetonka and Excelsior.
“I start my school day at 7:45 at VANTAGE,” said Lee, who wears a tie and slacks and the occasional suit to The Commons. “We will either be working with our project teams, writing business plans, or listening to a guest instructor.”
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Guest instructors include local entrepreneurs as well as executives from companies such as Best Buy, Cargill, General Mills, and Proctor & Gamble.
“We want to prepare our graduates to thrive in the dynamic professional environment of the 21st century,” said VANTAGE program director Chris Pears.
Lee is working on a project for Aspire Beverage Company, a Minnesota start-up which makes healthier sports drinks.
“Our project team is conducting market research, synthesizing the collected data, and presenting a report on feedback and consumer insights about Aspire’s existing products,” said Lee. “We also provide recommendations for potential new products.”
Lee also works on Aspire’s “A-Team,” setting up tasting events at stores, schools, and sporting games. Lee uses the customer service experience he gleaned from his seasonal job at Adele’s Frozen Custard in Excelsior. (His personal favorites are coconut cream and key lime custard).
Lee likes working for a start-up. “I believe our project team has more impact on a company like Aspire as opposed to a larger corporation,” he said. “It also allows for more effective communication. For example, we’re able to schedule meetings with the CEO.”
Due to the challenging environment, VANTAGE students must be motivated and disciplined.
“Students are selected for VANTAGE based on their social maturity and ability to meet deadlines consistently,” said Pears. “Academic GPA is not a primary criteria.”
After the morning at VANTAGE, Lee changes his clothes and heads to MHS for the rest of the school day. He takes classes in calculus, statistics, and physics. After school, Lee spends an hour or two on homework. He is on the MHS honor roll and recently lettered in academics.
Next fall, Lee will attend Santa Clara University. He plans to major in business, and possibly pursue an MBA. “I was a little hesitant about going into business but now, after experiencing VANTAGE, I enjoy business and am eager to learn more about it,” he said.
When he’s not studying or working, you will find Lee playing basketball with friends, volunteering as the audio-visual technician at his church, or listening to music. “Anything from the 70s,” he said.
Lee also likes to read and his favorite book is The Great Gatsby. He was introduced to the classic in sophomore English.
His tip for balancing VANTAGE, school work, and activities? “Prioritize,” he said. “Growing up, my parents always made sure that homework was done before I could go out with friends.”
Written by Lisa Buck
