By Sofina Zhu | @sofinzhu | Markham District DECA, ON
How do you handle pressure?
Some competitors do their best work when handed a case study, given a time limit, and asked to defend a decision by a judge. If that kind of pressure sounds exciting rather than terrifying, a role-play or case study event, which rewards quick thinking over preparation, is worth exploring. If you'd rather spend time refining a presentation and walk in knowing it by heart, a prepared written event may be more suitable for you.
What are your interests and experiences?
DECA events aren't only about your career goals, but they can also reflect your personal interests and hobbies. Consider choosing an event that connects to something you enjoy, since that connection will keep you driven in preparing for your event. When making a decision, take in account your business experience, and how a past job, internship, or project might apply to your event. For example, if you’ve interned at a bank, a financial event allows you to showcase your real-world knowledge.
Do you work better alone or with others?
Team events split the workload and let you lean on each other's strengths in certain areas, but can also mean your event depends on someone else's follow-through, so it's worth choosing your teammates as carefully as you choose the event itself. Consider assessing your strengths and weaknesses with your partner to improve competition preparation and balancing your skillsets. If you'd rather have control over your own preparation and results, an individual event may be a better fit, even if it means carrying the preparation or research load independently.
Whatever event you choose, use it as a chance to learn something new and meet people who share your interests. DECA is about the connections and experience along the way, not just the competition itself!
We're so excited to meet all of our DECA competitors this year! ⭐
