While having fun and relaxing during the summer after a busy year is important, you’ve also taken on a bigger mission by serving as a DECA chapter or association officer. The summer months offer the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your goals before the school year kicks into high gear.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your summer and start your officer term off strong!
1. Plan Often and With Purpose
One of the best ways to use your summer is by meeting regularly with your officer team. Whether planning chapter events or association-wide initiatives, consistent communication allows you to align on shared goals and expectations. Use this time to set your vision, outline responsibilities and create timelines so that you're ready to hit the ground running when school starts.
2. Take Part in DECA’s Emerging Leaders Summit
Looking to grow your leadership toolkit? DECA’s Emerging Leaders Summit, held this July in Phoenix, Arizona, is the place for you! This unique, immersive experience brings together chapter and association leaders to build skills, share ideas and collaborate as they develop their leadership. Surrounded by leaders worldwide, you’ll return with a fresh perspective and powerful tools to lead with impact. Learn more about DECA’s ELS here.
3. Strengthen Your Team Bond
Some of the most successful teams I’ve been on were successful because of our bond and friendship. The strongest teams are the ones that trust each other, laugh together and genuinely enjoy being around one another. A beach day, a movie night, a team dinner or even a group FaceTime just to catch up can go a long way in building your bond as a team. A connected team is a strong team, and the friendships you build in the summer will carry into every challenge and celebration ahead!
4. Make Progress on Personal Initiatives
Summer gives you the space to spend time on your individual goals. Whether curating your DECA social media account, designing promotional graphics or crafting outreach emails to members, this is the time to build momentum. With fewer school commitments, you have room to be creative, thoughtful and intentional.
Once the school year begins, schedules fill up fast. Between conferences, classes and extracurriculars, your term will pass before you know it. By using your summer wisely, you're not only getting ahead but also setting the tone for a successful year of impact, innovation and leadership.
