One of the most compelling reasons to join Future Business Leaders of America is the opportunity to complete the requirements for the Business Achievement Awards. Students challenge themselves to achieve levels during each year of their membership and complete several professional tasks, such as writing letters and memos, giving formal presentations, and speaking with community leaders. North Augusta High School sophomore, Sherry Kong, and 2020 graduate, Anna Maryniak, each describe their experiences over the years.
When asked what first sparked her interest in the program, Maryniak responded, “I was initially interested in completing the BAAs because Mrs. Oswald heavily encouraged it! After reading more about them, I learned how they help you learn more about FBLA, community service, business skills, leadership, all kinds of things!” With nearly 30 options for each level, students can explore various business topics that they are interested in, whether that is finance, marketing, communications, or international business. Similarly, Maryniak continues to say, “I have learned SO much from completing the levels of BAA!! You really learn all kinds of things from budgeting, to environmental science, event planning, graphic design- all kinds of stuff! Almost anything you’re interested in the BAA’s will touch on!!” Regardless of your interest in business, there are many options available to learn about the professional world or prepare for life after high school. “I have had some amazing experiences through BAA! One of the activities was to run for an FBLA elected office or serve as a campaign manager, and running for SC FBLA District II VP was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had! Another activity was to write to a government official / make a personal visit to an elected official and I was able to write to and visit Governor Henry McMaster! I was also able to tour several businesses, create a LinkedIn profile, and create my first ever resume and cover letter… The BAAs helped me so much in college! FBLA was super essential in preparing me for college and the workforce and BAA was a huge part of that,” says Maryniak, regarding her time as an FBLA member at North Augusta. Maryniak is now enrolled in her freshman year of college, and her time in the FBLA program has proven to benefit her greatly.
Kong has shared a similar experience, explaining how the Business Achievement Awards have taught her a lot as she prepares for a successful future. She says, “after completing the first level of BAA, I realized how helpful and beneficial it is.” As well, she has “learned many things like how to create a résumé, how to communicate with businesses, and how to put more of my time into community service… [and] FBLA history and fun facts, and how to create professional pages!” Kong then says, “I feel like [the categories for each level] are all very fun and interesting.”
Pictured: Sherry Kong
Photo Credit: Emma Carter
Based on the students’ accounts, the Business Achievement Awards can be a valuable part of both FBLA membership and the high school experience. There are so many benefits to completing these essential tasks, with numerous opportunities to learn about careers in business. FBLA members are encouraged to learn more about BAA, as they will open again for students to work on in the 2021-2022 academic year.
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