Waukee FBLA, What is it?

Waukee Future Business Leaders of America, a widely known club at Waukee High School has had a steady increase in the number of members throughout the years, but not many can answer this one specific question: What is FBLA?

An interview with Nathan Nevenhoven, Co-President FBLA officer, shares how FBLA is a “student-led business organization also known as a CTSO or Career and Technical Student Organization. It teaches members about how to be successful in future careers, build a resume, and explore different fields of work. It also teaches members to competitively compete in different fields of business based on their passions and interests!”

Although FBLA may seem like a big commitment, there are various opportunities for everybody. For those who aren’t capable of making every single meeting, there will be specific meeting dates that will be shared for when there are speakers, business tours, college tours, and more. On the other hand, for those who are highly interested in film, there are many competitive events that people can compete in, ranging from entrepreneurship to website design. Many events can be done in presentations with groups, computerized testing, as well as improv. 

When asking Eli Green, a sophomore new to FBLA, about how he is enjoying the club he stated, “This would be a good experience for college and it looks like it’ll be a lot of fun.” Not only can FBLA be good on college applications and resumes, but an opportunity to be able to connect with like-minded peers and make new friends. It is a fun way to explore the vast topics surrounding business and learn more about it. 

In an interview with Dheeraj Tunuguntla, Vice President of Business Partnerships FBLA officer, had mentioned how in the upcoming FBLA year, the goal is to, “Set up career interviews for those who need it or job shadowing” in addition to “Bringing in a speaker or two and being able to provide more business tours.” Moreover, when asked if he was interested in business, he mentioned “I’m not necessarily interested in business, but more interested in leadership. It will improve my communication, leadership, and my interaction with others” It just goes to show that FBLA doesn’t primarily focus on business but rather a whole level of different essential characteristics that people will need in the future. 

Last school year, thirty-three participants had shown up to the State Leadership Conference, with thirty-four groups capable of moving on to Nationals in Georgia, this being due to the fact many participants can compete in various events. At Nationals, Anika Yadav, senior, was elected to serve as the National North Central Region Vice President for the 2023-2024 school year. In addition, Lavanya Vangapandu, a senior, placed 8th in the Job Interview. Waukee is slowly becoming more and more popular as the years come.