Visit to the Stock Market Exchange

What was previously known as just one of those rare pretty buildings in the downtown area, was opened up to me the day I ventured inside it. I speak of the Jamaica Stock Exchange headquarters. Myself and my three other colleagues waited in the lobby for quite a while until anything was underway. We were a bit antsy as well, as we had final projects to be working on and three hours at this uninteresting place was worrying us a bit about time management. What was worse for me was that, in my desperation to cure my boredom and idleness in the waiting period, I reached for the coffee table literature for some home... only to be bombarded with financial information from these documents. Math, a subject that many CARIMAC students are fearful or anxious of, was not my best or favourite subject. Seeing those numbers turned me off immediately. After all, it seemed this place was all about mathematics and fancy business running. 

Did I get the shock of my life when I did decide to stay? I did. The first speaker came in and gave us a history and background on the company. This was helpful because it was English language, something we were more familiar with, I can speak definitely for myself in this area. What was impressive is that he did not let us focus too much on the math aspect before we get the full picture. 

I learnt that the stock exchange was more than just some old rich men making noise in a room over money. I also learnt the purpose of the business watch and winners and losers in business, because I never could understand the importance of that segment. Not only did the presentation get me aware but I felt like I wanted to be a part of it. 

Trading stocks actually sounded appealing, such that I would personally get some background trading in the accounting field so that I would be efficiently making money. After all, this is a money making venture. And could you believe I actually understood the spreeadsheet? It was broken down so simply, that I could go home now and buy and watch stocks.

Even with this information though, I wondered why did Gerry insist that we come here? What does this have to do with entrepreneurial skills? I soon learnt as I payed keen attention, that we were sent here as a ploy to start our businesses the 'right and legal' way. That means to pay our taxes and all those miserable things that young people like me do not look forward to. How else can you join this glorious stock exchange? I remember having a mental OHHH in my mind when I picked it up. But there were benefits from the stock exchange to doing business the proper way such as no tax deductions for the first five years, which is a very generous offer to a small company starting up with young adults fresh out of university like I will soon be. I must say, I appreciate the morals behind the decision. And not that I was thinking 'hard' about whether or not I would pay taxes, I think it will pay off if I do it the right way, and even invest in the Junior Stock Market while my business is young. 

This trip was a great opportunity to further my entrepreneurial journey and give me some ideas on how exactly I would run my small business realistically and not abstractly. I am grateful for the experience. 

Here is a glimpse at the 'hotel' for those of you who declined from a special dash of learning something to guide you in your business basics and traditions.