As a young person with dreams to become significant in whatever you choose to do; those of you interested in a career in business should know that it takes continuous deliberate actions to make your dreams a reality.
But you should also know that the earlier you start working towards your goals, the better your chances of securing them. Therefore, the best time to start putting in effort to be the best in what you do is now. Young people often make the mistake of thinking they cannot start working towards their preferred course of study from high school.
While it’s not required to declare a major before applying, or enrolling, in a university. Being proactive about your skills is best.
In fact, high school counselors always advise that students engage in high school activities that help to sharpen their skills as related to what they intend to pursue. All this work is beneficial when you discover and develop these skills earlier.
Some courses, including business management and administration, require that you have basic skills before college. If you want to major in any business program, picking up business skills from high school would be best.
Here is a list of some high school clubs for business skills development:
Junior Achievement (JA)
Junior Achievement (JA) is a global non-profit organization that empowers students to explore entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and career readiness. Through hands-on activities and mentorship, members learn to create business plans, manage budgets, and develop critical problem-solving skills.
JA programs often involve partnerships with industry leaders, giving students insights into real-world business practices. With its emphasis on experiential learning, JA prepares students to succeed in college and future careers.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the largest high school business organization in the United States, boasting over 200,000 members. It provides students with opportunities to participate in leadership workshops, academic competitions, and community service projects.
Members gain access to scholarships and national conferences, where they can network with like-minded peers and industry professionals. FBLA helps students cultivate essential business skills, such as communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
Mock Trial or Model United Nations (MUN)
Mock Trial and Model United Nations (MUN) are interactive clubs that simulate legal trials and global diplomacy, respectively. These activities help students enhance their public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking skills, which are valuable in business and leadership roles.
Participants often compete at regional or national levels, where they collaborate in teams to solve complex scenarios. The problem-solving and teamwork experiences gained from these clubs provide a strong foundation for future business majors.
Marketing Clubs
High school marketing clubs introduce students to the principles of branding, advertising, and consumer behavior. Members often create campaigns or participate in competitions to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
These clubs encourage creative and strategic thinking, helping students understand how businesses attract and retain customers. By engaging in collaborative projects, members also develop teamwork and project management skills, which are vital in marketing careers.
STEM Clubs with a Business Focus
STEM clubs with a business focus allow students to combine technical innovation with entrepreneurial thinking. Members often design and pitch products or services, learning how to turn ideas into viable business ventures.
These clubs emphasize the importance of teamwork, as students collaborate on projects that integrate technology and business strategy. By bridging the gap between STEM and business, these clubs prepare students for leadership roles in tech-driven industries.
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
The Business Professionals of America educates business students and helps aspiring business majors make the right career choices.
Established in 1966, BPA is widely considered the best career and technical student organization. With several chapters across 23 American states. Members are offered activities that help develop specific business and management skills, as well as other career development crafts.
Video: 2024 25 BPA Promotional Video
DECA
DECA is a non-profit career and technical student organization established in 1946. It was formerly an acronym for the Distributive Education Club of America. However, the acronym became out of use when it increased its scope to several other countries worldwide.
Today, DECA has almost 250,000 members across all 50 states of America including Washington DC. DECA offers membership to students interested in any of the categories in the organization. Members of this club stand to learn many new skills, including leadership, management, and financial skills. This makes it the ideal club for future business majors.
Video: Career Technical Student Organizations (FBLA and DECA)
Entrepreneurship Club
High school entrepreneurship clubs are among the most popular high school business clubs for aspiring majors. With several chapters across the country, entrepreneurship clubs help high school students tap into their potential early.
By developing business skill sets that will come in handy in the future. They do this by providing sufficient information and coaching about entrepreneurship, as well as other similar topics. Members stand a chance to develop and sharpen their business skills from a very young age. Making it much easier for them to adapt to the curriculum when they get to college.
National Beta Club
The National Beta Club (NBC), is a nationally recognized honor society organized for students between 4th and 12th grade. Founded in 1934 by Dr. John W. Harris, and has since been beneficial for upcoming generations of American students.
The club aims to celebrate academic achievements and promote ideal character among high school students. With over 8,000 clubs nationally and internationally, NBC has proven to be of immense help to these young students. It is recognized as one of the best high school clubs for business majors.
Students are granted membership into the club as long as the basic requirements are met. Members are also expected to exhibit good moral codes of conduct and excellence in academic activities.
Video: What is National Beta?
Future Investors Club of America
An investor club often consists of a group of amateur investors who come together to learn and invest as a group. As a young person interested in taking up a business major, joining an investors club is a step in the right direction.
The Future Investors Club of America (FICA) is a financial intelligence training group established in 1997. It is meant to educate high school students and business-oriented teenagers through investments. FICA has helped thousands of students become professional investors, and it can help you too.
National Business Honor Society (NBHS)
The National Business Honor Society (NBHS) is an academic organization that recognizes high school students who excel in business-related coursework. Membership is often awarded to students who demonstrate leadership skills, academic excellence, and an interest in business and finance.
NBHS provides members with opportunities to participate in service projects, leadership events, and networking activities with like-minded peers. This organization also adds a distinguished achievement to college applications, showcasing a commitment to academic and professional growth in the business field.
Business Club
High school Business Clubs focus on introducing students to the fundamentals of business, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. These clubs often organize activities like business simulations, mock pitch competitions, and guest speaker sessions with professionals in the field.
By joining a Business Club, students can develop critical skills such as teamwork, public speaking, and strategic thinking in a collaborative environment. Participation in these clubs also helps students explore potential career paths and build a solid foundation for future business studies.
Additional Pathways to Sharpen Business Skills
Launching Your Own High School Club
Starting a club at your school can help you develop essential business and leadership skills. It involves planning, coordination, and problem-solving, mirroring the demands of real-world business environments. This initiative also enhances your college applications and showcases entrepreneurial drive.
Key factors to consider when starting a high school club:
- Identify a Purpose: Focus on a specific area of business, such as entrepreneurship or marketing.
- Gather Support: Find like-minded students and secure approval from your school administration.
- Organize Activities: Plan regular meetings, workshops, or guest speaker events.
- Promote the Club: Use social media, posters, or school announcements to attract members.
Exploring Business-Focused Summer Programs
Summer programs offer intensive business training through workshops, simulations, and networking. These programs, often hosted by universities or industry leaders, provide hands-on learning experiences for students. They are excellent for those who want to deepen their understanding of business concepts during school breaks.
Features of business-focused summer programs:
- Specialized Topics: Courses in finance, marketing, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
- Practical Learning: Case studies, simulations, and group projects.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and like-minded peers.
- Certifications: Many programs provide certificates of completion that strengthen resumes.
Engaging in Pre-College Business Preparatory Courses
Pre-college programs introduce high school students to college-level coursework in business-related fields. These programs are ideal for building confidence and gaining insights into college expectations. They often include mentorship and exposure to advanced topics not covered in high school curriculums.
Benefits of pre-college business programs:
- Academic Experience: Study subjects like economics, business law, or management.
- Mentorship: Learn from professors and industry professionals.
- Campus Insight: Experience life at a college campus, preparing for future transitions.
- Credential Building: Enhance your academic profile with advanced coursework.
Participating in Leadership Development Workshops
Leadership workshops teach essential skills like communication, decision-making, and teamwork. These programs often use interactive activities to simulate real-world challenges and prepare participants for future roles. High school students can use these opportunities to develop confidence and leadership capabilities.
Features of leadership development programs:
- Skill Development: Focus on public speaking, conflict resolution, and critical thinking.
- Team Activities: Collaborate with peers on projects and role-play scenarios.
- Professional Exposure: Work with guest speakers and mentors from the business world.
- Certification: Earn recognition for completing leadership training.
Gaining Hands-On Experience Through Internships
Internships provide real-world experience in business environments, helping students apply classroom knowledge in professional settings. They allow you to explore various roles and industries, building a clearer career path. Internships also open networking opportunities and foster valuable mentorship connections.
Key aspects of high school internships:
- Local Opportunities: Explore internships at nearby businesses, non-profits, or startups.
- Skill Application: Learn practical skills like communication, time management, and analysis.
- Professional Networking: Build connections with professionals in your field of interest.
- Resume Building: Gain experience to strengthen future applications.
Building Skills with Independent Business Projects
Independent projects let you develop entrepreneurial skills through self-driven initiatives. These projects can be tailored to your interests, providing valuable real-world experience. They also demonstrate creativity, adaptability, and determination to colleges and future employers.
Examples of independent business projects:
- Start a Small Business: Create a product or service and sell it online or locally.
- Organize Fundraisers: Plan and execute events to raise money for a cause.
- Create Content: Launch a blog or YouTube channel about business tips or strategies.
- Develop Apps or Tools: Combine technical skills with business acumen to solve problems.
Competing in Business Challenges and Tournaments
Business competitions test your knowledge and skills through case studies, simulations, and pitch presentations. They help you develop strategic thinking, teamwork, and confidence while gaining feedback from industry experts. Participation or winning can significantly enhance college applications and career prospects.
Types of business competitions:
- Case Study Challenges: Solve real-world business problems and present your solutions.
- Pitch Contests: Develop and pitch innovative business ideas to judges.
- Stock Market Simulations: Practice trading and investment strategies in a controlled environment.
- National or Global Competitions: Compete against students worldwide for recognition and scholarships.
Get Involved!
Joining high school clubs can be an excellent way for future business majors to develop their skills and gain valuable experiences. Several top high school clubs cater specifically to students interested in business and provide opportunities for learning, networking, and leadership development.
These clubs offer a supportive community where students can connect with like-minded peers and professionals in the business world.
One of the best business-oriented clubs for high school students is DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
Members have the chance to participate in competitive events, attend conferences, and engage in community service activities, all of which foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and business acumen.
Another high school club option for future business majors is Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). FBLA offers a wide range of business-related activities, including competitive events, workshops, and leadership development programs.
By joining FBLA, students can enhance their business skills, develop professional networks, and gain exposure to various aspects of the business world.
In addition to DECA and FBLA, students interested in entrepreneurship may find joining a club like Junior Achievement (JA) beneficial. JA aims to inspire and prepare young people for success in the global economy by fostering entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work-readiness skills.
Through JA, students can participate in hands-on programs, business competitions, and mentorship opportunities, allowing them to gain practical experience and insights into the world of business.
Joining these high school business clubs can provide future business majors with a head start in their academic and professional journeys.
These clubs offer a supportive environment for learning, networking, and developing essential skills for success in the business field. By actively participating in club activities, students can gain valuable experiences, explore their interests, and build a strong foundation for their future careers in business.
Conclusion
The best way to excel in your chosen line of study is to start preparing early. Joining a business club in high school will definitely help improve your business orientation.
You can also pick up new communication, negotiation, leadership, and decision-making skills from these business clubs. If you aren’t sure where to start building your high school extracurricular plan for a business interest, talk to Empowerly today.
Ready to turn your college admission dreams into reality? Join the 98% of students who have worked with Empowerly and been accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools. Our college counselors are the best-rated in the country and have proven to improve college admission rates by 11x. Book your FREE consultation today.
Additional Resources
- Exploring these high school clubs can not only sharpen your business acumen but also enhance your chances of getting into top universities. If you're planning to study in New York, check out What Are the Best Universities & Colleges in New York? to identify institutions that align with your career goals.
- Participation in clubs like DECA and FBLA can significantly boost your college application. To make the most of your application process, consider these 15 Pro Tips for Finding University Admissions Counselors in 2024 for expert guidance.
- Beyond joining high school clubs, exploring internships can also be an excellent way to gain practical experience. Check out these 40 Internships for High School Students for opportunities that can complement your business skill development.
