Zoya Chowdhury, Reporter

Hello Illinois FBLA!

Have you ever wondered how to make your chapter’s social media page the go-to spot for members and potential new recruits? Running a chapter social media page is a fun and rewarding way to engage members, highlight your chapter’s activities, and showcase your leadership and creativity. Here are some tips and ideas to get your page thriving!

Step #1: Choose Your Platforms
Instagram is the best place to focus your efforts. It’s visual, widely used by high school students, and allows for posts, stories, and reels. Facebook can still be used for more formal updates, but younger members are more likely to engage on Instagram. TikTok is another exciting option, and Illinois FBLA is experimenting with it as well. Short, fun videos using trending audio or challenges can grab attention and reach new students. I would suggest choosing a few and posting the same content on multiple platforms to reach a wider audience. 

Step #2: Highlight Members and Officers
One great way to engage your audience is to spotlight your members. Start a “Member of the Month” program to highlight someone who excelled in leadership, competitions, or community service. You can also do officer introductions at the beginning of the year—short posts or reels introducing each officer, sharing fun facts, and showing their roles. At the end of the year, consider doing a “Senior Shoutout” to recognize graduating members and celebrate their achievements.

Step #3: Showcase Chapter Activities
Take photos at meetings, workshops, community service events, and competitions. Posting after each event keeps members excited and shows what your chapter is accomplishing. Small competitions at meetings, like trivia or mini-challenges, are perfect for content—post about the winners and their achievements. You can also create graphics or short videos for meeting reminders, deadlines, or upcoming events.

Step #4: Keep Content Creative and Trendy
Follow Instagram and TikTok trends to stay relevant. Use trending audio in reels or TikToks, make short tutorials, or share fun FBLA-related memes. Polls and interactive story posts are great ways to engage members and encourage participation. Even behind-the-scenes content, like preparing for a fundraiser or practicing for a competition, adds a personal touch to your page.

Step #5: Build a Following
Consistency is key. Post regularly, respond to comments, and tag members to expand your reach. Encourage members to share posts and tag friends. Experiment, track what works, and adjust based on engagement to grow your audience.

Running your chapter’s social media page is a fun way to connect with members, celebrate achievements, and show off your chapter’s personality. By staying creative, consistent, and interactive, you can make your page an exciting hub that keeps members engaged, inspires participation, and attracts new students to your FBLA chapter. 

Have fun and good luck!!
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- Zoya Chowdhury, Reporter

Brayden Runyon, Eastern Area Vice President

Introduction
When most people hear the word "networking," they picture business people in suits exchanging business cards. For students, though, it's something way more diverse than this; it's about making real connections, finding friends in new places, and opening doors you didn't even know were available for you. The best part? You don't have to wait until you're older to get started; it's just based on when you decide to start.

Why Networking Matters
Think of networking as building your own "team." The more people you meet, the more perspectives, advice, and opportunities you get. Whether it's learning how someone else runs their FBLA chapter, trading tips on competitions, or just making a new friend, networking helps you grow.

My Experience as a Sophomore
Even though I'm just starting high school, networking has already changed the game for me. I've been able to connect with state officers, other chapters, and even people I wouldn't have met otherwise, thanks to FBLA. Every connection has given me new ideas, motivation, and support. It's truly incredible how much you can learn simply by starting a conversation.

The FBLA Hotseat
One of the coolest ways I've seen networking in action is through the FBLA Hotseat on Instagram and TikTok. It's short, fun, and gives members a chance to show their personality while connecting with others across the state and even the nation. Social media isn't just for scrolling; it's a legitimate networking tool when used correctly.

How You Can Start Networking
Talk to new people at events: Sit at a different table, ask questions, share your own story.
Use social media: Follow other FBLA accounts, comment, and stay connected.
Practice introductions: A simple "Hey, I'm ___ from ___ chapter" goes a long way.
Keep it going: Networking isn't just a one-time thing. Check back in, DM, or support people in their next step.

Final Thoughts
You don't have to feel threatened by networking; it's all about embracing yourself fully to engage with people and build connections around you. Whether it's within your chapter, during a conference, or through platforms like the FBLA Hotseat, each new person you meet has the potential to share advice, spark ideas, or even become someone you'll work alongside in the future. The best part is that you don't have to wait until you're older to start; every conversation now helps you grow and strengthens your network.

- Brayden Runyon, Eastern Area Vice President

Lucylar Chen, Treasurer
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Illinois FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) continues to lead the way in developing student leaders and preparing them for success in business, college, and life. Through a wide range of programs, IL FBLA offers members across the state opportunities to grow, compete, serve, and connect.

Competitive Events Program
At the core of the FBLA experience is the Competitive Events Program, featuring over 70 events in areas like Accounting, Coding, Public Speaking, and Business Management. Whether students are presenting a marketing campaign or testing their knowledge in objective exams, these events allow members to explore career interests, gain real-world skills, and compete at the regional, state, and national levels. The State Leadership Conference (SLC) is the final stage of state competition, with top winners advancing to Nationals.

Business Achievement Awards (BAA)
The Business Achievement Awards (BAA) program is a self-paced leadership development system that challenges members to complete tasks in service, education, and leadership. With four levels (Future, Business, Leader, and America) students develop skills that enhance their resumes and prepare them for life after high school. The BAA is perfect for members looking to take initiative and gain national recognition.

Leadership Conferences
Illinois FBLA hosts several leadership events throughout the year, each offering hands-on learning and networking:
State Leadership Workshop (SLW) – A fall conference focused on team-building, leadership training, and chapter success planning.

• National Fall Leadership Conference (NFLC) – A national event with workshops and speakers from across the country.
• State Leadership Conference (SLC) – Our capstone event, where competitive events, awards, and leadership celebrations take place.

These conferences inspire students to lead confidently, grow professionally, and build lasting connections with fellow FBLA members.

Community Service: Alzheimer’s Awareness
This year, Illinois FBLA is proud to support Alzheimer’s Awareness as its statewide community service focus. Chapters across the state are encouraged to host events, fundraisers, and campaigns to raise awareness and contribute to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. This initiative not only promotes compassion and service but also empowers members to make a tangible difference in their communities.

New IL FBLA State Scholarship: Supporting Access to SLC
New for this year, Illinois FBLA is launching a State Scholarship designed to help students cover the cost of attending the State Leadership Conference (SLC). This scholarship is open to all members, not just seniors, and aims to remove financial barriers so every student has the opportunity to participate in this unforgettable leadership experience.
The application will be posted soon on our official Instagram (@illinoisfbla) — follow us to be the first to know when it goes live!

Career and College Readiness
IL FBLA continues to prepare students for the future with a focus on career and college readiness. From professional development sessions to workshops on resumes, public speaking, and networking, members gain practical tools that will serve them long after graduation. FBLA provides a competitive edge in today’s job market while encouraging students to explore careers in business, technology, finance, and more.

Conclusion
Illinois FBLA is more than an organization. It's a platform for growth, leadership, and opportunity. With impactful programs like competitive events, service initiatives, leadership workshops, and the new SLC scholarship, students across the state are finding their voice and shaping their future.
Stay connected with us throughout the year by following @illinoisfbla on Instagram and TikTok for updates, opportunities, and important announcements.
Together, we’re building the business leaders of tomorrow — today.

- Lucylar Chen, Treasurer

Maddie Stang, Central Northern Area Vice President

One of the greatest opportunities FBLA provides is the chance to compete in team events. By building confidence and offering a collaborative experience, team events are a critical part of competitive opportunities.

Speaking from personal experience, it can be intimidating to go into a solo event, especially as an underclassman or first-year member. Having a friend stand by your side can help alleviate those fears.

Team events not only build confidence but also develop important skills needed for future careers. The ability to communicate and collaborate with a group of peers is essential for real-world success. Team events require members to listen, share ideas, and adapt to the strengths of their peers. They teach effective communication through delegating tasks and responsibilities.

Students also learn professionalism and preparedness. Group events emphasize completing designated tasks and discourage procrastination—a word every high school student dreads. What many don’t realize is that procrastination can be the slight difference between success and failure. When others are relying on you, accountability and effort increase. In nearly every career field—business, engineering, healthcare, or technology—projects are team-based. The ability to work with teams is a skill we will need throughout our lives. By practicing this type of collaboration, members gain a competitive edge for future internships, college group projects, and ultimately, the workforce.

Another aspect members refine through team events is leadership. Each group member takes on different roles: leader, researcher, or designer. This allows students to learn how to lead while ensuring that each voice is heard, everyone is treated fairly, and constructive criticism is embraced. Leadership is the culmination of many qualities, and perhaps the most important is the ability to understand and improve yourself through constructive criticism.

Team events were my gateway to FBLA, and they will be the gateway for many new members as well.

- Maddie Stang, Central Northern Area Vice President

Harshal Joshi, Central Area Vice President

Preparing for your competitive events is far more than just showing up to them; there is a strategy, discipline, and execution involved in reaching your maximum success in your competitive event. What makes these competitive events unique is that they allow you to challenge yourself while learning practical skills for your future career. Whether it's your first time competing or you have some competition experience, here’s a 3 step plan that will save your rubric score and your dignity on competition day:


1. Understand Your Event

Choose Your Event Wisely

It is of utmost importance that you choose the right event for you. When choosing an event, make sure that the event interests you and is related to a topic that may compliment your strengths. Pay careful attention to the skills and background knowledge that are important to the event. These are the skills that you must prioritize in your study. Also make sure to pay attention to whether your event is a testing event, presentation, or case study. To conclude, paying attention to your event type and skills involved is extremely important when choosing your event as the right choice will set you up for success.

Know the Guidelines

Before you prepare for your event, it is crucial that you carefully read all of the guidelines. These documents are not to be loosely followed but rather have some strict boundaries to follow. Many competitors lose easy points when they overlook minor details. For testing events, be sure to thoroughly review the concepts covered on the test, and for presentation events, carefully look through the rubric. By mastering the rules, you will be able to prevent easy mistakes that could determine your future placing in an event.

Study Past Winners

One of the best ways that you can prepare for your event is by understanding what worked in the past. For testing events, look through past tests, resources, and develop a good testing strategy. For presenters, past recordings and winning submissions can give you a good idea of how to more specifically adhere to the rubric guidelines. The goal is not to copy past work, but instead, the goal is to adapt successful strategies into your own competition style. Thus, studying the trail of success is key to finding your own path in your event.


2. Practice With Efficiency

Make a Practice Plan

We have all been there with tests: cramming information a couple hours before only to blank during the actual test. To ensure this does not happen for your FBLA test, a practice plan is a must to save wasted time during the studying process. Your practice plan can be a great tool to break down all of the studying content into manageable chunks. For example, a weekly practice plan can include content days, testing days, and review days. Getting into a healthy plan with measurable and attainable goals will improve both your studying and testing experience. Even for presentation events, pacing yourself in preparation and presentation practice through a solid plan will improve your overall performance and score.

Seek Feedback, Review Feedback

While practicing your presentation event alone can be helpful, it is much more effective to receive feedback from others. It is important to realize that feedback from another person is from the perspective of someone who has never seen your presentation before, meaning that they will easily spot glaring mistakes you may have overlooked while finding subtle improvements to your presentation. Be prepared to receive feedback that may make you uncomfortable reviewing feedback from past competitions. Remember that every ounce of feedback is important to improving your overall performance in the long run.

Simulate Real Competition Day

Whether you are a testing or presentation event, it is extremely important to simulate the actual competition experience at least twice during your planned study schedule. For presenters, make sure to pay attention to the fine details of the presenting experience: make sure that you dress in proper attire, have a mock judge, set a timer, and present in front of an audience. For test takers, try to find a real practice exam, complete it within the allotted time, and find a quiet room without distractions for your testing environment. Simulating your competition helps you further pay attention to detail while training your brain to perform under pressure so that you are ready on competition day.

Practice Collaboration

For events where you are presenting with one or more partners, be sure to practice collaboration with your teammates. Team chemistry is crucial in competition as judges can tell which teams are more thoroughly prepared based on how cohesive they appear to be. The more your group rehearses their presentation, the more practiced they will be. Groups should aim to show open communication, respect their respective roles, answer questions fluidly, and be ready to adapt to challenges.

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3. Learning Mindset on Competition Day

Confidence is Everything

On competition day, confidence is a major chunk of how judges perceive your presentation. One thing to always remember is that you have to be prepared for things to go wrong. It may be a technology issue or someone forgets their lines, but when something goes wrong, confidence is what will carry your presentation while you adapt to meet your requirements. Even for testing events, having a confident mindset while taking a test can help you guess or reason through answers to questions that you may be confused on. Overall, a confident mindset is your greatest tool on competition day, so don’t leave it home.

Professionalism Matters

Professionalism as a competitor begins the moment you arrive at the location of your competition. It is very possible that you may run into your judge or other people competing in your event on competition day, so being fully prepared is a good representation of you and the rest of your chapter. Important aspects of professionalism include dressing appropriately, arriving early, and treating everyone with respect. Even the small details such as a firm handshake and the beginning followed by a polite thank-you at the end can make a difference. You are a future business leader and thus, demonstrating your aptitude for professionalism will make a considerable impact.

Have Time to Reflect on Your Performance

Finally, your competition is over and you are ready to relax. Before you go celebrate with your friends, it is always a good practice to reflect on your performance after your round is finished. If you are with a team, have a short debrief. Consider what you can improve on—is it time management, showing confidence, reaching the highest spots on the rubric? Your reflection is ultimately a way for you to create an extra learning experience for you and your team to succeed in future competitions.


When looking back on my competitive event journey, there were many places that I did fall short: vocab terms, public speaking confidence, and missing script lines. However, my success in competition was always a result of careful planning and practice. The best competitors spend countless hours perfecting their knowledge, content, and presenting ability, and now you will be able to put in this same effort. Remember, competitive events are more than just placing: they are a chance for you to build knowledge and become the best version of yourself as a future business leader.

- Harshal Joshi, Central Area Vice President

Srivanth Parsi, Parliamentarian

Hello Illinois FBLA!

As the fall season begins and the school year unfolds, it’s easy to feel pulled in every direction: between academics, FBLA, sports, jobs, and spending time with family and friends. Finding balance isn’t always simple, which is where time management comes in. Mastering the skill of time management now will not only reduce stress but also set you up for success in college, careers, and beyond.

Here are a few strategies to keep your schedule under control this season:
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1. Limit Distractions
Phones and social media are the biggest time-stealers. Try silencing notifications or using “do not disturb” periods when you need to focus. Even one hour of fully focused work is worth more than three hours of half-distracted work.

2. Prioritize with Purpose
Instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on what matters most today. Identify a couple of tasks that will have the biggest impact, and start there. This helps you finish the essentials and reduces the pressure of an endless to-do list.

3. Plan Ahead, Not Just for Today
Daily planning is important, but looking at your week as a whole can prevent last-minute stress. Say you have an FBLA deadline Friday and have a test on Thursday, you should try to map out smaller chunks of work earlier in the week so everything gets done on time.

4. Embrace Your Tools
Whether you like a pocket planner, Google Calendar, or even sticky notes, the key is consistency. Write things down, set reminders, and give each task a time slot. Planning keeps you accountable and clears space in your mind for more creativity.

5. Don’t Forget About Yourself
Time management isn’t about using every second of the day, it’s also about balance. It is okay to say no to extra commitments to focus your energy on more important things. Make sure to sleep well, exercise, and do your hobbies while finishing your work on time. Remember, resting is also considered being productive.

Through FBLA, every project, competition, and leadership opportunity is a chance to sharpen your time management skills. Habits like planning ahead, balancing commitments, and staying disciplined will serve you long after high school.
As you continue the year, remember that managing your time well isn’t only about staying organized, it’s also about giving yourself the freedom to enjoy the journey. Feel free to reach out to any of the state officers with any questions!

​- Srivanth Parsi, Parliamentarian

Aubrey Rakers, Southwestern Area Vice President

When people hear the word leadership, they often think of executives, officers, or people in positions of power. Although leadership is certainly important in the business world, it goes far beyond titles and positions. Leadership is practiced in everyday life. In fact, some of the most meaningful leadership comes from small, consistent actions that influence the life of those around you!

Everyday leadership is about the choices you make, your attitude, and the way you treat others. Everyone has the opportunity to be a leader. Here are some simple ways you can show leadership in your life:

Encouragement:
Kindness and support can go a long way. Encouraging peers who are struggling shows that you care and can give them the motivation they need.

Initiative: 
Leaders take every opportunity that they can to succeed. Practice that by being the first person to raise your hand in class discussions or volunteering first for a task.

Reliability: 
Following through with your commitments can build trust with others. When people know they can trust you, they see you as a leader.

Positivity: 
Lead every day with a positive attitude to boost your mood and to inspire others to have a better day, as well.

These may seem like small tasks, but together, they help you lead others to feel supported and motivated. Leadership isn’t always about leading a group, but making a positive difference in someone’s life.

In FBLA and everyday life, practice leadership to grow yourself, make friends, and inspire the people around you. You don’t need a title to be a leader, you just need to be willing to take action!

- Aubrey Rakers, Southwestern Area Vice President

Kavin Ramasamy, President

What is a Resume?:
A resume is a concise, informative summary of your education, experience, and skills. Most companies will use your resume to analyze you as a candidate, and it often helps differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions. Note that a resume alone won’t get you a job or internship, but you can be confident athat  good resume is an important factor in obtaining an interview. Make sure the resumes you create are tailored to match the company’s mission and expectations.  Your experiences do not have to relate directly, but your resume should reflect the types of skills the employer would value. 

Essential Sections: 
There are at least five sections that your resume should have: contact information, professional summary, work experience, skills, and education. You can add certifications, volunteering, or projects, but only if they are relevant to the job. Also, it is important that you keep your resume to one page. Adding as much information may be tempting, however, know that employers use resumes to quickly scan general information and get an understanding of your aptitude for the job. Take time to compile a list of all your experiences and accomplishments, and narrow them down to the top four to five. 

For your contact information, list your name, city, state, email, and phone number. If you have a LinkedIn or professional site, link that on your resume for them to access more information about you. 

For the education section, list the highest level of education you are in / have completed at the top. Include your school name and year of graduation, as well as a track/pathway (if applicable). Underneath, list subsequent levels of education (anything below high school is unnecessary), GPA, courses, and test scores. 

A professional summary is a brief, impactful statement at the top of your resume that acts as an "elevator pitch" for your career. It highlights your key skills, relevant experience, and impressive accomplishments, tailored to a specific job, to grab the hiring manager's attention and convince them you're a strong candidate worth considering. Think of it as a compelling teaser designed to make a hiring manager want to read the rest of your resume. This should be no longer than 3-5 sentences. 

Your work experience is the most important part of your resume. This is where employers will assess your compatibility with the company’s needs. List your experiences, starting with the most recent experience, down to your earliest. Underneath the position/title, list bullet points for what you have done. Remember, there is not enough space to list everything on one page, so make sure you are concise with whatever you list. Highlight numbers, actions, and impact with each of your bullet points. Words like “Managed, Led, Utilized, etc.” are great, strong words to use in your experience descriptions. Make sure you use numbers to highlight impact. Highlight how many people you led, the number of projects you’ve worked on, and how many people you’ve reached. These are all great ways to catch the attention of an employer. Additionally, numbers provide validity, which is important to instill confidence in an employer that you will be able to perform at a high level. Some great examples of experiences that you can list are work/part-time work, volunteer, internship, and extracurricular experiences. 

The skills section is where you can tailor your abilities to the company’s needs. Research the position/program you are applying for and identify skills in the job description. For example, if you are applying to an IT job, research systems and technologies that are relevant to the position, and highlight how you align with what is required of the job. If you are applying to a leadership position, emphasizing skills like public speaking and teamwork would help an employer better envision you in the role.

How do I stand out?:

• Be specific: Don’t use vague words when writing a resume; as mentioned before, use numbers, action words, and specific moments to highlight your experience 
  
• Use proper formatting: Most employers are able to tell whether or not you will be a good fit within the first 30 seconds. Don’t use any informal language like slang, personal pronouns, or pictures. Help your employer help you! 
  
• Check for mistakes: Spelling and grammar mistakes are very common on resumes packed with text, so a great way to stand out from others is to thoroughly proofread your resume. Make sure all necessary information is on your resume, all information is properly organized, and it is easy to skim (No paragraphs!). 

Good luck with your professional ventures, and I hope some of what was discussed in this article will help you while you create your resume!  

- Kavin Ramasamy, President

Ella Hall, Southern Area Vice President

FBLA is more than just a club, it's an organization for building leadership skills, gaining real-world experience, and preparing for your future. Whether you’re a new member or have been part of FBLA for a while, there are always ways to become more active and make the most out of your experience. 

The easiest way to stay informed and involved is by showing up. Chapter meetings give you a chance to hear about upcoming events, competitions, and service projects. Plus, it’s the best way to connect with fellow members and build lasting friendships.  From fundraisers to service projects to event planning, there’s always something going on in FBLA. Volunteering not only helps your chapter run smoothly, but it also gives you a chance to learn leadership and teamwork skills in a hands-on environment. Don’t wait to be asked—step up and offer to help!

When it comes down to competitive events, FBLA offers over 70 ranging from accounting  to marketing to business presentations. Find an event that matches your interests and challenge yourself to compete at the regional, state, or even national level. Preparing for competitions can boost your confidence, grow your skills, and even earn you recognition on all levels. 

Want to lead your chapter? Consider running for a local officer position or joining a planning committee. Being in a leadership role helps you develop responsibility, time management, and communication skills. Even if you're not ready to run for office, helping behind the scenes still makes a big impact.

To stay updated follow your chapter’s social media accounts, check your email, and keep an eye on flyers or announcements. The more connected you are, the more opportunities you’ll hear about—and the easier it will be to stay involved. 
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Being active in FBLA doesn’t require a huge time commitment—it just takes a little effort and enthusiasm. The more you put into your FBLA experience, the more you’ll get out of it. So take that first step: attend the next meeting, sign up for an event, or talk to an officer about how you can get more involved. Your future self will thank you!

- Ella Hall, Southern Area Vice President

Harmin Patel, Secretary

Public Speaking is a skill which can foster greater professional and personal growth in individuals. However, knowing all the tips and tricks that can help you become a better public speaker can be hard. By following these techniques, you can not only deliver a better speech, but also be able to connect with others in a positive way.

Public Speaking Tips:

1. Practice and Prepare - Being nervous before a presentation or speech is normal. The best way to combat the anxiety that encompasses a presentation is to make sure that you are well-prepared. Making sure you understand your material well can help to calm nerves. Make sure to go over your presentation multiple times in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or in front of a small group. As you become familiar with your speech, you will be able to deliver it more clearly and confidently.

2. Know your audience - Understanding the members of your audience can change your speech greatly. For instance, if it is an academic research-based community that you are presenting to, you would try to have a more serious tone, especially if it is a delicate topic. However, if you are presenting at a pep rally, you would have more of an energetic tone as you would want everyone to get excited for an event. 

3. Use voice and hands effectively - Having a good delivery of your presentation is just as important as the content within the presentation. Using your voice and hands with purpose keeps your audience engaged. Try using various volumes and tone inflections with your voice that is purposeful to what you are talking about at the moment. Use hand gestures to highlight important points rather than just having continuous motion which may not necessarily be adding to your presentation.

4. Showcase your personality - In presentations, showcase your true self and the genuine person that you are. People in the audience would be able to connect and build rapport with you more easily. Bring an energy to your presentation that is unforgettable. This will not only leave a lasting impression on the audience, but also make the presentation unforgettable for you.

5. Breathing - Make sure to breathe to calm yourself before and during your speech. Deep breathing can help to calm your mind and settle any nerves. You can practice inhaling through your nose, holding the air for a few moments, and then exhaling through your mouth. You will be able to feel more in control and ready to give a great presentation!

6. Positivity - Understand that everybody makes mistakes and nobody is perfect. Always have a great attitude and learn from things that go wrong. Attack each practice with positivity and you will be able to keep improving and become a public speaker who is able to connect with others in unimaginable ways.

Overall, becoming a great public speaker takes time and practice. Using these techniques and having a great attitude can help you get closer to expressing your voice confidently and communicating effectively with others.

​- Harmin Patel, Secretary

Claire Harte, Northern Area Vice President

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is one of the largest student organizations that
prepares young people for careers in business, leadership, and community involvement. Among
the wide variety of competitive events offered by FBLA, case study events stand out for their
real-world application of knowledge and problem-solving skills. These events present students
with a business scenario and require them to analyze the situation, identify the issues, and
present practical solutions. Succeeding in these events requires not only confidence but also
careful preparation and practice.

The first key to success in case study events is studying the subject area of the event you are
competing in. FBLA provides study guides and topics for categories such as marketing,
management, finance, and hospitality. Reviewing textbooks, online business articles, and past
case studies can give you the background knowledge needed to handle any situation. Just like
written tests, case studies require a strong foundation of business concepts; without that, even
the best presentation skills cannot cover gaps in understanding.

Practicing with sample cases is another crucial step. Gather a teammate, advisor, or even a
friend to play the role of the judge, and work through different scenarios. Time yourself so you
get comfortable with the limited preparation period. The more you practice thinking on your feet,
the more natural your response will be during competition. It also helps to practice structuring
your answers: start with identifying the problem, propose clear solutions, and explain why those
solutions will work. Organization and clarity leave a stronger impression on judges than
scattered ideas.

Presentation skills can make or break a case study. Dress professionally, speak clearly, and
make eye contact. Confidence often matters as much as content, so practice your delivery until
you can present without reading directly from notes. Using business terminology correctly and
backing up your recommendations with logical reasoning will also set you apart from
competitors.

Finally, remember that preparation for case studies extends beyond practice. Studying for the
objective tests that are part of many FBLA events is equally important. These tests often cover
vocabulary, principles, and scenarios that can appear in the case studies themselves. Scoring
well on the tests shows that you have a complete understanding of your field, which can boost
your overall performance.

In summary, success in FBLA case study events comes from a balance of studying, practicing,
and presenting with confidence. By mastering the content, rehearsing real-world scenarios, and
polishing your presentation, you will be well prepared to excel in competition. The skills
gained—critical thinking, problem solving, and public speaking—are valuable far beyond FBLA
and will benefit you in any future career path.

- Claire Harte, Northern Area Vice President

Sabrina Aebel, Western Area Vice President

Hello, Illinois FBLA!

Have you ever looked at the Illinois State Officers and wanted to be a part of the team? Well, there is no time like the present! I am going to give you the insider tips and tricks to becoming a state officer in a few simple steps!

Step #1: Do your Research

Before you begin the process of becoming a State Officer, be sure to read the roles and responsibilities of each officer position. Ensure that becoming a state officer is something that genuinely interests you. Additionally, begin to think about what position you would be interested in running for. In Illinois FBLA, the State Officer positions include President, Vice Presidents from each of the areas, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, and Reporter. If you want a more in-depth insight, feel free to contact the current State Officer who holds the position you are interested in filling!
 
Step #2: Gain Experience and Talk to your Advisor

While experience is not a requirement for becoming a State Officer, it always helps to have practice in Public Speaking and Leadership. Being a state officer is a big responsibility and requires you to speak in front of groups of people sometimes, so it helps to have a little experience. A great way to gain some experience before campaigning to be a State Officer is to run for a Chapter/Area Office! This allows you to get a taste of what a leadership position may be like. Another important step is talking to your a; dvisor. It is super important to get permission before running for a big state office. 

Step #3: Build your Campaign

Once you have signed up to run for a State Office, you should start to build what you are running on. This includes writing a speech for Area/State Conferences, coming up with your slogan, and making a poster board or some sort of visual that you can use to campaign and meet people with. Make sure to be prepared and practice so that you can feel confident!

Step #4: The Election

When you are at your State/Area Conference, where you are being elected, you are at the finish line. If you have 5 people running against you or are running unopposed, it is important to deliver a great speech. This sets the tone for changing voting delegates' minds and reassures the members you will be representing that you are an amazing choice. But maybe the most important advice I can give you is to be authentically yourself. There is a lot of temptation to try and appear perfect nowadays. But people are voting for you, not an idea of perfection. So being authentic will always be the best course of action.  

Running for a State Office is not a little task but an ultimately very rewarding process that I haven’t regretted once. I can’t wait to see you all on the stage next year!

Good Luck!
- Sabrina Aebel, Western Area Vice President

Aswini Kake, State Central Area Vice President ​

As the membership year ramps up, it’s time to dive into the exciting world of competitive
events with Future Business Leaders of America! With an extensive roster of over 70 events
divided into three categories—presentations, tests, and case studies—there's something for
everyone, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a future healthcare administrator, or a tech
genius.
To start off, let’s discuss presentations. The presentation events offer a platform for
students to showcase their communication and organizational skills. These range from 7-minute
presentations accompanied by a slideshow, followed by a 3-minute Q&A session, to straight
speaking events where participants deliver their ideas without visual aids. A helpful tip to
maximize the number of points you earn in a presentation event is to ensure that the headings of
your slides correspond to the associated rubric lines. This correspondence helps ensure that even
if judges miss something while you are speaking, they can see that you have addressed it in your
presentation by looking at the titles. Beyond just meeting the rubric criteria, strive to make
yourself and your presentation stand out. By the time you reach state and national competitions,
everyone you are competing against will be strong competitors, so you want to differentiate
yourself in some way—whether that be through engaging graphics or an attention-grabbing
story.
Our second main category of events is testing. Testing events are optimal for those who
excel at memorization and standardized exams. Each testing event typically involves a rigorous
100-question multiple-choice test that assesses your understanding of specific topics. Preparation
is critical for success in these events. Tools like Quizlet are invaluable resources, as you can find
valuable flashcards and quizzes on various subjects. Don’t forget to review past years' materials
and study guides. Familiarizing yourself with the question formats and the scope of topics can
significantly enhance your confidence and performance on test day.
Our final category of events is case studies. Case study events are often the most
engaging and interactive, combining both written and performance elements. These typically
involve two parts: a preliminary multiple-choice test and a role-play segment at the conference
where you apply your knowledge in a real-world scenario. To maximize your success in case
studies, studying past materials is essential. Additionally, practice with prompts similar to what
you might encounter in competition. Knowing the rubric is equally important; understanding
how to hit each competency will ensure that you excel in your role-play score. Practice makes
perfect—role-playing scenarios with teammates can help you gain confidence and receive
constructive feedback.
Knowing the fundamental types of events that FBLA offers, it is key to note one
additional subdivision: introduction events. FBLA offers underclassmen members the
opportunity to participate in introductory events across all three main types. These events are a
great way for new and younger members to understand what is expected of them while also
learning more about their topics.

Now that you understand what FBLA offers its competitors, the next step is preparation.
Preparation is key to success in competitive events, so plan ahead. Give yourself ample time to
create presentations, learn testing content, and feel prepared for the tasks at hand. FBLA is not
just a competitive organization; it is also a family—so reach out to fellow FBLA members for
advice on your competitive event as well as any feedback they may have for you. Finally, just
remember that practice makes perfect, or as close to it as possible. From presentations to
studying for a test, practice is vital for achieving a favorable outcome.
FBLA’s competitive events create exciting opportunities for building confidence and
gaining real-world experience. Whether you're preparing a presentation, studying for a test, or
memorizing rubric criteria, remember that passion and preparation are your best tools for
success. While this process might feel confusing and stressful, know that you can reach out if
you ever need help. Make sure to take the time to slow down and enjoy the journey because it
will truly be a memorable one!
​
Let’s make this competition season unforgettable!
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