Is SkillsUSA Worth It? My Honest Experience as a Competitor

When I first heard about SkillsUSA, I honestly didn’t think much of it. Another club. Another competition. Another thing to put on my resume.

But little did I know—it would become one of the most transformative experiences of my high school life, answering the question I once asked myself: is SkillsUSA worth it?

From the butterflies in my stomach before my first competition to the adrenaline rush of hearing my name called at awards, SkillsUSA pushed me far outside my comfort zone. I discovered skills I never thought I had—public speaking, teamwork, leadership, and even grit under pressure.

In this post, I’ll share what competing in SkillsUSA is really like, the lessons I learned (both hard and humbling), and whether I think it’s truly worth your time. Spoiler alert: it’s so much more than just a shiny medal.

What is SkillsUSA?

SkillsUSA is one of the many nationwide student-run organizations. There are many of these student-run organizations all around the country, some of which you may know. DECA, FBLA, and HOSA all exist in local chapters around the country.

What makes SkillsUSA special is that it specializes in training America’s skilled workforce. This organization specifically targets students who want to work in a skilled trade or CTE occupation in the future.

Unlike FBLA or HOSA, which focus more on tests and memorization, SkillsUSA applies the knowledge learned in the classroom to real-life situations.

This is evident in the competition categories they offer, ranging from plumbing to welding, to even graphic design and web communications.

My Journey with SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA was the very first organization I joined when I started high school. As a freshman, I was new to the waters. I didn’t know a single thing about clubs, and this one was very appealing.

I was a competitive person, and the minute they advertised a competition, I immediately signed up. 

At first, I didn’t know what I was doing. I had no idea that it was a CTE-focused organization, so I was quite confused when it wasn’t a written test.

I decided to sign up for the Cybersecurity competition category, and by some stroke of luck, I made it past regionals, qualifying for the state conference.

However, because I had no idea what the SkillsUSA mission was, I assumed the state conference would be a walk in the park. Boy, was I wrong.

I realized that we needed programming knowledge to complete each task, which left me completely lost. I pretty much googled everything, and to my dismay, nothing came of it.

I finished second to last that day.

The following year, learning from my mistake, I chose a category that I had an interest in. Over the past year, I have developed an innate passion for engineering. Luckily, SkillsUSA offered various engineering-related competitions: this time, I chose Principles of Engineering Technology.

In the week before the regional competition, I practiced every day for around two hours. This time, I felt prepared and a lot more confident.

I qualified for the state conference, finishing 2nd place at regionals.

Once again, I put in the work. In the weeks leading up to the state conference, I practiced my presentation every day. 

At the state conference, I was eventually awarded the gold medal. I was moving to nationals!

What I Gained

If you’re on the fence and wondering is SkillsUSA worth it, I’m living proof that it absolutely is—SkillsUSA has helped me in more ways than I can count.

Being able to compete and apply my skills has skyrocketed my confidence.

They mimic real-world scenarios, so the presentations I do feel like they prepare me for the workforce. 

Technical Skills

The technical skills I gained also extend far beyond the scope of my competition. I could apply what I learned in school, and I know with confidence that this skill will serve me well in the future.

I’m not just taking a test for a grade, I’m actively learning the skills and knowledge required to succeed in reality.

Soft Skills

Furthermore, I also obtained soft skills from competing in SkillsUSA. I feel a lot more confident in my abilities, and I’ve been able to guide other students to find their passions, too.

I learned to be a competitor, but also a leader. Guiding not only myself, but a community of students together. I can now talk to my peers and teachers with ease, due to the communication skills accrued from my experiences.

Emotional Growth

As a stubborn freshman, I constantly sought ways to take a shortcut. Whether that be in class, or out of school, I wanted things done in the fastest way possible. SkillsUSA has taught me that quality matters just as much as speed.

Practicing for my competition was tough; the long hours I put in pushed my body to its limits. I was staying up very late at night, my throat sore from all the speaking. Yet, the thrill of competition is what kept me going.

Even with all the setbacks I’ve faced, I persevered. The pressure of my peers as well as the judges, was overwhelming. But I learned to embrace it.

Community and Belonging

Competing in SkillsUSA goes far beyond the accolades and awards. I’ve met many like-minded people through SkillsUSA, and it’s been a game-changer.

The bonds and friendships created are second to none. It facilitates networking, especially in high school, where job opportunities are limited.

Being able to jump into the field early poses its own set of advantages. 

In addition to this, SkillsUSA helped me develop a sense of purpose and direction. As a freshman, I never really knew what I wanted to do. By competing in these events, I’ve been able to identify my strengths and passions. 

This is what drew me into engineering, and is what I continue to work towards today.

Final Thoughts: Is SkillsUSA Worth it?

Honestly, you get what you put in. It’s as simple as that. Some of my friends haven’t practiced a single bit, yet expect crazy results. It just doesn’t work like that.

SkillsUSA fully embraces the “learn by doing” mentality. As such, that is why they are targeting students who want to work in skilled trades.

Each event targets a specific job skill, so if you’re looking for an easy title, I suggest you try something else.

That said, if you’re wondering “is SkillsUSA worth it?”, I can honestly say it’s an incredible experience—if you’re willing to put in the work.

Additionally, if you want to refine or test your skills, SkillsUSA is great for that, too. It will show during the competition if you’re genuinely passionate about your chosen category.

Don’t do this if you’re looking to boost your resume or thinking it will get you into MIT. It won’t. Period.

My Advice for New Members

Try to identify your passion. Don’t join something because your friends are doing it. Join because you have a passion for it and desire to learn more. 

You need to have a purpose. That will get you far in life. Don’t do something just for college apps or for an award. The skills you’ll obtain from SkillsUSA can be used for a lifetime.

Is SkillsUSA a Good Fit for You?

SkillsUSA Is For You If:

• You want to learn by doing.
  
• You enjoy competition and challenges.
  
• You care about applying classroom knowledge in real life.
  

It’s Not For You If:

• You want something easy to pad your resume.
  
• You’re not willing to put in hours of prep.
  
• You’re not interested in hands-on or career-focused skills.

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