Contributed by Ishaan Signh | Downingtown West High School, PA
In DECA’s diverse lineup of competitive events, finance may be one of the most practical and underrated clusters. While some members run towards marketing or hospitality because they seem more exciting, the finance cluster offers critical real-world skills that can prepare students for both personal success and professional excellence.
DECA’s finance events are designed to simulate scenarios students may face in their careers or even in day-to-day life. For example, the Personal Financial Literacy event equips participants with the ability to assess financial situations and make recommendations based on budgeting, credit use and saving. It’s ideal for underclassmen or anyone new to DECA, as it builds foundational knowledge while reinforcing important life skills.
On a more advanced level, the Financial Consulting event challenges individual competitors to develop and communicate sound financial strategies. Students are given a scenario, such as advising a small business owner or an individual looking to invest, and must present a thoughtful solution to a judge within minutes. This event tests more than financial knowledge; it also rewards presentation skills, logical thinking and the ability to explain complex topics in simple terms.
The Financial Services Team Decision Making event provides a collaborative experience. Competitors work with a partner to solve a situation involving banks, insurance companies or investment firms. This format encourages teamwork, clear communication and professional problem-solving, all key skills in any financial career.
Unlike competitive events focusing on role-play creativity, finance events require strategic decision-making grounded in real-world logic. That does not make them more complicated; it just makes them more focused. They are often ideal for students who enjoy structure, analytical thinking and meaningful impact.
It’s also worth noting that finance events consistently align with actual business standards. The performance indicators used in these events reflect current industry expectations. Whether or not a student intends to pursue a career in finance, exposure to these standards helps build long-term competency.
For DECA members interested in entrepreneurship, finance events also offer insight into how money flows within a business, from investment and profit forecasting to insurance, risk and capital. These are not just useful for competition; they are essential for anyone starting or managing a business.
In my experience in speaking with many students who were hesitant to choose a finance event, almost all of them ended up excelling in it and went to Orlando this April.
The key is preparation and confidence, knowing the vocabulary, staying calm under pressure and communicating clearly and professionally. These events teach you how to think critically about money, a skill that stays far beyond the DECA stage.
Suppose you are looking for an event that will challenge you, grow your confidence and teach you how to manage both personal and business finances. In that case, the finance cluster is absolutely worth exploring.
