What is FBLA?
The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a nationwide organization dedicated to providing students with the skills they need to succeed in both high school and college, as well as in their future careers.
Why is FBLA valuable?
FBLA exposes students to real-world experiences through various competitive events. Each event simulates a potential career path or skill set, allowing students to discover passions and gain an early advantage.
From his 11 years of experience leading the Lincoln-Way Central FBLA chapter, Mr. Taylor finds that “the competitive events are what truly inspire our members to bring out their best. Whether participating in an individual event or collaborating on a group presentation, the experience offers an outstanding opportunity for them to grow, challenge themselves, and excel.”
In addition to competition, FBLA also helps students become comfortable speaking in professional environments. Participating in a presentational or speaking event in high school can ease anxiety and lead to greater confidence later in life—an advantage in any career.
One of the core values of the Lincoln-Way Central chapter of FBLA is giving back to the community. Through FBLA, Mr. Taylor emphasizes, “members can make a meaningful impact through service projects like our annual blood drive, where they take the lead in promoting and encouraging life-saving donations within the community.” Projects like these give students the opportunity to take initiative while making a difference.
What if I’m not interested in business?
FBLA is not only for future business majors. According to Mr. Taylor, “FBLA is a valuable organization for all students, regardless of whether they plan to pursue a degree in business. Members develop essential skills such as networking, public speaking, and effective communication with both peers and professionals.”
He also notes that events such as Job Interview, Public Speaking, and Debate foster personal and professional growth. These experiences prepare students for real-life situations—whether they are trying to land a dream job, give a presentation, or collaborate with colleagues to solve problems. Competing in the events Mr. Taylor mentioned could prepare students for these common situations and give them the edge they need to be successful.
What are FBLA competitions?
FBLA competitions consist of two parts: a conference component and a competitive component.
In the conference portion, there are often guest speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities. These are all valuable resources that, if taken advantage of, can lead to remarkable success. With anywhere from dozens to thousands of “future business leaders” in attendance, conferences are a great way for students to build connections and start growing their professional network.
In the competitive portion, students either take a test, give a presentation, or role-play a professional scenario. Afterwards, these events are evaluated and scored. The student—or group of students—who earns the highest score in their event advances to the next level. There are conferences at the regional, state, and national level depending on how successful each student is.
How can I fit FBLA into my schedule?
FBLA is a low-commitment activity designed to fit easily into a busy schedule. Meetings are held about once a month, with options before and after school to accommodate as many students as possible. During these meetings, members prepare for competitions, plan chapter events, and engage in community service.
No matter how many extracurriculars a student is involved in or what their future career goals are, FBLA is a flexible and valuable opportunity for everyone.
