Contributed by Raaghav Chawla | Unionville DECA, ON
It was my first day in high school, and naturally, I was terrified. The thought of new teachers, classes and students made me wonder if I’d ever find a place where I truly belonged. That's when I found DECA, and it made all the difference.
Hearing from inspiring students about their journeys with DECA and their experiences competing at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) seemed out of this world. Although I doubted my abilities, I took a chance and wrote the school entrance exam. That very moment marked the beginning of my DECA journey.
I have trained, competed, won, and lost throughout my time at DECA, but I’ve never stopped trying. My chapter executives taught me tips and tricks for tackling DECA role-plays, how to study for the multiple-choice exam and, most importantly, how to enjoy the process. I used that training to fuel my determination, moving onto compete at ICDC.
Are you a student who's new to DECA? If so, here's my advice from someone who was once in your shoes.
1. DECA Is About Community
One of the best things about DECA is the community you become a part of. Surrounded by like-minded people with similar goals, I finally felt like I truly belonged and was welcomed at every opportunity. I soon formed strong bonds with other DECA members.
Even if you don’t get the results you wished for at a DECA competition, these individuals will always be there to support you and celebrate your growth and dedication. Don’t hesitate to reach out and spark a conversation with the member sitting next to you! It could be the start of an amazing friendship.
2. Grow as a DECA Member
DECA is all about developing your skills and maximizing your potential. Through my chapter training sessions, I learned valuable lessons about public speaking, confidence and marketing in the real world. Every day, I work to strengthen my role-plays by researching creative visual strategies and trending business articles.
If you pay close attention to detail and enjoy long-term planning, try the prepared events! That way, you can brainstorm ideas at your own pace.
If you prefer spontaneous thinking and a shorter format, but don’t want to jump right into Individual Series Events, start with DECA’s Principles of Business Administration Events! They really helped me become familiar with the format of role-plays and practice my fluidity when presenting.
Don’t want to compete alone? Join a team! Having a partner can help to alleviate that initial stress and teach you about collaboration. Plus, you can build on each other's ideas.
- Bonus Tip: As a new member, make sure to practice for your exams! It’s a significant way to differentiate yourself from other competitors. One thing I do is practice 20 questions every day. I copy questions I get wrong onto a large document, and a few weeks later, I return to that document to test myself.
3. It’s Okay to Be a Little Nervous
Everyone I know, myself included, was panicky when they presented their first role-play or business plan. I remember thinking that I wasn’t ready.
However, a mentor once reminded me that no one is ever truly perfect. Trust yourself and the hard work you dedicated to preparing for the competition. Show the judge how passionate you are; your uniqueness will shine through.
Circling back to my first point, never forget that you have a whole community of supportive DECA members who guide you and answer any questions you have. We are all on this journey together!
