Why do people join FBLA?

What makes the most popular club on campus so appealing

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the oldest and largest student business organization in the US, according to the Homestead FBLA website, and it is one of the most popular clubs on campus.

But what makes the club so popular?

FBLA member junior Justin Fu attributes the club’s popularity to its extensive advertising, long-standing legacy and impressive national rankings.  

FBLA has been around for nearly 35 years and has won state championship for the past 17 years, according to its website.

Club president Naomi Jung acknowledges that many people initially join FBLA because of its appeal to colleges, but they stay for other reasons.

“I think there’s part of it that people join initially for the resume,” Jung said, “but then I feel like a lot [of] people stay because they really like it… it grows on them.”

Fu agreed, noting that he initially did join the club to put it on his resume.

While many people initially join for college applications, they end up falling in love with the projects and competitions the club offers.

FBLA consists of three parts: American Enterprise, which seeks to teach students about business and public speaking skills, Community Service, in which students work on projects meant to benefit the community and Partnership with Business, which allows students to build connections with working businessmen.

“[Members] develop a love for these three parts of FBLA, not just competition,” junior member Ethan Yim said, “but I think they actually sincerely love what they do.”