Kavin Ramasamy, Secretary

Job interviews can be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences, but they are the best way to showcase what you bring to a potential employer. Whether you are applying for a part-time, internship, or full-time position, the interview process is a key stage that determines the outcome of the application process. Here are some key strategies that help you do your best before, during, and after every interview.

Preparing for the Interview

The first steps toward success include researching the company you will be interviewing. Learn the mission of the company, its core values, some of its recent projects, and what the company looks for in candidates. Give special attention to the job description since this can give valuable clues about the position's responsibilities and the particular emphasis a company places on specific skills. Your experiences must more closely approximate what the job requires-you have a better case this way. Your resume, tailored to the position, achieves its goals of being readable, informative, concise, descriptive, and results-oriented. Eliminate general, undefined statements regarding what you can do, and cite relevant, actual, measurable success; for instance, improving customer satisfaction percent, improving sales, and enhancement in some particular projects on efficiency grounds. If there is a list of required or preferred skills within the job posting, reflect them in your resume and your answers during the interview. Other important parts of preparation include rehearsing responses to common interview questions. Many applicants find the helpfulness of STAR-a Situation, a Task, an Action, a Result framing responses. Think of a few key experiences you've had, maybe a struggle you overcame at school or a leadership opportunity with a club, and walk through the situation: what were your goals, how did you approach the problem, and what was the outcome? When you can illustrate an impact in real life, interviewers are more likely to see your value potential.

Nailing the Interview

​ How you come across is as important as what you say. Confidence, punctuality, and genuine interest in the position go a long way toward making a good first impression. If you are interviewing in person, arrive a few minutes early. If it's virtual, log on promptly and make sure your environment is clean and free of distractions. Greet your interviewer with a warm smile and, where appropriate, a firm handshake. It will also individualize you, so you must answer each question thoughtfully. That means making eye contact and pausing to gather your thoughts is appropriate, especially on questions where you have to draw on a bank of experiences. Use examples wherever possible to help illustrate your responses. The level of detail will bring your story alive and allow the interviewer to picture you taking on challenges in your organization. Ask questions at the end of the interview, such as about company culture, future goals, or growing up together as a team. This will prove that you are generally interested in the company. You can also mention compensation, benefits, or similar topics; just be sure to counterbalance those types of questions with questions that demonstrate your interest in the specific position. 

Common Interview Questions

Most interviews will include variations of a few standard questions. If you are asked why you want the job, answer with aspects of the job description that appeal to you, relating them to your personal goals. A question about overcoming a challenge is often meant to probe your resiliency and problem-solving skills. Walking your interviewer through a specific incident in which you either innovated or collaborated effectively will show you understand how to deal with obstacles. Another popular question is where you see yourself in five years. You can demonstrate ambition by explaining that you hope to grow within the company or use this experience as a stepping stone to a leadership role.

Following Up

What happens after the interview can be as important as what happened during it. An email of thanks within 24 hours is a considerate way to thank your interviewer for their time. To impress, write a short, handwritten note. In either case, make it personal with something specific to your conversation, such as a common interest or an answer to any general questions that may have been brought up..

Professional Qualities and Skills:

Most employers want to hire someone who is flexible, reliable, and initiates new challenges. They also want a person with good written and oral communication skills who can work well in a team. The ability to stay positive and enthusiastic can keep team morale high, and an attitude of positive thinking often drives creative solutions that get the job done. Showing this—and any particular technical skills you may need for the job—will generally find you in good standing. If you're uncertain which skills a particular position might serve best, start with the job description. Notice how leaders in the company act and what they say is essential. You can even ask your interviewer directly what qualities they feel are most important in their team members. In that way, by showing your interest and willingness to adapt, you further suggest that you will continue to grow and deliver. Overall, interviews are not just question-and-answer sessions. They are a gateway to good professional relationships, learning about the culture and mission of a company, and highlighting your best self. With proper preparation, genuine enthusiasm, and a clear vision of your capabilities, you can convert each interview into an opportunity to reach a role that best fits you

Owen Grimes, Eastern Area State Vice President

As we embark into this upcoming year, let’s focus on one of the most crucial aspects of your professional journey: your personal image. In today’s competitive landscape, the way you present yourself is important in the path to success. There are numerous essential aspects in building your personal image, but the most significant include: networking with purpose, utilizing social media, building your resume, and staying authentic.

First, engage actively during FBLA events and meetings. Introduce yourself, share your interests, and build connections. Remember, every conversation is an opportunity to showcase your passion and professionalism, but don’t be afraid to crack a joke every now and then.

Second, use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with fellow members, advisors, and industry professionals. Share insights, achievements, and FBLA experiences to highlight your growth and commitment to business leadership. Utilizing Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or other platforms to share your FBLA and professional experiences is a great way to build your personal image. 

Third, participate in competitions and projects that align with your strengths. Whether you’re presenting at a conference or leading a team project, make sure to document these experiences (through social media or otherwise). They’re valuable additions to your resume and portfolio and they will portray your personal image accurately.

Lastly, Stay Authentic. While it’s essential to develop your image, always stay true to yourself. Authenticity resonates with others and helps build genuine connections.

Your personal image is a powerful tool in your career development. As we approach the end of this membership year, remember that every interaction is an opportunity to build a lasting impression. 

Alistair Clodi, Southern Area State Vice President

Running for Chapter Office is an exciting yet challenging process that requires dedication, strategy, and a strong understanding of leadership. It’s an opportunity to serve your Chapter, make a lasting impact, and grow as a leader. However, success in a Chapter Office race doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of careful planning and intentional effort. The process can be broken down into three key steps: self-image building, preparation, and campaigning.

Step 1: Self-Image Building

Before you even think about campaigning, you must establish a strong self-image. Your self-image is how you present yourself and how your peers perceive you. The way you behave and the reputation you build can significantly impact your chances of winning. Since Chapter elections are decided entirely by your classmates, it’s essential to earn their trust and respect.

There are several ways to cultivate a positive self-image. One of the most effective methods is actively participating in as many FBLA events as possible. This demonstrates dedication and commitment to the organization. Additionally, taking initiative by assisting current Chapter Officers with event planning and fundraising shows responsibility and leadership potential. Another powerful strategy is becoming the go-to person for FBLA-related questions—if fellow members turn to you before reaching out to Chapter Officers, it establishes you as a knowledgeable and reliable leader.

Step 2: Preparation

Once you have built a strong presence within your Chapter, the next step is preparation. Before officially launching your campaign, you need to assess several factors.

First, consider your current commitments—extracurricular activities, academic workload, and personal responsibilities. Holding a Chapter Office position requires a significant time investment, so it’s crucial to ensure you can balance it with your other obligations.

Next, evaluate the positions available and determine which role best aligns with your strengths and interests. For instance, I currently serve as my Chapter’s Treasurer because I enjoy creativity and event planning, which are key aspects of managing fundraising initiatives. However, I wouldn’t be the best fit for Parliamentarian, as I’m not highly familiar with Parliamentary Procedure. Choosing the right position ensures that you can be both effective and fulfilled in your role.

Step 3: Campaigning

Now comes the most visible part of the process—campaigning. Some candidates find this step thrilling, while others find it overwhelming. Either way, a well-executed campaign can set you apart and convince your Chapter members to vote for you.

Campaigning can be broken down into three key measures:

1. Develop a Theme and Slogan
Your theme and slogan should be memorable, simple, and engaging. It can incorporate your name, the position you’re running for, or be completely unique. For example, if your name is Mazie, a slogan like “Don’t Be Crazy, Vote for Mazie!” would be catchy and easy to remember. The key is to make your campaign stand out without overcomplicating it—sometimes, less is more.

2. Write Your Speech

Your speech is your chance to highlight your accomplishments, leadership skills, and position-specific qualifications. This is where you explain why you are the best candidate for the role. For example, if I were running for Reporter, I might emphasize my passion for social media by mentioning that I spend six hours a day on Instagram. While this may seem casual, it actually demonstrates that I understand social media engagement—a key responsibility of the role. I would also highlight my communication skills and how I would work with the President to keep members informed about events, community service opportunities, and deadlines. Finally, I would showcase my ability to keep members engaged by staying up-to-date with trending internet content.

3. Show Your Face

This is the most important part of your campaign. Connecting with members on a personal level increases your chances of earning their votes. While your speech introduces you to the audience, it may not captivate everyone. By taking the time to talk to members individually, you reinforce your message and show that you genuinely care about their support. People are far more likely to vote for a candidate who personally reaches out to them rather than someone who remains distant.
Running for Chapter Office is an incredible leadership opportunity, but it requires effort, strategy, and authenticity. The three essential steps—self-image building, preparation, and campaigning—form the foundation for a successful campaign. While each Chapter’s election process may differ, these steps provide a strong starting point for any aspiring candidate. By putting in the work to establish credibility, prepare effectively, and campaign strategically, you can maximize your chances of earning the position and making a lasting impact within your Chapter.

MJ Rousseau, Southwestern Area State Vice President

Hello FBLAerrs! My name is MJ Rousseau, and I am currently serving as the IL State Vice
President from the Southwestern Area. Today I want to give you all tips on how to network
at state. With our annual state leadership conference approaching in late March, many of
you will take advantage of our networking opportunities at the conference. The first thing to
discuss is: What is Networking? In my opinion, networking is the process of making
connections and relationships with others. Participating in FBLA, especially attending
conferences, is an excellent way to make connections with others. These are 5 tips that I
have to make the most of the networking opportunities at state.

​1) Visit the campaign booths.

Visiting the campaign booths is an excellent way to network with others. Conversing with
the candidates for state office not only allows your chapter’s voting delegates to make the
best decision for the office, but also allows you to gain valuable connections with fellow
members FBLA members throughout the state.

2) Keep an open mind.

When you have an open mind when it comes to who you could network with, your
possibilities become limitless! Some of the best people that I have met through FBLA have
been those different than me, so my advice is to keep an open mind when networking with
others.

3) Attend workshops.

Many of the amazing workshops hosted at the State Leadership Conference involve
networking and talking with other members as part of the activity. Attending one of these
workshops is an excellent way to network with many other members at once.

4) Learn how to introduce yourself

Learning a friendly but effective way to introduce yourself will do wonders for you to
network with others. Coming up with a friendly way to introduce yourself and some things
about yourself will get the conversation going and also be a great jumping-off point for
future conversations.

5) Have a warm smile and be engaged

Being friendly and easy to talk to is essential to coming off as warm and approachable,
which is the thing that allows people to warm up to you in the first place. Being engaged is
the next step. Showing that you care about what other FBLA members are talking to you
about and asking insightful questions will help show others that you truly care about this
connection and are interested in learning more about them and their ideas.

Thank you so much for reading Illinois FBLA! I am so excited to see you all at this year's State Leadership Conference! Cant wait till then!

Cam Meyer, Reporter

The future is one thing where it is natural to be uncertain about what will happen in our lives. We all want to make the right choices and succeed in our personal and professional lives, but it’s undetermined if these will be the correct decisions for you. This anxiety comes from the desire to achieve our goals, secure financial stability, and find happiness. Remembering that our future is unpredictable and taking proactive steps such as these can help navigate us more confidently.

1. Set Clear Goals and Devise A Plan: Decide what you would like to achieve in the short term, as well as the long term. Break these goals down intoaccomplishable steps and create a timeline to make sure you are on track.

2. Continuously Learn and Develop New Skills: Always remain open to newopportunities to gain knowledge. This could stem from formal education, workshops, or self-studies. Skills could include communication and leadership which are dearly important to daily life.

3. Build A Strong Network of Connections and Mentors: Connect with people in your field of interest. Mentors could be a successful person in your area, but they could also include past teachers and even your parents. These mentors can guide you through your career.

​4. Be Open to New Experiences and Challenges: One way to truly unlock a world
that never before seemed possible is to step out of your comfort zone. New
experiences can lead to personal growth, such as public speaking, and open up
even more unexpected opportunities. Being able to adapt to your situation will
help you through ups and possible downs in your future.

While it’s perfectly normal to worry about your future, it is essential to focus on what you can control and take the correct steps to prepare.

Lilliana Weese, Western Area State Vice President 

Illinois FBLA Members, Happy spring, everyone! As we're right in the middle of the school year, I wanted to take a moment to connect with you about a topic that I know many of us struggle with: time management. Between schoolwork, FBLA responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and spending time with family and friends, balancing it all can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategies, we can make the most of our time and reduce stress along the way. Let’s explore some tips to help you thrive this season!

1. Prioritize Your Tasks Not all tasks are created equal. Each day, identify your top three priorities and focus on those first. Ask yourself, “What absolutely needs to be done today?” Tackling the most important items early in your day will give you a sense of accomplishment and reduce last-minute panic.

2. Use a Planner or Digital Calendar Whether you prefer a physical planner or a digital app, having a clear plan for your day can work wonders. Schedule time for homework, FBLA activities, and even breaks! Tools like Google Calendar or Notion can send reminders and help you stay on track.

3. Avoid Procrastination We’ve all been there—putting off tasks because they seem too big or boring. The best way to combat procrastination is to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of saying, “I’ll write my whole research paper,” set a goal like, “I’ll write the introduction today.” Small progress adds up quickly!

4. Set Boundaries It’s okay to say no. If your schedule is too full, be honest with yourself and others. Prioritizing your time means learning when to step back from commitments that don’t align with your goals or well-being.

5. Take Care of Yourself Time management isn’t just about being productive—it’s also about making time for rest. Sleep, exercise, and hobbies are just as important as your to-do list. You’ll perform better when you’re recharged and refreshed.

FBLA Opportunities to Practice Time Management FBLA is the perfect organization to hone your time management skills! Whether it’s preparing for competitive events, meeting deadlines for projects, or coordinating chapter activities, the tools you learn here will serve you well in college and your future career. Remember, your advisers and fellow members are here to support you—don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or help! feel free to reach out. I’m here to help and cheer you on every step of the way!

Aswini Kake, Central Area State Vice President

Illinois FBLA has made it a goal to engage more middle schools in FBLA over the
course of the past few years, so bringing back middle-level FBLA isn’t just a goal
anymore, it’s a reality that we need to achieve as soon as possible. Bringing back
middle-level FBLA is crucial for several reasons, including providing early exposure to business concepts, nurturing leadership potential at a young age, and creating a
pipeline for motivated students who intend to continue their growth in high school
FBLA. Additionally, middle-level FBLA can provide an early sense of community and
purpose for students, while connecting like-minded students to create a supportive
network of future leaders.

Starting new chapters can be stressful, so here are the key steps to get started:

1. To start a chapter, support from school administration is necessary and required.

2. After gaining school admin support, the next step is to find an advisor for the
chapter. A faculty advisor is essential to guiding the chapter and ensuring that
students have the support they need.

3. The heart of an FBLA chapter is truly its members, so once administrative
support and a faculty advisor are in place, begin recruiting students. This can be
done through various methods like school-wide announcements, classroom
visits, or informational meetings.

4. Once you have interested students and an advisor, complete the registration on
the national FBLA website. Once the registration is completed, your chapter is all
set up and ready to go!

​In conclusion, revitalizing middle-level FBLA chapters is a vital step in fostering
vital skills like professional development, leadership, and student and civic
responsibility. By establishing these chapters, we can ensure that students are better
prepared for the future, both academically and professionally, while continuing the growth of the FBLA organization.

Nikitha Philip, President

Are you an FBLA member looking to take your FBLA journey to the next level? Well, looks like getting involved at the National Level is the next step to help elevate your FBLA journey. There are so many amazing programs and opportunities that can help you to become a better Future Business Leader.

Starting off with running for a National Officer position. In our state, each chapter is allowed to choose a member to represent their chapter and run for National Officer Candidate at SLC. You will be asked to campaign at SLC and if you are chosen, you will have the opportunity to represent Illinois at NLC. You can run for National President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, or North Central Region VP. This is a great way to grow your leadership journey. 

If you want to get involved but on a smaller level, then National Officer Councils are the right place for you. There are 5 councils members can apply for starting in August, so next membership year. There is an application process and an interview, and if selected, members get to share their ideas at the National Level and network with like minded leaders from all around the country. 

Getting specifically into programs, the National Center offers many scholarships from the NLC Scholarship to the Dress to Impress Scholarship. They also offer countless opportunities for networking like Networking Nights, State Officer Summits, Linking Leaders, etc. Check out @fblanorthcentral, @fbla_national, @fblapres, @fblansec, @fblantec, and @fblaparli on Instagram for more programs offered specifically at the national level. Registration links for many programs are also included in the links in their bios.

The program I want to highlight here is Linking Leaders. In this national program, members are paired up with another member from another state and are given a set of tasks to complete for points. The team with the highest number of points receives national recognition and lots of shoutouts on Instagram. This is a great way to network with members from across the country even before NLC. Working on the team that developed Linking Leaders last year, this program is definitely one you don’t want to miss. Follow @fblanorthcentral on Instagram for updates regarding this amazing program.

If you are interested in any of these programs or have any questions, never hesitate to reach out to a state or national officer. We are all here to help you all become better versions of yourselves through FBLA. We can’t wait to see you all grow through this amazing national programs!

Annie Rogers, State North Central Area Vice President

Taking the first steps and joining FBLA can seem daunting for any person. There may be
many questions running through your mind as you embark on your FBLA journey. Not to worry, these feelings are completely normal and we are here to help. Here is what you need to know to be successful in FBLA.

Firstly, what is FBLA? FBLA stands for the Future Business Leaders of America, and is an
organization with over 230,000 members ranging in its middle level, high school level, collegiate level, and professional division. At any age level or stage of life, there is an FBLA level that can suit your needs. FBLA is a lifelong organization and resource for you!
Secondly, who joins FBLA? Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be necessarily
interested in the corporate world to become a member. There are a variety of careers that are
encompassed within FBLA, including computer science, engineering, healthcare, and so many more. FBLA is valuable in teaching students the necessary communication and confidence skills.

This is done through regional, state, and even national competitions. These competitions
are not necessary, but are great spaces to explore professional spaces in an academically
challenging yet safe environment. Competitions come in four categories: a 60 question multiple choice test which is given in a 50 minute time frame, an online presentation in the format of the competitor’s choosing, a roleplay scenario with an expert judge, a case study in which competitors are given preparation and presentation time on a real life case scenario in their respective events, or a combination of these formats. There are also events that can be
competed in group and chapter levels such as community project service events. It is important to note that on the state level, competitors must place in the top four of their event to qualify for the national level competition and that the location of the national level competition changes annually. Due to the scope of competitions, competitors are given the opportunity to broaden their horizons by traveling to new places and meeting people from areas different from their own.

Finally, what other activities do FBLA members engage in? While this differs from chapter to
chapter, there are many events on the Illinois State level that occur annually. From the Summer Leadership Workshop, Illinois Fall Retreat, and local Area Conferences, there are many events that help students meet adults in the corporate world to gain experience. Additionally, there are many fundraisers for the Alzheimer’s Association which seeks to fight against Alzheimer’s because this organization is a national charity partner. On a local level, there are fun activities done at chapter meetings to build membership bonding and engagement. If you are looking to delve deeper into FBLA, one way to do so is running for an officer position. This can be done on a local level in your own chapter, on a regional level in your area, or on a state or national level. Although intensive, the process is extremely rewarding as you get to advocate on behalf of students statewide and plan FBLA functions like conferences. To get involved, speak with your FBLA adviser to see if this is a viable option for you!

Overall, the idea of joining FBLA is not as overwhelming as once thought. We on a state level
are so proud of you as you pursue your unique FBLA path. For more information or questions,
feel free to reach out to any state officer or check out the Illinois FBLA website!

Benefits of Joining FBLA

As members of this organization, FBLA has many resources to benefit its members. Often,
members do not take full advantage of these benefits. In order to fully maximize your FBLA
capabilities, you deserve to be aware of every opportunity on local, regional, and state levels. To help you, here are a list of some key benefits below.

Key Benefits:

● On a local level, joining your FBLA chapter allows you to make friends and connections.
This is done through attending chapter outings and regular meetings. When you make
your presence known, you allow yourself to find people who have similar interests as
yourself and bond with them. FBLA can help you network and make connections!

● FBLA can also build essential life skills like public speaking, confidence, and
communication in group settings. There are many more skills that are helped as well, but
the goal of FBLA is to help you in any endeavor you engage in during or after your active
membership.

● FBLA allows you to explore career benefits in an academically safe environment.
Although FBLA does offer business focused events to compete in such as financial
events and business management events, there are many more career focused events
extending beyond the corporate world. For example, there are events in computer
science, engineering, healthcare, public policy, and more. It is so important to explore
these events when younger to determine if these are potential future career paths!

● There are also many financial events and scholarships that come with FBLA. Examples
of FBLA scholarships include the Distinguished Business Leader Scholarship, Dress to
Impress Scholarship, and the National Leadership Conference Scholarship. These
scholarships help recipients pay for travel expenses to the National Leadership
Conference, pay for business attire, and further their FBLA and academic experience. To
find scholarships, look on the Illinois FBLA website and ask your adviser for more
information. It is important to watch out for deadlines and provide any requested
information to ensure the proper submission of your application.

● Joining FBLA also has benefits on your resume. By choosing to make an impact on
fellow FBLA members, students can emphasize positive qualities to colleges and
employers to help them stand out against other applicants. Some students choose to do
this by running for elected positions and advocating on behalf of the students they
represent, while others choose to demonstrate academic interest by placing highly in the
regional, state, and national level competitions. These boosts to a resume are
unparalleled and extremely effective in boosting a member’s chance of real world
success.

● Being a member of this organization will give you a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
This can be done through participating in FBLA’s many fundraisers donating to the
Alzheimer's Association which seeks to combat Alzheimer’s . Being a member of FBLA
will help you give to a good cause and feel better about the impact you are making on
the world.

​All in all, FBLA has many benefits to members who join! The benefits on the lists are just some
of the many advantages that participants have. To learn about more advantages, be sure to
check out the Illinois State website or ask your local adviser. FBLA is an organization that is
there to help you!

Abbas Hussain, Parliamentarian

​Parliamentary procedure is a cornerstone of effective meetings, fostering order, fairness, and efficiency. For local FBLA chapters, integrating these principles can elevate decision-making processes and ensure every member’s voice is heard. Here’s how to implement basic parliamentary procedure and utilize it effectively in your chapter.

What is Parliamentary Procedure?

Parliamentary procedure refers to a set of rules for conducting meetings and making decisions as a group. By adopting this framework, FBLA chapters can run smoother meetings and make informed decisions collaboratively.

Implementing Parliamentary Procedure

Educate Members: Start by introducing members to the basics of parliamentary procedure. Host a workshop or share resources that outline fundamental concepts, such as making motions, debating, voting, and following the agenda.

Appoint a Parliamentarian: Designate or elect a parliamentarian to oversee adherence to these rules during meetings. This individual should receive additional training to serve as a resource for the chapter.

Adopt Ground Rules: Establish which elements of parliamentary procedure your chapter will follow. For smaller groups, simplifying procedures can make them more accessible. Focus on essentials like making motions, seconding them, and voting.

Practice During Meetings: Gradually introduce these practices during regular meetings. For instance, start by using a formal agenda and asking members to make motions when proposing ideas. This step-by-step approach will help members gain confidence.
Provide Ongoing Training: Reinforce learning by incorporating brief parliamentary drills at the beginning of meetings. Additionally, encourage officers to attend FBLA conferences or workshops that offer sessions on parliamentary procedure.

Using Parliamentary Procedure

Encourage Inclusivity: One of the core principles of parliamentary procedure ensures that all members have an equal opportunity to contribute. By requiring motions to be seconded and voted on, it prevents any one individual from dominating the discussion.
Streamline Decision-Making: When the chapter needs to vote on an event, new rule, or budget, motions provide a clear structure. Members can debate the pros and cons before reaching a fair decision.

Implementing parliamentary procedure in your local FBLA chapter takes some practice, but the benefits are well worth the effort. It builds professionalism, sharpens leadership skills, and fosters a collaborative environment, empowering your chapter to achieve its goals more effectively.

​For more details and resources, refer to Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised in Brief for a concise guide that is easy to utilize at FBLA meetings.

Claire Harte, Northern Area State Vice-President

​The National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Anaheim, California, is the pinnacle of our FBLA
experience. It’s a place where the best and brightest gather to showcase their skills. Competing at

NLC is a tremendous honor, but it also requires preparation, determination, and a little bit of
strategy. To help you make the most of your NLC journey, here are four essential tips to ensure
you succeed while enjoying the experience.

​1. Read the Rubric

Success begins with understanding what’s expected of you. The rubric for your competitive
event is your ultimate guide. It outlines everything judges will evaluate, from content and
presentation skills to formatting and professionalism. Use the rubric as a checklist to ensure that
you’ve addressed every element. Missing even a small detail can make a big difference.

2. Take Others' Advice

Leverage the experience of those around you. Reach out to past competitors or adult mentors in
your chosen event field. They can provide valuable insights, share feedback, and highlight
common problems to avoid. Seek advice on everything from crafting a polished presentation to managing nerves on competition day. Their guidance can make all the difference.

3. Continue Working

Qualifying for NLC is a huge achievement—but it’s not the finish line. Use the time between
qualifying and NLC to refine and perfect your project or presentation. Seek constructive
feedback and rehearse often to ensure you can adapt to unexpected challenges during your event. Remember: your competitors are also improving, so stay ahead by continuing to elevate your
work.

4. Have Fun

The NLC experience is about more than just competition. While it’s natural to focus on winning, remember to enjoy the journey. Anaheim offers exciting opportunities to meet new people, explore a new city, and learn from fellow leaders. Stay relaxed, soak in the moment, and celebrate your accomplishments with your chapter and advisors. By focusing on preparation, collaboration, and perseverance, you can make your NLC experience in Anaheim unforgettable. Whether this is your first time at NLC or you’re a returning competitor, these tips will help you excel both in and out of the competitive events.

Ruth Okedina, Treasurer

As we’re preparing for the state conference, it’s a great time for you to plan even further into the future for Nationals! Nationals is the perfect opportunity for you to expand your network, so I’m going give you some helpful reminders that can improve your success rate!

Reminder #1: Find Intriguing conversation starters

In order to grab people’s attention, you need to have an interesting conversation starter. Without one the conversation can fall flat with some awkwardness, so to avoid this you need to have a line prepared before going up to people. Since you’re going to be at nationals the topics can range from FBLA to School to your personal hobbies. Some conversation starters ideas can be: discussing both of your FBLA events, asking the other person to pin trade, or asking them to complete an obscure task like participating in a social media post with you.

Reminder #2: Stay engaged

After the conversation has started it's important to continue showing your interest during the conversation. Make sure to ask follow-up questions and to keep initiating and providing new topics to be discussed. Your body language also shows your involvement in the conversation. This means having your arms uncrossed, feet facing whoever you're speaking with, and giving constant nods while they are talking, can make the other person feel appreciated and heard.

Reminder #3: Pin trading

Now for my favorite part of nationals! Pin trading is an easy fallback to help start conversations and help you meet new people. Almost everyone at the conference participates, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding someone interested in trading with you. Pin trading won’t only help you get your desired pins, but is an easy way for you to start a conversation during the trade. This is how most of the friends I meet at nationals are made. The act of pin trading with the other person gives you at least one piece of common ground and interest. This interest and talk about pins can lead to conversations about other topics. So be brave at nationals, and even if you aren’t the most skilled pin trading, walk up to someone and give them one of your pins. You never know what that conversation can lead to!

Reminder #4: End with an Action

Finally, when the conversation comes to an end, you have to make sure it ends on a positive note. You can do this by ending with an action. The most useful action is asking them to follow your socials. This allows you guys to keep and build that relationship even after nationals is finished.

Good luck on your networking endeavors at nationals! And don’t forget these four reminders as you go around meeting new people in Anaheim!

Author

By MJ Rousseau, Southwestern Area Vice President

Alistair Clodi, Southern Area Vice President

Liliana Weese, Western Area Vice President

Author

Nikitha Philip, Illinois FBLA State President

Cam Meyer, ​Illinois FBLA State Reporter

Author

Claire Harte, Northern Area Vice President

​Author

Abbas Hussain, Illinois FBLA State Parliamentarian

Author 

Annie Rogers, Central Northern Vice President 

Author

Ruth Okedina, Illinois FBLA State Treasurer