Reston, Virginia, Oct. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA), the nation’s largest career and technical student organization focused solely on business, is hosting the first of two annual Career Connections Conferences in Des Moines, Iowa from October 26 to 28. The three-day conference will allow attendees to meet with recruiters, prepare for the workforce with mock interviews, and network with other highly skilled students from across the country.
“Des Moines is a rich and vibrant community perfect for those looking to expand their career prospects in the Midwest, with Forbes rating it the #1 city for young professionals,” said Iowa FBLA Executive Director Kent Storm. “We’re delighted to see Iowa business and industry come out in full force to connect with the next generation of talent looking to become community-minded business leaders.”
As part of the event, students will visit the Principal Financial Group for workshops on topics such as succeeding as a young professional and developing executive leadership skills, as well as information on corporate social responsibility, employee benefits, and personal finance planning. Attendees can also tour local businesses and take part in the Career Showcase & Expo (Sponsored by the Greater Des Moines Partnership) that includes Armstrong Teasdale, Bankers Trust, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), EMC Insurance Company, Farm Bureau Financial Services, FORVIS, Goodwill of Central Iowa, Iowa Society of CPAs, and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In addition, FBLA members will have the opportunity to engage in a business study case competition designed by the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants. The competition looks at the real-world issue of how to attract more students to the accounting profession. The top three teams will be recognized at the event.
“As FBLA continues to reinvest in our Collegiate division, we are proud to bring this fantastic opportunity for workforce development to students in the heartland of America,” FBLA President & CEO Alexander T. Graham said. “The support we’ve received from leading Des Moines businesses and organizations in preparing for this event has been phenomenal and shows just how much companies are interested in our highly motivated and high-achieving students as future employees and future leaders.”
FBLA is also sponsoring a Career Connections Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, November 30-December 2. Students at both conferences will be able to hear directly from industry professionals on topics such as finding a job, excelling in a first job, and developing their leadership style. They can also receive individual feedback on their resume and a professional headshot for their resume and LinkedIn profile.
Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) education association with active middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences. The association is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. For more information, visit fbla.org.
