By Rayyan Khan | Reedy High School, TX
Last year, I discovered just how exciting DECA’s online events can be. That opportunity led me to win three of DECA’s Corporate Challenges and even allowed me to compete in the Stock Market Game at ICDC last year. Those experiences didn’t just sharpen my business skills; they made me realize how powerful these virtual competitions are in preparing us for the real world.
The best part? You don’t need a stage or a spotlight to compete. With just your computer, you can take on some of DECA’s most dynamic challenges, test your business knowledge and even earn the chance to compete or be recognized internationally.
Let’s dive into the events that make up DECA’s online competition lineup:
Stock Market Game
Think of a fast-paced trading floor, but from the comfort of your laptop. In the Stock Market Game, your team of up to three manages a virtual investment portfolio, starting with $100,000. You’ll research stocks, make buying and selling decisions and watch your portfolio rise (or fall) in real time.
The goal? Grow the value of your starting account and prove you can think like an investor under pressure.
Learn more about the Stock Market Game in this article.
Virtual Business Challenge (VBC)
Ever wondered what it’s like to run a business? The Virtual Business Challenge puts you and your team of up to three in charge. Using web-based simulations by Knowledge Matters in entrepreneurship, fashion, restaurant, hotel, sports, personal finance, retailing and accounting, you’ll make the daily decisions real managers face.
From pricing strategies to staffing choices, it’s your call, and your chance to see how your business stacks up against competitors worldwide.
More information about the Virtual Business Challenge coming soon.
Corporate Challenges
Corporate Challenges are where DECA connects directly with the business world. Partnering with major companies, you and your team take on real-world case studies that push you to think creatively and strategically. This is your chance to design solutions that businesses could implement, whether developing a marketing campaign, improving customer experience or pitching a fresh idea.
Competing in these challenges doesn’t just test your skills; it shows colleges and employers that you can tackle meaningful problems, deliver innovative results and stand out in a competitive field.
Learn more about the Corporate Challenges in this article.
Why Try It?
DECA’s online events are more than just competitions; they’re a chance to push yourself, test your creativity and see how your decisions play out in real time. Plus, you never know where it might lead. For me, it meant new skills, unforgettable experiences and opportunities I never imagined when I first logged on.
So, if you’re ready to learn, compete, and maybe even surprise yourself, GO THE EXTRA step and go virtual, and see how far DECA will take you.
