Graduating Soon? Take Your Spirit Box School Store Experience Beyond High School
For both students and advisors, Spirit Box has been an incredible hands-on learning tool—teaching business fundamentals like inventory management, sales tracking, marketing, and pricing strategies. But what happens after high school?
Students who have enjoyed running a Spirit Box school store vending machine can continue developing their entrepreneurial, marketing, and finance skills in Collegiate DECA and FBLA Collegiate. These programs provide real-world business experience, competitions, networking opportunities, and leadership development, making them the perfect next step.
Collegiate DECA: Take Your Business Skills Global
If students thrived in managing a school store vending machine, Collegiate DECA could be their next challenge. With a focus on entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and hospitality, students gain hands-on business experience through:
- Compete in business challenges at the state, national, and international levels.
- Attend networking events and connect with top companies and industry leaders.
- Gain real-world experience through case studies, marketing projects, and business simulations.
- Enhance leadership skills through chapter activities, professional development, and conferences.
Managing pricing, restocking, or marketing for your school’s vending machine gives students a competitive edge in DECA’s business events. Hands-on experience helps students excel in competitions and stand out to potential employers.
FBLA Collegiate: Build Leadership & Business Expertise
For those who want to focus on leadership development, networking, and career readiness, FBLA Collegiate offers:
- Real-world business projects that align with college coursework.
- Leadership opportunities to help students build professional skills.
- Connections to top companies and mentors in business, finance, and marketing.
- Competitions in a variety of business areas, including marketing, leadership, and strategic planning.
Students who played a role in Spirit Box marketing, financial management, or sales strategy, can join FBLA Collegiate to help them refine those skills and prepare for future careers.
How to Get Involved
1. Find a Collegiate DECA or FBLA Chapter Near You
Many colleges and universities have Collegiate DECA and FBLA Collegiate chapters. Check their websites or ask the school’s business department about starting a chapter if one doesn’t exist.
2. Attend an Interest Meeting
Most chapters host introductory meetings at the start of each semester. This is a great way to meet current members, learn about upcoming events, and see if the program is a good fit.
3. Compete & Gain Experience
Just like managing a Spirit Box, these organizations emphasize learning by doing. Participate in business simulations, marketing projects, and competitions to gain hands-on experience and boost resumes.
4. Take Advantage of Networking & Career Opportunities
Both Collegiate DECA and FBLA Collegiate provide internship opportunities, networking events, and professional development workshops. Many students land jobs and internships through connections they make in these organizations.
Why It Matters for the Future
Employers love candidates who have real-world business experience—and that’s exactly what Spirit Box, Collegiate DECA, and FBLA Collegiate provide.
By staying involved in business-related activities beyond high school, students will:
- Gain a competitive advantage in college admissions and internships.
- Build a strong resume with leadership roles and competition experience.
- Connect with top companies and industry mentors.
- Develop skills that translate directly to real-world careers in business, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship.
Managing a Spirit Box school store vending machine was just the beginning.
Advisors, encouraging students to join Collegiate DECA or FBLA Collegiate builds on the career-connected learning they started with Spirit Box. It strengthens their business foundation and enhances their college applications, resumes, and future job prospects.
