The Best Extracurriculars to Take in Highschool for Entrepreneurs

As a current freshman at West Virginia University (class of 2027), I reflect on my high school years and recognize a common challenge faced by many students who share an interest in pursuing entrepreneurship. During my time in high school, I experienced firsthand the uncertainty and lack of guidance that often surrounds the question of what extracurricular activities are best suited for individuals with entrepreneurial aspirations. This article aims to address that very issue and provide comprehensive guidance to high school students who aspire to become entrepreneurs, just like I did.

1. DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America)

DECA, known as Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a globally renowned organization with a significant impact on the development of emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, both nationally and internationally. For high school students with aspirations of venturing into entrepreneurship, DECA offers a valuable opportunity that extends far beyond conventional classroom learning.

At its core, DECA provides an immersive platform where students actively engage in skill development crucial for a successful entrepreneurial journey. The organization adopts a multifaceted approach, supplementing textbook knowledge with real-world experiences. Central to DECA's mission are its numerous competitions and events, challenging students to apply their knowledge in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. These competitions necessitate ideation, strategizing, marketing, and financial planning, mirroring the demands of the professional world.

However, DECA's influence reaches beyond the academic realm. It emphasizes the development of vital life skills, particularly effective communication, an indispensable trait for entrepreneurs. Through articulating ideas, negotiating effectively, and presenting with confidence, students hone their communication abilities. Moreover, DECA fosters creativity and problem-solving, key attributes for navigating the ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape. Tackling real-world problems innovatively cultivates critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Additionally, DECA places a premium on teamwork, preparing students for the complexities of collaboration, leadership, and team dynamics – all essential skills for future entrepreneurs.

2. Entrepreneurship Clubs

An entrepreneurship club, a prominent feature of high school extracurricular activities, holds significant value for budding young entrepreneurs. These clubs, though not as widely recognized as organizations like DECA, offer a rich platform for students to nurture vital skills and knowledge, setting them on the path to successful entrepreneurship.

Central to an entrepreneurship club is the opportunity for practical skill development. These clubs often encompass a broad range of activities, workshops, and projects that extend beyond traditional classroom learning. Members actively engage in brainstorming business ideas, developing comprehensive business plans, and, in some instances, even launching small-scale ventures.

An entrepreneurship club is distinct for its focus on real-world application. Students delve into activities such as market research, product development, and marketing campaigns, replicating the demands faced by entrepreneurs in the business world. These hands-on experiences cultivate creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities, crucial attributes for success.

Effective communication is a skill that naturally evolves within entrepreneurship clubs. Students frequently pitch their ideas, collaborate on projects, and present their findings to peers, enhancing their confidence and ability to convey ideas effectively—a pivotal asset for aspiring entrepreneurs.

3. Student Government

Student government, a prominent fixture among high school extracurricular activities, holds significant value for young individuals aspiring to become entrepreneurs. While it may not be directly associated with entrepreneurship, student government participation offers a rich platform for students to cultivate essential skills and knowledge that can be instrumental in their entrepreneurial journey.

At its core, student government provides students with practical experience in leadership and decision-making. Serving in student government roles, such as class president, treasurer, or secretary, enables students to develop and refine their leadership skills. Entrepreneurship often demands strong leadership qualities, as entrepreneurs must make critical decisions, inspire others, and navigate complex challenges.

Effective communication is another crucial skill honed within student government. Elected representatives regularly engage with their peers, conveying ideas, addressing concerns, and advocating for change. These experiences help students build confidence in public speaking and articulate their thoughts clearly—an invaluable asset for any entrepreneur who needs to pitch ideas, negotiate deals, and communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Furthermore, student government provides opportunities to understand budgeting and financial management. Elected officers are often responsible for managing budgets, allocating resources, and planning events, mirroring the financial aspects of running a business. This hands-on experience helps students develop financial literacy and budgeting skills that are directly applicable to entrepreneurship.

Teamwork is a cornerstone of student government, as elected representatives collaborate to achieve common goals and serve the student body. Learning to work collaboratively, leverage diverse strengths, and navigate group dynamics is vital for entrepreneurship, where building and leading a team is often essential to success.

4. Speech and Debate

Participation in speech and debate, often overlooked in its connection to entrepreneurship, offers a rich training ground for high school students aspiring to become entrepreneurs. This extracurricular activity equips individuals with a versatile skill set that can be instrumental in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

At its core, speech and debate fosters exceptional communication skills. Participants regularly engage in public speaking, argumentation, and persuasion, honing their abilities to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively. These skills are invaluable for entrepreneurs who need to pitch their ideas convincingly, negotiate effectively, and communicate with diverse stakeholders.

Moreover, speech and debate promote critical thinking and problem-solving. Participants engage in rigorous research, analyze complex topics, and formulate compelling arguments. This ability to think critically and find innovative solutions is a hallmark of successful entrepreneurship, where identifying and solving problems is a constant requirement.

Effective time management and organization are additional skills cultivated in speech and debate. Participants must prepare and deliver speeches, manage their time during debates, and coordinate schedules for tournaments. These organizational skills are directly transferable to the entrepreneurial world, where managing multiple tasks and responsibilities is often a daily challenge.

5. Theater and Stagecraft

In the world of high school extracurricular activities, theater and stagecraft, often overlooked in their connection to entrepreneurship, serve as a unique and valuable training ground for young individuals with entrepreneurial aspirations. Engaging in theater and stagecraft equips students with a diverse skill set that can prove highly beneficial in the challenging landscape of entrepreneurship.

At its core, theater and stagecraft cultivate creativity and adaptability. Students involved in these activities are immersed in the world of storytelling, character development, and set design. These experiences foster the ability to think creatively, a crucial attribute for entrepreneurs who must constantly innovate and find novel solutions to problems.

Effective communication is another fundamental skill nurtured through theater and stagecraft. Participants often deliver lines in front of an audience, honing their public speaking abilities and building confidence in their communication skills. This is invaluable for entrepreneurs who frequently need to pitch their ideas, negotiate deals, and address various stakeholders.

Moreover, theater and stagecraft teach problem-solving and project management. Participants work collaboratively to bring a production to life, facing unexpected challenges along the way. This experience helps them develop strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage projects efficiently, essential for entrepreneurial success.

6. Sports and Athletics

Participation in sports and athletics, often overlooked in its connection to entrepreneurship, provides high school students with a unique and valuable skill set that can be instrumental in their entrepreneurial journey.

First and foremost, sports and athletics teach discipline and resilience. Athletes learn the importance of setting goals, working diligently to achieve them, and persevering through setbacks. These qualities are invaluable for entrepreneurs who face numerous challenges and uncertainties while building their businesses.

Team sports, in particular, emphasize teamwork and collaboration. Athletes must learn to work cohesively with teammates, leverage individual strengths, and adapt to different team dynamics. These skills translate directly to entrepreneurship, where the ability to build and lead a team is often essential for success.

Furthermore, sports foster leadership skills. Many athletes take on leadership roles within their teams, whether as team captains or mentors to younger players. These leadership experiences develop qualities such as decision-making, communication, and motivation, all of which are crucial for entrepreneurs.

Effective time management is another skill honed through sports and athletics. Balancing practice schedules, games, and academic commitments requires strong organizational skills, which are directly applicable to managing the multifaceted responsibilities of entrepreneurship.

In conclusion, participation in sports and athletics offers high school students a dynamic platform to develop essential skills for entrepreneurship. Through discipline, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and time management, students acquire valuable competencies that can significantly contribute to their success as future entrepreneurs. While not immediately associated with entrepreneurship, sports, and athletics provide a strong foundation for young individuals aspiring to embark on entrepreneurial journeys.

In Conclusion

High school is a prime opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to lay the groundwork for their future careers. Engaging in extracurricular activities can help students develop the diverse skill set required to thrive in the entrepreneurial world. Whether through debate, theater, or athletics, high school students can build the essential skills and knowledge needed to embark on a successful entrepreneurial journey in the future.