By Luna Dominic, @deca.luna_ | Florida Atlantic University, FL
In DECA, success doesn’t come from luck; it comes from preparation, strategy, mindset and staying true to yourself. For many, college feels like the biggest stage of their life. But in reality, it’s actually not all that different from being a DECA member.
Whether you’re currently applying to college or navigating college life, the skills you’ve sharpened through DECA are the keys to unlocking higher education success.
Communication is KEY
From role-plays and prepared events to presenting in leadership roles, DECA prepares you to deliver ideas clearly and effectively. In college, this means speaking in lectures, delivering class presentations and networking with others.
Participating in competitive events also prepares you to provide well-reasoned, effective answers when time is limited, such as in interviews. Aside from face-to-face interactions, you should also be professional in electronic communication to show respect, make a good impression and build trust.
Time Management and Balance
Every DECA member knows the intricate art of juggling commitments such as competition prep, chapter meetings, mentoring and school. College requires the same strategies for work-life harmony to balance advanced coursework, internships and campus life.
Tools like “To-Do” lists, digital calendar systems, reminders and daily planners can help you stay on task and organize your schedule. When ordering priorities, focus on the most important tasks first and work your way down.
Building Your Brand
Through DECA, you learned the secrets behind branding. In college, you’re not coming up with ways to market a company but developing how to market yourself, creating your unique “personal profile”.
Just like a successful marketing campaign, your brand should highlight your personal strengths and what you bring to the table. Staying authentic, professional, and consistent is key to leaving a lasting impression. Think: how do I want my professors, employers and colleagues to view me?
Leadership and Initiative
Leading DECA meetings, mentoring members and developing chapter business plans taught you how to go above and beyond in your community during high school. You can fuel leadership ambitions in college by joining student organizations, volunteering, seeking on-campus jobs or starting your own initiatives.
By getting involved with causes important to you, you can make a change in your campus community and make it feel more like home. It’s also a great way to connect with others. Who knows, maybe you’ll even start a Collegiate DECA chapter of your own!
Resilience and Growth Mindset
Every DECA member knows the familiar feeling of walking into a role-play with only minutes of prep or the nerves before presenting a project they’ve worked on tirelessly for months. High-pressure moments may be intimidating, but these experiences teach you to lock in by thinking on your feet, staying calm and remaining focused. College will bring its challenges through tight deadlines, difficult exams and new class layouts.
Luckily, there is no need to fear! No matter the circumstance, with the resilience you learned from DECA, you’ve built the grit and confidence to tackle obstacles. It’s important to view successes and failures as opportunities for growth, taking each experience as an advantage to learn.
College may seem like a new world filled with unknowns. But the truth is, you’re more than prepared to take on any challenges thrown your way. The tools you developed at DECA are concrete skills that will help you succeed anywhere. No matter the point in your professional journey, remember that your DECA toolbox is full of major keys to help unlock your future!
