By Marco Castro, @marcoindeca | Southside High School, AR
As winter fades and the days grow longer, spring brings a season of renewal, growth and fresh opportunity. For DECA members, it also signals something even bigger: the countdown to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). Just as flowers need preparation before they bloom, competitors need intentional planning to truly shine on the international stage. This spring, focus on glowing and growing so you can bloom at ICDC.
Refresh Your Mind: Spring Cleaning for Test Prep
Spring is the perfect time to reset your academic habits. Before ICDC, take time to revisit performance indicators, past exams and weak content areas. Instead of cramming, break your preparation into manageable weekly goals.
Create a “study garden” approach:
- Plant the seeds by reviewing key vocabulary and concepts.
- Water consistently with daily practice questions.
- Prune mistakes by analyzing missed questions and understanding why you got them wrong.
Use practice exams strategically. Simulate testing conditions to build stamina and confidence. As the weather brightens, study outside, form accountability groups with your chapter and turn preparation into an energizing routine rather than a stressful obligation.
Grow Your Resources: Strengthening Chapter Funding
Spring is also a prime fundraising season, as warmer weather opens the door to creative, community-driven initiatives. Host outdoor percentage nights, car washes, pop-up shops or collaborate with local small businesses for sponsorships.
Think about how your chapter can:
- Showcase members’ competitive events to community leaders.
- Share social media updates highlighting ICDC qualifiers.
- Present sponsorship tiers that clearly outline benefits for donors.
Fundraising is more than raising money; instead, it’s building relationships. When your chapter communicates professionalism and enthusiasm, supporters invest not just in a trip, but in your growth as future business leaders.
Polish Your Presentation: Let Your Confidence Glow
Spring symbolizes refinement. At this point in the season, you’re not building your presentation from scratch; you’re perfecting it.
Focus on:
- Tightening transitions and reducing filler words.
- Enhancing visuals for clarity and professionalism.
- Practicing eye contact, tone variation, and confident posture.
- Preparing for tough judge questions with strategic, thoughtful responses.
Record yourself presenting. Practice in front of teachers, business professionals or alumni. Ask for direct, constructive feedback. The more you refine now, the more natural and authentic you’ll feel at ICDC.
Bloom with Balance
Growth requires rest, too. Spring encourages balance to have longer days, movement and fresh air. Prioritize sleep, stay active and manage stress so you arrive at ICDC energized and focused. Confidence comes from preparation, but it’s sustained by well-being.
Step Into Your Season
ICDC isn’t just a competition; it’s a celebration of your dedication, leadership and ambition. Like spring, it represents possibility. When you commit to steady preparation, creative fundraising and polished presentations, you don’t just show up; you bloom.
This season, let yourself glow with confidence and grow with intention. ICDC is your stage.
