National Fall Leadership Conference from a student's perspective

Being a junior transfer student, I was overwhelmed with the amount of clubs and organizations at Rider and excited that the community had numerous opportunities for gaining experience in your preferred field. However, I had no idea where to start or which choice was best for me.

As a public relations major, the communications clubs attracted me first and foremost. I soon realized that my major isn't limited to just communications skills; it also requires knowledge of businesses and corporations. That is when I found Rider’s college division of Future Business Leaders of America chapter, Phi Beta Lambda.

I joined and was soon attending weekly workshops held by business professionals in Rider’s classrooms. Those workshops led to participation at the National Fall Leadership Conference (NFLC) held in Baltimore. For a weekend, I and my fellow students joined 2,000 other FBLA-PBL students from different schools across 26 states. It turned out that this year's conference hosted the largest attendance in four years. 

Having never been to a conference of this size, I was excited but unsure of what to expect. The NFLC certainly didn't disappoint; in fact, it made for the second best experience here at Rider (nothing can surpass the Big Sean concert). Actually, the NFLC even had that concert atmosphere at the opening and closing ceremonies. When I walked into the opening ceremony, I had to stop to make sure I was in the right place. I thought at first I had walked into nightclub as I found myself surrounding by colored lights, listening to Lil John’s “Turn Down for What" blasting from speakers.  In both instances though, that fun atmosphere brought in inspiring and highly motivational speakers. 

Throughout the weekend, I attend workshops about financing, obtaining internships, dealing with group work and learning how to brand yourself. In all instances, the NFLC intertwine learning, networking and fun into each one-hour workshop.

Taken in its entirety, the NFLC weekend was an unbelievable experience and I encourage others to take advantage of this and other opportunities like it at Rider. Not only was I networking with both students and business professionals, I was also gaining friendships and learning more about my fellow PBL members. At the same time, I also got to explore the beautiful city of Baltimore.

I look forward to the upcoming conferences, competitions and nationals PBL is participating in during the spring semester. I highly encourage all students to get involved and check out all the beneficial experiences PBL has to offer. Meetings are every Wednesday at 9:45 p.m. For more information, please email PBL president Frank Kellogg at [email protected].