Choosing your Collegiate DECA event can feel overwhelming (there are so many exciting options)! However, don’t worry; in this article, we’ll break down your decision step by step, so you can find the event that perfectly aligns with your strengths, interests and goals.
Step 1: Choose Your Destiny: Case Study or Prepared Presentation
First things first: do you thrive under pressure or prefer time to plan? If you love thinking on your feet, making quick decisions and performing under a ticking clock, case study events are your playground. But if you’d rather take time to research, write and refine your presentation, a prepared event may be your best match.
Keep in mind, most case study events include an exam, while most prepared events don’t. So, ask yourself: do you prefer taking tests or crafting a paper? Your answer will help steer your choice.
Step 2: Solo Mission or Team Adventure?
Next, decide whether you’d like to compete solo or with a partner. If you enjoy brainstorming and dividing the work, a team decision-making event might be a great fit. If you like full control over your strategy and presentation, go for an individual event.
Time can also be a factor! Individuals typically have 30 minutes to prepare a case study, while teams have 60 minutes. Do you prefer more time with a partner or less time flying solo?
Step 3: Pick Your Path
Once you’ve narrowed down your event type and format, it’s time to choose your career cluster. Collegiate DECA offers five clusters: Business Management and Administration, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Hospitality and Tourism and Marketing.
Think about your classes, internships and future career goals. Which cluster feels most relevant or exciting to you? For example, if you’ve had accounting internships, enjoy analyzing financial statements and want to pursue public accounting, the Financial Accounting event might be your perfect match.
You can also explore event descriptions on the Collegiate DECA website to see what each category offers. Ultimately, choose a cluster that genuinely interests you, as that’ll drive you to practice and improve.
Step 4: The Final Cut
Now that you’ve narrowed your options, dive deeper! Of the remaining events, read through the event guidelines, review Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and check out sample case studies or past written projects. Then, choose the event that excites you the most!
Tips for Success
To find your best fit, try taking a few practice exams and role-plays to see which event style feels most natural to you. Review past written events for inspiration and make sure your choice aligns with your long-term career interests. If you’re new to competing, watching mock role-play videos can help you understand the expectations of competition day. Above all, choose an event that sparks your curiosity and challenges you to grow, because you’ll enjoy preparing for an event only if it’s interesting.
Whether you’re competing solo or teaming up, diving into finance or exploring marketing, your Collegiate DECA competition journey starts after you choose your event. Choose confidently, prepare passionately and get ready to Go The Extra this upcoming competition season!
