Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Summer Competition Preparation - Prepared Events

By Shivani Kondubhatla, State Vice President

Westwood High School

With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to get a headstart on preparing for your DECA Prepared Event. The prompts are out (for the applicable events), and DECA+ is filled with great  samples and resources to look through and get some inspiration. Here are a list of a few tips and tricks to make sure that you are ready to go for when DECA season officially starts: 

• Choose Something You’re Passionate About

Winning the coveted glass or making it to ICDC does not always come from choosing “easier” events, but rather ones that you are genuinely interested in. Summer is the perfect time to find the right event for you. Is there a social issue that you are very passionate about? Maybe Project Management is the way to go. Do you like to research and collaborate with local businesses? Then consider Operations Research. Here is a great resource to help you discover what event you want to do. But whatever you choose, make sure that you genuinely are interested in it and can write a report/make a presentation on it! 

• Make a Game Plan for the School Year 

When school’s in session, it can get pretty hectic balancing schoolwork with your DECA project. Your life will be 10x easier if you make a checklist right now of what you want to accomplish each month to ensure your DECA project gets completed. My partners and I competed in Operations Research, and we created a strict schedule that we followed throughout the year. We made sure to reach out to local businesses and do more research on the prompt in August, and we finished conducting our research in September-October. Here are some great timelines to follow if you need help making your game plan.

• Research, Research, Research

Summer is the perfect time to really understand your event and the business acumen you need to acquire. For the events with prompts, this article has so many links to further understand your prompt and brainstorm. If you are doing an Entrepreneurship event, for example, be sure to be very familiar with financials, different markets, etc. If you aren’t too confident with these, then start learning about it right now! Judges can tell if you know what you’re talking about, be it while judging your report or your presentation, so do lots of research now! It’s also a great time to start looking at other’s reports/presentations, which can be found on DECA+. You can get a good idea of what to implement, things that worked, etc. (but make sure not to copy or plagiarize their work!)   

• Start Writing or Making Your Presentation

If you’re feeling very productive this summer, you can even get started on your actual report or presentation. You want to become best friends with your event’s guidelines, which can be found on DECA+. Use that as the blueprint of your report, and start outlining and writing your report on Google Docs or Word. Don’t worry about graphics or making your report look pretty just yet — just focus on the content and remember it’s just the beginning. Take your time! Check out this written event guide for more assistance.

 We hope these tips help you get started on your prepared event this summer. Good luck!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - 2023-2024 DECA Rewind

By yashitha chunduru, State President

Coppell High School

No three words describe the 2023-2024 DECA year better than “Experience the difference.” From serving as a District Vice President to running for State Office, this past year has been an absolute roller coaster of an experience!

As a District Officer...

As one of the District 11 Vice Presidents, I had a huge role in a lot of the district-wide events that we hosted. We had our Fall Leadership Conference in October and had to plan what information we would present to chapter officers and in what manner we would present that information. At FLC we also got to kick off our district community service project. After months of planning and promoting the professional clothing drive, we were able to collect over six hundred pieces of professional clothing including blazers, belts, slacks, shirts, and shoes.

A couple of weeks later, D11 hosted its first Mock DECA Competition in years. Not only did we offer insightful feedback through competition, but we also distributed the professional clothes we collected to ensure that the students in D11 would have clothes to compete in at District CDC. These clothes would go on to help with interviews, internships, and jobs.

A few weeks later, we had a Feed My Starving Children Volunteer Day where different chapters joined the D11 Officer team throughout the day to package meals for kids in need. We ended up helping a total of one hundred eighty-seven kids for a year. This was a great team bonding activity and we had an amazing day filled with fun competition and helping others!

In January, District CDC came despite snowy days and somewhat iced-up roads. Between competing, running for District Office a second time, and helping run the conference smoothly, there wasn’t a lot of free time. However, I still enjoyed seeing so many faces in person after a year of PCMs!

As a Competitor...

Alongside planning events and community service projects, the grind of preparing for my competitive event began. This year, I competed in Business Services Marketing, which is an individual series role-play event. Most of October and November was spent taking practice tests, looking through marketing related vocabulary, and looking through explanations on answer keys.

After taking my Marketing Cluster Exam, I had a little over a month to practice pole plays and look through different performance indicators. I practiced with different family members and with a couple of my friends that I practiced with the last couple of years. At District, I was announced as a state qualifier which meant that I had about two weeks to continue studying for testing. The state exam is considered to be harder than the district exam which meant that the two weeks were spent doing as many old exams as possible.

After testing, I had about two weeks to practice my role plays once again and make them ICDC qualifier-worthy. At State CDC in February, I competed alongside other Texas DECA members and was announced as an ICDC Qualifier. From after State CDC right up to ICDC, I mostly worked on studying for the exam. I knew testing was where I was weaker, so that’s where I ended up putting most of my focus. I did more role play prep once we entered April.

At ICDC, I tested and did my two preliminary role plays. On the morning of the Achievement Awards Ceremony, I waited nervously to hear whether I would get to compete again as a Top 20 Finalist for my event. When they announced the blue ribbon medallion winners for BSM, my name was called and I got to compete once again!

Unfortunately, I didn’t win a glass or be announced as a top-ten winner, but I learned a lot through competing as a finalist, and I hope I get farther in the 2024-2025 DECA year!

As a State Officer...

After campaigning, being interviewed, being tested, and running alongside nineteen other candidates, Texas DECA’s Team 79 State Officers were announced at the awards session on the last day of State CDC. I was elected President, and my term pretty much kicked off from there.

Our first conference was the Texas Leadership Summit, where the District Officers were teamed up. This took place at the Kalahari Resort, and there were many fun icebreakers we did to get to know each other. I loved seeing the rest of my team in person and finally getting a chance to meet some of the new District Officers!

A month after TLS came ICDC in Anaheim, California. At ICDC, I loved trading pins and meeting members from across the world! I also enjoyed networking with other state officers at the Parade of Flags and the State Officer Luncheon.

As a State Officer, I helped with registration and attended different voting delegate sessions when I wasn’t busy competing. I got to sit in caucuses with the executive officer candidates and talk to them at the meet and greet!

The 2023-2024 DECA year was incredible for me and I hope it was for you as well! I can’t wait to see all of Texas DECA’s accomplishments and the memories made in the 2024-2025 DECA year!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Summer To-Do List

By Mariyam Khazi, District 5 Vice President

Round Rock High School

Destination: DECA Success 2024-2025!

Travel Dates: May - August

The DECA To-Do List:

• Select your event!

• Start preparing for your event: whether this be studying for your cluster exam or starting your written event paper!

• If you’re serving as a chapter/district officer, schedule meetings with your team to plan for the 24-25 competitive school year!

• Keep up with your District! Attend socials that the District may be hosting. Network!
  

Jobs/Interning:

• Finding a part-time job can help cure the annual summer boredom! Consider: ice cream stores, tutoring centers, lifeguarding, restaurants, etc.

• Look into internships for your desired career field: visit LinkedIn and other job sites to find opportunities. 

• Apply! Apply! Apply! The worst response you can get is a no, and the more chances you take, the better results you will get!

• Cold email/call! There’s no harm in reaching out to get information about potential opportunities!

Take a Breather:

• Take some time this summer to rewind and relax! It’s supposed to be a break, so treat it like one!

• Spend quality time with friends and family to catch up!

• Travel! Go places, connect with nature, and enjoy what’s around you!

To be a successful DECA member this year, it is essential to find a good work-life balance. This summer is the perfect time to create a plan for the upcoming school & competitive year, while also discovering habits that work best for you. For many DECA members, school is starting up next month (we’re already halfway through summer!) so make sure to utilize this time to do what you need to do. Once you get back into the hustle-bustle of school life, it is necessary to have good balancing habits in place so you don’t get overwhelmed.

​​Now, for a more “DECA” approach, for those of you that would like to begin preparation for your events, the DECA Guide for 2024-2025 has been released! Resources for roleplay and written/prepared events are all available here!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Summer Competition Preparation - Role Play Events

By Johana Gonzalez, District 12 Vice President

Harmony School of Innovation - Fort Worth

Summer is ideal for getting ahead in your DECA Role Play Events! With less schoolwork and plenty of free time, you can focus on sharpening your skills and gaining an edge over the competition. So, here is how you can make the most out of your summer and prepare like a pro for those DECA Role Play events.

What is a Role Play?

Before you start preparing, it's essential to understand the structure and expectations of DECA Role Play events. Each event typically features an exam, a real-world scenario or business case study, a preparation period, and a presentation. These events are designed to assess your problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and industry knowledge within a realistic business context. To prepare effectively, familiarize yourself with the official DECA guidelines and study past role-play examples available on texasdeca.org. This resource provides exam blueprints and past case studies that are key to understanding what judges look for and refining your approach accordingly.

Why a Role Play Instead of a Written Event?

Role-plays offer a dynamic way to demonstrate your skills. Unlike written events, role-plays require on-the-spot thinking and adaptability, reflecting real business challenges. They help you develop critical soft skills like public speaking and quick decision-making, which are highly valued in business. DECA Direct’s Article, You Do You: Choose Competitive Event, has lots of information to help you decide if Role Play is your perfect competitive event!

Two Different Role Plays Formats:

1. Individual Events: Individual events in DECA encompass a variety of formats, including Principles Events tailored for first-year participants. In these events, you are presented with a scenario and allotted 10 minutes for preparation, followed by 10 minutes to present your solution.

2. Team Decision Making Events: In these events, participants work in pairs, emphasizing teamwork, collaboration, and the ability to develop a cohesive strategy. Each team is presented with a scenario and given 30 minutes to prepare, followed by a 15-minute presentation to present their solution.

Memorizing and Understanding Performance Indicators (PIs)

Performance Indicators (PIs) are specific skills and knowledge areas that judges look for in your

role-play. To master them:

- Memorize: Familiarize yourself with the PIs related to your event category. Create flashcards or use apps to aid memorization. Websites such as AnswerWrite, Quizlet, DECA+, and Texas DECA offer resources.

- Understand: Go beyond memorization by applying PIs in practice scenarios. Understanding how to implement them in various contexts will make your presentations more effective.

Practical Tips for Summer Preparation

1. Research Your Event Category: Stay updated on industry trends, key concepts, and current events.

2. Study Terms: Dedicate time to learn and understand essential terms and concepts relevant to your DECA event category. Mastering these terms will not only enhance your exam performance but also strengthen your presentations by demonstrating a deep understanding of industry-specific language.

3. Practice Role-Play Scenarios: Use past DECA scenarios to simulate competition. Time yourself and focus on clear, structured responses.

4. Develop Soft Skills: Enhance public speaking, body language, and confidence through

practice and feedback.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle DECA Role Play events with confidence

and skill. Use this summer wisely, and you’ll see the results in your performance. Good luck!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - A District Officer Summer (D10)

By Clare Kim, District 10 Vice President

Coronado High School

Howdy, Texas DECA! As we find ourselves in the peak of summer, it's the perfect time to reflect on what your district officers work on from springtime to now! From leadership summits to planning for the upcoming year, we've been busy ensuring that this year will be one for the books. Here's a look at our highlights and ongoing efforts.

● Texas Leadership Summit (TLS)

The Texas Leadership Summit (TLS) was a pivotal event for us. It’s a three-day workshop where we go to learn about our roles and the expectations that come with them. Held earlier in March, TLS offered district officers from across the state an immersive experience focused on leadership development and strategic planning. We engaged in various icebreakers and activities designed to enhance our leadership skills, network with fellow officers, and brainstorm innovative ideas to elevate our districts. One of the key takeaways from TLS was the importance of collaboration and effective communication. We learned how to better engage with our chapters and members, ensuring that we can provide the best support possible throughout the year. The insights gained from TLS are already being implemented as we plan upcoming events and initiatives.

● CTE “Preparing the Workforce” Conference

Recently for District 10, we manned a DECA booth at our local CTE Workforce Conference. There, we got to meet advisors, tell them of our plans for the year, and remind them of the amazing year we’ve had. Additionally, it was an incredible opportunity for us to spread the word of DECA to those who’ve never heard of us. We were also fortunate enough to network with many corporations allowing us to bring resources and opportunities to our chapters.

● Third of the Month Reports (TOMRs)

Another fundamental of being a district officer is TOMRs, or Third of the Month Reports. These reports relay what we’ve achieved and the goals we hope to accomplish for the next month. We compile updates on our activities, achievements, and any challenges we encounter.

● Social Media Management

One of my responsibilities as Vice President of District 10 is running our social media. I’m sure you can tell Canva and I are close friends. Since TLS, I’ve made posts on our new officer team, ICDC, mental health, and an internship opportunity, to name a few. Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with our members and keeping everyone informed about upcoming events and opportunities.

● Planning for the Upcoming Year

As we look ahead, our primary priority is planning for the upcoming year. Currently, our focus in District 10 is to further flesh out the details of our mock competition. We, officers, have also been talking about what we want our community service project for the year to be. Our goal is to ensure that every member has the opportunity to develop their skills, gain leadership experience, and prepare for their future careers.

Well, that’s all for now! With the upcoming school year, you can expect your district officers to get much busier. Nevertheless, your district officer teams will always have your best interests at heart and cannot wait to see y’all #BetheOne!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - A District Officer's Summer Recap

By Chloe Rocha, District 8 Vice President

Lubbock-Cooper High School

Summer is in full swing, and we're excited to update you on everything that's been happening since our Texas Leadership Summit (TLS) trip earlier this year. As a District 8 officer on behalf of all of our district officers, we've been hard at work to ensure we make this summer both productive and engaging for all of you before the start of our next school year!

Our journey started with the Texas Leadership Summit (TLS), where we developed our skills, networked with fellow district officers, and gained valuable insights into effective team management and competitive strategies to help fellow DECA members as a team. 

One of our major initiatives as a district 8 team post-TLS has been the creation of a Virtual Bootcamp. Understanding the challenges posed by remote learning based on our chapters' separation from each other and the need for continuous skill development during our competition season, we created a series of workshops and videos aimed at improving your DECA experience from the comfort of your own home and school. Whether you're focusing on marketing, finance, hospitality, or entrepreneurship in role plays or presentations, our Virtual Bootcamp has something for everyone.

To keep the competitive spirit alive, we've been organizing virtual challenges for our Bootcamp throughout the summer. These challenges not only test your DECA knowledge and skills but also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with members from other chapters within our district. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming challenges and how you can participate!

Beyond skills development, we've also emphasized community engagement. From virtual communication to collaborative projects with local businesses, we're committed to making a positive impact both within DECA and in our community. As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, we're filled with optimism and excitement. Our goal is to build on the excitement of this summer, expanding our reach and impact within District 8 and other districts. Whether you're a returning member or new to DECA, there are countless opportunities awaiting you, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

Creating a Program of Leadership

By combining your ideas, resources, and the people involved, you can create a strong strategy that will allow you to achieve results. Having a solid strategy is key for achieving the goals that you set forth for the year. A program of leadership is a guide to creating that solid strategy so that you are setting your team up for a successful year of achieving, and hopefully exceeding your goals.

Your ‘Program of Leadership’ or POL guides you to create goals for the year in the areas of PROGRAMS, OPERATIONS, and LEADERSHIP. Check out the resources below to get started with your planning!

See the guide below to help your chapter officer team in planning your strongest year yet!

WHAT DOES THE FILE INCLUDE?

Robert's Rules of Order

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A Day In The Life Of An Officer

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DECA Elevate

What does the Official DECA Elevate Booklet include?

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Conflict Resolution Strategies

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Communicating With Your Chapter Officer Team

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Running Your Chapter Officer Team

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Building Your Chapter Officer Team

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The Responsibilities of Being and Officer

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About DECA's Leadership Academies

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5 Key Skills to Being a Leader

One of the most defining character traits in DECA members is the trait of leadership. Without leadership, one can not successfully manage a business, become the CEO of a company, let alone be able to approach customers on a daily basis. It all takes learning how to lead and guide people efficiently. Now for the big question: How does one develop the characteristics of a leader? We’re about to give you 5 characteristics of a quality leader!

1. Public Speaking

In order to be an effective leader, your level of communication must be high. Engaging with members in your chapter is a perfect way to start. Once you know the members of your chapter personally, public speaking will suddenly become a lot easier! As they say, “You learn best by doing, not learning to do.” So practice through speaking! Talk to anyone and everyone, and be social! Another way to increase your level of public speaking is through accessibility. Don’t come off as unapproachable, people should want to talk to you, too. Always remember to remain personable and before you know it, your speaking skills will eventually elevate!

2. Learning to Serve

A wise man said “In order to be a leader, you must first learn to serve.” Most people in business don’t want to work for someone else. Why? Because the ultimate goal is to become a CEO. That’s the dream, right? Often, the idea of working for someone else gives off a negative connotation to certain people. However, the truth is, before you become a leader, you must be a follower. The best way to uplift yourself is to uplift others, so empower others and  help other people achieve their goals and the favor will be returned back to you!

3. Persistence

“Persistence beats resistance”. We all have our own personal struggles going on. We also know that value isn’t just handed to you. It takes skill, knowledge, and attitude. Regardless of the challenges that come your way, and regardless of the struggles you go through, push through. Realize that ALL great things take time, and nothing will ever be just handed to you. The true definition of a leader is going beyond the point where everybody else would stop, learn to embody this trait.

4. Focus

You can’t be a leader without prioritizing some things over others. Leaders are always, always, always focused, true leaders are.  Breaks are a necessity thing, and one should NEVER over work themselves. However, remember time is valuable and should always be used wisely. When you’re focused, you may not always go through with the popular decision, but you’ll always “Do what’s best for business”. You’ve got to remember not to focus on your competition, but rather focus on improving yourself.

5. Confidence

Confidence is key to being an excelling leader. How do you expect others to believe you when you don’t even believe in yourself? Confidence allows you to guide others, have others listen to your voice, and gain respect. Not all of us are as confident as others, but remember- there is only one you, and you are unique. No one else is like you, so you might as well show people what you’re made of! Be yourself, and be confident walking in your own shoes. This will get you far!

All of these traits go hand in hand. Master these skills are you will be on your way to leading your chapter to greatness!

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How to Dine Like a True Professional

Whether you are a young student or a seasoned professional, the importance of strong dining skills stands. How well you conduct yourself at the dining table with the pressure of a mouthful of food hanging over your head may either positively or negatively affect the business decision or interview. Thus, the key is to know how to carry yourself in business dining situations beforehand in order to be prepared for anything that may fly your way. The following tips below will pinpoint areas crucial in dining etiquette.

Pre- Dining Etiquette

Punctuality is important. No one wants to be kept waiting, so be on time. If the delay happens to be unavoidable, take action and contact the person to let them know. However, keep in mind that encountering heavy traffic, construction or wrecks will happen, thus it is important to always leave early in order to set aside enough time to arrive promptly. Just as “DECA time” is arriving fifteen minutes prior to an event, arrive early to your business dinner or lunch.

I’m at the table, what do I do now?

If you are already seated, rise to greet the other person or people. Apply your positive body language skills and give the newly arrived person a firm, solid handshake. If you have just arrived, wait until you are invited to be seated or seat yourself after the host sits down. All bags, purses, briefcases and glasses should be kept off the table at all times and cell phones should be on silent and put away as well.

Table Setting

With a variety of table settings, the surest way to choose the right utensils is the follow the general guideline, “start on the outside and work your way in.”  If there are two forks of the same or different sizes (one for the salad, the other for the main course), always start with the outermost fork. Your drink will always be on the right side above your knife and soup spoon as well. The bread plate will always be placed on the left side above your forks.  To recall the placement order, remember the acronym BMW, B for bread on the left, M for meal in the center and W for water (or beverage) on the right. Keep in mind the BMW as it will help you remember which water glass is yours and prevent you from harming your professional image by making the mistake of drinking from a client’s or interviewer’s water glass.

It’s time to order, what should I pick?

A good rule of thumb is to follow the lead of the host. Order simply and do not customize your order excessively as negative attention is then attracted to you. Select an item that is mid-price, easy to eat and enjoyable. It is highly recommended to stay away from messy or difficult meals such as barbecue ribs, spaghetti or lobster.

Eating

As the meals are getting served, wait for everyone to receive their order, and for the host to begin eating before starting in on your meal. While you are eating, take small bites and do not talk with your mouth full. Try a little of everything on your plate unless you have a food allergy. You will present yourself as unsophisticated and juvenile if you eat only your steak and potatoes, pushing your peas and carrots away. Pace yourself throughout the meal in order to finish in time with everyone else; however, this does not mean eating at the speed of light or as slow as a snail.

What do I do if I have to leave the table?

When leaving the table during the meal, excuse yourself politely, place your napkin next to your plate and push the chair back under the table. It is not important to announce where you are going, or what you will be doing when you get there.

Lets Talk Business!

Use the business meal as an opportunity to build a relationship. People do business with people they trust. Employers hire those they feel will represent their company in the best possible light. This meeting is a great opportunity to showcase your professional knowledge, strong communication skills and attention to detail. Taking the time and making the effort to hone your dining skills is an investment in your business success.

More General Etiquette Tips

• A cough or a sneeze should be directed into your left shoulder, shielded by your left hand. This will keep your right hand germ-free. Avoid using your napkin as a tissue.

• If an accident at the table occurs, handle it and move on. Ask for assistance from your server, but do not give the situation more attention than it deserves. It is best to simply deal with it as efficiently as possible. Remember, accidents do happen!

• If you drop a utensil, let it stay on the floor. Move it out of the way so other restaurant guests will not hurt themselves. Signal your server for another fork and encourage your guest to continue eating.

• When asked to pass the salt, always pass the pepper as well. Pepper and salt are married together and should stay that way.

• Cultural courtesy is a big aspect of business in today’s world. If you are in another country or going to dine with a businessman coming from a foreign country, make sure to research their country’s culture and customs.

As you go to business lunches, dinners or interviews, keep these etiquette tips in mind. They are highly importance and will come into great help during dining situations. Now that you are prepared, best of luck to you!

BY: SOPHIA DING

Three Common Wrong Handshakes

First impressions are lasting impressions. The manner in which you extend your hand, the firmness of your grip and even the timing of your handshake influence how someone feels about you throughout a professional relationship. For this reason, mastering a perfect handshake is an invaluable lesson.

Here are a few common types of wrong handshakes:

1. The Barbie

The Barbie handshake is one in which you shake with only your fingers. A proper handshake should include your whole hand. The Barbie handshake can give others the impression that you are uninterested or even worse, arrogant.

2. The Arnold (Schwarzenegger)

The Arnold handshake is one in which you squeeze the life out of others. The Arnold handshake is perceived as a sign of aggressive dominance. Your grip should not be stronger than would be your grip when you turn a doorknob.

3. The Oprah

The Oprah handshake is one in which both people shake hands and then you place your second hand on top of the handshake. This type of handshake can add a whole other layer of uncomfortability. Therefore, a proper handshake should only involve two hands and last a couple of seconds.

For the proper handshake, extend your arm and make web-to-web contact (the area between your thumb and index finger). Grip firmly enough to twist a doorknob, and shake only for a few seconds.

BY: SAHITHI TALASILA

DECArate Your Resume

Students in my high school are always coming up to and asking me, “Why join DECA?” or “What are the benefits?” As well as a great opportunity for networking and developing leadership skills, DECA is an amazing resume booster and makes your application stand out from the rest. Whether you are applying for a job, college, or scholarship, the mention of DECA speaks to the reviewer. Listed and explained below are four characteristics of a DECA member that employers notice.

Goal Oriented: Showing that you are involved in DECA shows that you are goal oriented and that you think one step ahead. In DECA, you are able to experience different aspects of business and determine which areas you are skilled in, which you enjoy, and don’t enjoy. Taking the opportunity to do so and ask yourself these questions suggests that you are driven and are seeking for something to bring you long term success.

Commitment: On your resume when you show you have dedicated a significant amount of time to a single activity, it shows that you strive for growth and quality. The amount of time you spend on an activity often reflects the quality. Quality and commitment are very important to employers, and being in DECA and competing shows that you have taken time to understand the concepts and to research and practice for your presentation. Your commitment shows them you are passionate and strive for excellence and success.

Emphasizes Real World Experience: Real world connections and professional experience is one of DECA’s greatest benefits. By competing in DECA’s competitive events program, you are familiarizing yourself with concepts related to the field you compete in or study. It allows you to apply what you have learned to other work related situations. Real world experience is the foundation for success and offers so much more than you can get from reading a book or studying in class. DECA not only offers the first hand experience you would miss out on in a normal classroom setting.

Getting a Head Start: Having real world experience not only gives you a strong foundation to start from, but it also give a head start in preparing for your future career. DECA provides limitless opportunities to explore different aspects of business. This allows you to feel around for which aspect or area best suits you.

BY: KAITLYN SMITH

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