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The Ethics of Leadership
Ethical leaders exist in all walks of life. They are the individuals who step forward when crises occur, come to the rescue of others and generally do what's right—no matter what. Anyone can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk? In today's high-visibility, social world, more people are taking note of leaders’ behavior and holding them accountable.
DECA Direct Magazine: Next Level Leadership
A new school year brings new chances to elevate your leadership to the next level. Discover fresh ideas to enhance your chapter and become a leader worth following in your school, community and beyond.
The Next Level is Inclusion
It has never been more important for emerging leaders to be characterized by teamwork, innovation, competency and integrity. Fortunately, those are the valued characteristics of DECA’s student leaders. What if this moment needs you and the unique values that drive your leadership?
Top Tips for Socially-distant Membership Recruitment
Building your chapter’s membership is one of the most important ways to set it up for success in the new school year. But what are the best ways to recruit within the “new normal” of more virtual interactions and less in-person activities? Learn how to recruit new members the socially-distant way with these top tips.
The Power of the Diamond
Throughout your DECA career, you’ll wear the blazer, throw up a DECA diamond symbol and add lots of blue to your wardrobe. You will also undoubtedly hear DECA’s core values and mission statement more times than you can count. But have you ever stopped to think about what they really mean?
Cultivate Your Chapter’s Culture
2020 is a year that has changed all of our lives. If your DECA chapter has experienced a decline in recent months, struggling to cope with virtual meetings and maintain engagement, your chapter culture may need a boost.
Discover Your DECA Leadership Style
There are hundreds of assessments to help you pinpoint your leadership traits, but the only one you need to take your leadership to the next level is the DECA Leadership Style Quiz.
Influence with Informal Leadership
While you may not have an official leadership title, you still have the ability to help take your chapter to the #NextLevel with your informal leadership influence. Read on to learn more about informal leadership and how you can use it to make this year a success for you and your chapter.
5 Tips for Your Freshman Year
Entering high school can be a nerve-wracking experience, but remember you're not alone! To help calm your nerves and ensure you start off on the right foot, follow these five tips for your freshman year.
DECA Members Raise $7,000 Through the MDA Muscle Corp Program
DECA members raised over $7,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) this summer through the pilot MDA Muscle Corp Program. Twenty-one DECA members successfully completed the program and earned 40 hours of community service.
Mountain View High School Virtual Recruitment
Like for many chapters, this year’s DECA kickoff meeting was unique for Mountain View High School in Georgia. Even though the meeting was held through Zoom, the chapter still found a way to make it one of their best meetings yet.
How to Raise Your Membership to the #NextLevel
As we enter a new year, it's time to get excited about membership recruitment! We know this year is going to look different, so here are some tips for taking your recruitment efforts to the #NextLevel!
How to Make the Most of Your Summer Internship
Whether you are exploring a new industry, building connections, gaining experience or aiming for a post-graduation job offer, internships are the perfect opportunity to learn more about yourself and your future career goals.
5 Ways to Build Your Platform for the Upcoming School Year
While summer is definitely a time to rest, reset and enjoy a well-earned break, it is also the perfect season to start thinking about the year ahead. Here are five ways to build your platform for the 2026–2027 year!
Case Study of the Week: K-pop Revenge?
Step into the role of the promotional director for Shony Pictures Animation. The vice president wants you to create a promotional plan for the theatrical release of Revenge at K-pop Hall.
Collegiate DECA Competitive Event Draft Topics Announced for 2026-2027
Get a head start on the 2026-27 competition season with Collegiate DECA's competitive event draft topics for the Business Research, Digital Marketing Strategies and Financial Statement Analysis events.
Intuit’s 2026 Life-ing Report: How New Grads Are Navigating The Financial Transition To Adulthood
Graduation is a memorable ‘life-ing’ moment for many people. To spotlight what this transition actually looks like for today’s graduates, Intuit surveyed recent and soon-to-be college graduates across the classes of 2023 through 2026.
16 Personal Finance Terms Everyone Should Know
Learning the language of personal finance is one of the most practical steps you can take toward feeling more in control of your money. This guide walks you through 16 essential terms, from everyday basics to more advanced concepts.
Case Study of the Week: Tradeshow Planning
Step into the role of the owner of Splendid Foods, a business that produces varieties of protein bars, granola bars and other nutritious snacks. Your business partner has asked you to determine the marketing plan for a food industry trade show.
Apply Today for the Adobe x DECA Luminary 2026 Program
The DECA Luminary Program is an opportunity for exceptional chapter advisors who not only excel in their roles but also show strong potential to mentor fellow advisors within their chartered associations by leading professional learning experiences.
Case Study of the Week: Destination Skillcation
Step into the role of the marketing consultant hired by Bird Investigate, a company that offers bird-watching and bird-identifying tours. The owner of Bird Investigate wants you to rebrand the company.
Your Guide to Understanding DECA ICDC's Competitive Event Process and Performance Reports
If you're looking for more information on DECA's International Career Development Conference competitive events process and performance reports, look no further! Explore these frequently asked questions and answers.
Download ICDC 2026 Certificates and Competitor Performance Reports
Learn how to download certificates and competitive event performance reports from DECA's 2026 Collegiate and High School International Career Development Conferences.
Case Study of the Week: A Kid Character On Social Media
Step into the role of the director of corporate communications for Orangey, a popular animated series for preschoolers. The president wants you to decide how to proceed on social media and develop a communications plan that will deliver a strategic message.
