By Cathleen Bui | @deca.cathleen | Green Hope DECA, NC
DECA goes beyond conferences and competitive events. From meeting people across the country to gaining real-world experience, there are countless ways to make the most out of your DECA experience. Whether you are a first-year member or a seasoned competitor, add these 7 things to your DECA bucket list!
1. Try a competitive event you’ve never done before
It’s easy to stick with the event you know, but some of the best DECA lessons come from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Try a roleplay if you normally do prepared events, partner with someone new or go solo, and explore a different career cluster. You might discover a new strength, or even a new career interest!
2. Connect with an industry professional
DECA gives you opportunities to learn from people who are actually working in the business world. Whether it’s through your DECA project, during conferences, or even reaching out to someone in a career you’re interested in, take the opportunity to introduce yourself and learn from their experiences. You never know where that connection could lead!
3. Mentor a new DECA member
Remember what it felt like to attend your first chapter meeting or prepare for your first roleplay? Help make that experience easier for someone else! Whether you’re answering questions, facilitating a mock interview, or simply helping a new member feel welcomed, mentoring is a great way to strengthen your chapter while developing your own leadership skills.
4. Run for a leadership position
If you’ve ever thought, “maybe next year”, consider making this your year and go for it. Running for chapter positions gives you experience in not only leadership, communication, and campaigning, but also interviewing, application writing, and presenting yourself, all of which are vital down the road, no matter your career interests.
5. Make a friend (or two) from another state
One of the best parts of DECA is meeting people from all around the world. Take the time to talk to someone new, even if it’s just a simple getting-to-know-you. Build your communication & social skills, maximize your network, and walk away with a new DECA friend!
6. Visit/help a local business
Take DECA outside of the classroom and into your community. Visit a local business, learn how it operates, and offer to help with a project such as social media or customer outreach.
7. Compete in Anaheim
Lastly, make it to the biggest DECA stage of them all. ICDC brings together DECA members from all around the world for competition, leadership, and networking. Qualifying for ICDC is an experience worth putting on every DECA member’s bucket list!
And remember, don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; create them yourself and do your NEXT BIG THING!
