By Amare Teel, @scdeca_amare | Aynor High School, SC
Quick challenge: Think of one thing you’re obsessed with outside of school. Now, imagine if you could get credit for doing that every day.
That’s the power of CTE & CTSOs. We're talking real-world skills, industry-level gear and the kind of experience that makes a resume jump to the top of the pile. CTE gives you a massive head start and crucial exposure. Let’s dive into why these acronyms are so crucial!
The Power Duo
Think of CTE and CTSOs like the perfect DECA team partnership.
- First, you have CTE (Career and Technical Education), which acts as the technical partner. CTE provides the facts, training and core knowledge you need to succeed.
- Then, CTSOs (Career and Technical Student Organizations) act as your presentation partner. They give you the platform to showcase your skills and lead in an efficient, effective way.
Just like a winning team, you can’t have one without the other if you want to take home the glass. While CTE builds your professional foundation through hands-on curriculum, CTSOs provide the leadership opportunities and competitive events that put those skills to the test.
From Knowing to Doing: How to Get Involved
Understanding the power of CTE and CTSOs is the first step, but the real magic happens when you dive in and get involved. It isn't a complex process; you’ve already taken the first step by reading this article and being a part of DECA, but let's elevate your involvement.
Because everyone’s journey is different, let’s break down your path to success into three levels of involvement: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, so you can decide exactly how you want to lead.
- Level 1 (The Explorer): Identify one CTE course that aligns with your favorite DECA cluster and commit to learning one new industry-specific skill this month.
- For example, if you compete in Marketing, try a Digital Media Marketing course to master digital analytics. If Finance is your lane, look into Accounting or Financial Literacy to get a head start on your professional certifications. Even courses like Business Law or Entrepreneurship provide the "insider knowledge" you need to dominate your next role-play.
- For example, if you compete in Marketing, try a Digital Media Marketing course to master digital analytics. If Finance is your lane, look into Accounting or Financial Literacy to get a head start on your professional certifications. Even courses like Business Law or Entrepreneurship provide the "insider knowledge" you need to dominate your next role-play.
- Level 2 (The Competitor): Instead of just participating, prepare! Reach out to your advisor to schedule a practice role-play or get feedback on your prepared project before the next conference.
- Pro-Tip: Use your CTE teacher as a resource! They often have industry connections who can act as guest judges for your practice sessions.
- Pro-Tip: Use your CTE teacher as a resource! They often have industry connections who can act as guest judges for your practice sessions.
- Level 3 (The Leader): Take the initiative to mentor a first-year member or run for a chapter or association officer. True mastery of CTE and CTSOs comes from helping others find their passion too.
- You can also extend your leadership beyond the classroom by connecting with industry professionals and inviting them to speak to your chapter. By bridging the gap between students and the workforce, you are demonstrating the vital impact of CTE and CTSOs while simultaneously building a powerful professional network for yourself and your peers.
- You can also extend your leadership beyond the classroom by connecting with industry professionals and inviting them to speak to your chapter. By bridging the gap between students and the workforce, you are demonstrating the vital impact of CTE and CTSOs while simultaneously building a powerful professional network for yourself and your peers.
Which level are you starting at today? Whether you're an Explorer, a Competitor or a Leader, the choice you make is the first step in turning your CTE classroom skills into CTSO championship success.
