Jake Lasceski, a senior majoring in Business Leadership Management with a political science minor, has found hands-on business experience and personal growth through Business Professionals of America (BPA). We spoke with Jake about his involvement and what he’s learned along the way.
Q: What drew you to BPA?
Jake Lasceski: I joined BPA after declaring my business major because I wanted the chance to gain hands-on business experience outside the classroom. BPA seemed like the best opportunity to compete and explore different business disciplines, all while learning in a student organization setting.
Q: How has BPA helped you grow as a student?
Lasceski: BPA has been really helpful because learning concepts in class is one thing, but testing that knowledge against students from other schools adds another layer. Competing shows you where you truly stand in terms of understanding business skills. It’s also a great way to experience pressure scenarios that mimic the real world.
Q: What kinds of competitions have you participated in?
Lasceski: I primarily compete in business law and ethics events, but I’ve also done HR management and open events, which cover niche topics like marketing and healthcare administration. Each event is different — business law and ethics is mostly a test, while HR requires preparing a presentation on the spot. I enjoy the variety and the challenge of thinking quickly under pressure.
Q: Is BPA just for business students?
Lasceski: Not at all. While it might seem like business students dominate because of the name, BPA welcomes students from all majors. Competitions range from computer science to website design, so it’s great to see students exploring their own fields or trying something completely new.
Q: What advice would you give students considering BPA?
Lasceski: I would definitely recommend BPA to both current and prospective students. It’s a fantastic way to step outside your comfort zone, gain hands-on experience, and test your interests in different areas of business. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to connect with classmates, travel for competitions, and even build a network that extends nationally.
On a campus that feels like home, you’ll have the space to explore, the support to push your limits, and the chance to not just learn, but to experience — hands-on, all in. Learn more about experiential learning at Alma College.