Are you interested in majoring in Business in college? Do you want to stand out on your college applications? Are you competitive? Join a business club! Selecting a specific college major when you’re still in high school and have zero experience is daunting, to say the least—but various high school clubs and organizations can help you get a feel for specific industries and pique your interests. For college applications, you obviously need good grades and strong test scores, but involvement in clubs and activities is just as important.
High school clubs for future Business majors
Here are some of the best organizations and activities for you to be a part of in high school if you plan to go to college for Business or a related field.
Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA)
According to Distributive Education Clubs of America, this group “prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.” DECA’s comprehensive learning program integrates into classroom instruction, practically applies learning, connects to business, and promotes competition. It prepares the next generation to be academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, and experienced with leadership positions in high school and college.
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
The Business Professional of America’s mission is to “develop and empower student leaders to discover their passion and change the world by creating unmatched opportunities in learning, professional growth, and service.” BPA focuses on professional development and the future, providing the tools, skills, and experiences students need to compete, succeed, and thrive in the business world. The group also offers scholarships to members based on involvement and academic success.
Related: The Best Prep for the Real World: Business or Liberal Arts Degrees?
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Future Business Leaders of America “inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.” FBLA’s programs focus on leadership development, academic competitions, educational programs, and community service. Chapters are available for middle school, high school, and college students as well as working professionals.
Future Investors Club of America, Inc (FICA)
Future Investors Club of America helps facilitate experiences and insight in the world of finance. Offered to students from age eight to 18, this club focuses on investing money, stock markets, and different finance careers. There’s so much to learn through guest speakers, training events, summer camps, and competitions.
Youth Entrepreneurs Club (YE)
Youth Entrepreneurs Club converts textbook learning to practical application, preparing students for success in their future careers and life. YE claims to be “not just a class” and provides real-world learning experiences to over 15,000 students in more than 600 classrooms across the country. The program pushes students to successfully graduate high school, obtain a degree, and start their own business.
National Business Honor Society
Part of the National Business Education Association (NBEA), the National Business Honor Society is dedicated to engaging in the teaching, instruction, research, and communication of information for and about business. High school juniors and seniors who’ve completed three business courses with certain GPA requirements are eligible to join. NBEA also has a mobile library and newsletters dedicated to business education. Don’t see anything that caters to your specific interests? Find more opportunities and ideas for high school clubs by searching online with keywords like Economics, Entrepreneurship, Investment, Stock Market, Wall Street, and Women in Business.
Related: Great Colleges and Universities for Business in the South
The benefits of business-based clubs
Joining a career-oriented club has many advantages and benefits. These groups host a variety of competitions, seminars, and conferences that look great on your college applications. You can learn skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, critical and analytical thinking, decision-making, time management, planning, and mathematics/data skills. A college-level Business program requires a diverse set of skills that’ll only benefit you to start developing now.
What if my high school doesn’t have these clubs?
Don’t have these clubs at your high school yet? Not a problem! All these nationally established groups have websites that detail the steps to start a local chapter at your school. This process provides not only a true “hands-on” business experience of implementing a new organization but also valuable lessons on initiative and leadership that can mimic a new business venture. Here’s what to do to start a club:
- Research: Solidify which club you want to start and research the organization’s website to really get to know the club. You can start by setting up goals you have for your club.
- Register: Register the club at your school. Every school has a different process, but most of the time you have to get a teacher advisor and approval from the principal.
- Spread the word: Develop marketing strategies to recruit members. This can be done through school announcements, flyers, social media campaigns, posters, and more.
- Plan your first meeting: This meeting is crucial to maintaining your members and setting up the club. Focus on introducing the club and what it encompasses. Be prepared to answer questions from your peers.
- Further setup: Assign officer positions to delegate work. Create a structure for how often club meetings/officer meetings will be held. Also plan for future activities and events.
- Budget: It’s very important to plan and maintain a budget for your club. To get money, you can collect dues and fundraise—and sometimes your school may allocate money for new clubs.
- Keep meeting: You got this! In times of trial, turn to your advisor, officers, or fellow peers.
Related: How to Make the Most of an Undergraduate Business Degree
It’s important to remember not to spread yourself too thin. Join a couple of clubs that interest you and as high school goes on, really narrow down your interests. This will help you make a greater impact on the club of your choice. Taking on leadership positions and winning competitions are what really stand out on college applications. It’s also important to remember not every club you join has to be business club—choose other clubs that interest you too. College applications want to get to know the complete individual. Whatever activity you choose, make sure it best suits your interests and is something that helps you prosper.
Start searching for colleges that will admit you for all those business clubs on our Business School Profiles page!
