A business idea? A stronger chapter? The confidence to share your next big pitch?
Whatever you want to build, DECA gives you opportunities to turn your interests into action.
You don’t have to know your future career or have a year of experience to get started. This October, choose something that sparks your curiosity and take the first step.
Here are five ways to start your Next Big Thing this October:
1. If You Like Solving Problems, Try Competitive Events
Ever catch yourself thinking about how a business could improve its marketing, serve customers better or manage its money? Put those ideas to work through DECA’s Competitive Events Program.
Role-plays and case studies challenge you to think through business situations and explain your recommendations. Prepared events give you opportunities to research, develop plans and present your ideas. Check out this competitive events map to help you narrow down the right events for your skills and interest.
☑️ Your October move: Ask your advisor about events that match your interests. Then try a practice role-play or explore a sample project before choosing your event.
2. If You Want to Run a Business, Build Your Skills Through SBE Individual Certification
If you enjoy creating products, promoting them or figuring out what customers want, explore DECA’s School-Based Enterprise (SBE) Individual Certification.
The certification lets you demonstrate your understanding of business operations through an online exam. Topics such as marketing, finance and operations connect what you learn in the classroom with the decisions involved in running a business. Working toward certification gives you a clear goal as you strengthen your business knowledge.
☑️ Your October move: Talk to your advisor about pursuing SBE Individual Certification. Review the guidelines and study resources, identify topics you want to strengthen and create a preparation plan. If you work in your school’s SBE, look for opportunities to connect those concepts with your daily responsibilities.
3. If You Enjoy Creating and Experimenting, Explore DECA Challenges
Love developing a campaign, testing a strategy or tackling a specific business problem? DECA Challenges offer another way to apply your creativity and classroom knowledge.
Different challenges focus on different interests and skills, giving you opportunities to explore business topics and develop solutions around a defined task.
☑️ Your October move: Review current challenge opportunities with your advisor. Find one that interests you, check its requirements and deadlines, and map out your first steps.
4. If You Like Bringing People Together, Take on DECA’s Chapter Campaigns
Love planning activities, creating content or making a difference in your community? Put those interests to work through DECA’s Chapter Campaigns.
With campaigns focused on membership, promotion, community service, innovations and entrepreneurship, and advocacy, there are plenty of ways to contribute. Help introduce students to DECA, promote your chapter’s impact or organize a service activity. You’ll practice teamwork and leadership while helping your chapter work toward recognition.
☑️ Your October move: Review the Chapter Campaign Guidebook with your advisor and chapter leaders, then volunteer to help with one campaign. Choose a specific task and build a plan for completing it. October is a great time to prepare for DECA Month in November and the December 1 deadline for the Membership, Promotional, Community Service and Innovations + Entrepreneurship campaigns.
5. If You Want to Explore Your Future, Get Involved in Conferences
Curious about career paths? Want to meet members beyond your school? DECA's educational conferences offer opportunities to learn, build connections and experience DECA on a larger scale.
Leadership activities, career-focused sessions, and conversations with other members can introduce you to new possibilities and give you ideas to bring back to your chapter.
☑️ Your October move: Ask your advisor which conferences your chapter plans to attend. Learn how to participate, what preparation is needed and whether you can help with planning or fundraising.
Build Your Next Big Thing
You don’t have to do everything this October. Start with one opportunity that matches your interests, then give yourself room to try something new.
Talk to your advisor. Connect with a chapter leader. Volunteer for a task. Your next big thing can begin with one small step and DECA is a place to take it.
