High schoolers compete on business acumen
Jan. 31—A Wednesday event united students from 11 counties in Northwest Missouri on learning the creation of something greater than themselves in the free market.
The district conference of the Future Business Leaders of America is a competitive event held at Missouri Western State University for members of each high school's FBLA club to qualify for the state tournament, set for in April in Springfield, Missouri. FBLA is open to all high school grades and poses a career preparation pathway unlike any other, according to regional president Morgan Pope, a senior at North Nodaway High School in Hopkins, Missouri.
"It's such a big part of life after high school," she said. "I mean, even as a dual-credit student, and somebody who does things outside of my school now, I've experienced interviews, job interviews and presentations that are really, really important. FBLA teaches how to dress, how to act, what to say, how to say 'thank you' at the end ... It seems obvious to some, but it's something that does need to be taught for others."
Central High School sophomore Brooklyn Gaume has only been involved in FBLA for about a year, but she has come to appreciate how personal courage and extensive preparation are needed to succeed here. Each student must dress for success and ensure they are prepared to sell their business plan, social media approach, marketing strategy or their own talents in a mock job interview.
"Honestly, I think the most complicated thing is just like ... when you go into this to know like exactly what you're doing and like, how to set up your presentation and study well for your test if you take tests in FBLA," Gaume said.
The event is scheduled to continue into Thursday at the Fulkerson Center and Blum Union complex, with FBLA competitors advancing on the basis of merit to day No. 2. The planning of these events is updated by the Missouri FBLA organization at https://www.facebook.com/mofuturebusinessleaders. The Missouri Western gathering is sponsored by the Steven L. Craig School of Business and Pam Klaus, director of finance development.
Marcus Clem can be reached at marcus.clem@newspressnow.com. Follow him on Twitter: @NPNowClem
