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Welcome to the Reimagined DECA Direct Online
The new DECA Direct Online is everything you want and everything you need – all in one place!

Celebrate the Good Times
Being a leader, it is natural to constantly be on-the-go finding new ways to innovate and new goals to accomplish. However, it is still important to recognize and reward yourself and those around you. It’s important to celebrate!

The College Application Portfolio: Brand "Me"
It's your senior year and you’ve sorted through dozens of emails, mounds of catalogs and texts. You’ve identified one college or university as the launching pad for your career in marketing communications, but how will you land a coveted position in their next freshman class?

Summer of Success
Summer jobs and internships are the perfect way to build your professional experience and put your networking skills to use. Check out our top tips to help you make the most of your summer gig and deliver a next level performance from day one!

Tips from the Pros: Career Advice from Former DECA Executive Officers
We caught up with some of DECA's former Executive Officers and asked them to share their top piece of advice for DECA members to succeed in their future careers. Here’s what they had to say.

Does It Matter?
Whether you are in high school, undergraduate studies or graduate school, it’s important to put your best foot forward and focus on your academic career.

6 Tips to Choose Your College or University
Whether you’re just starting to gather information or in the midst of virtual campus tours and applications, these six tips will help you navigate this important decision.

Is Collegiate DECA Right for You?
Are you interested in continuing your DECA journey after high school? If so, Collegiate DECA is the organization for you!

7 Ways to Stand Out During an Internship
How do you ensure that you make your mark and become an intern that shines, even in a virtual world?
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Must-Have Mentors (and How to Find Them)
As a young professional, mentors are key for getting the guidance you need to grow in your career. But not all mentors are the same, and you’ll need more than one mentor type to get a well-rounded perspective on your career.

6 Tips to Take Your Networking Skills to the Next Level
LinkedIn profile? Check. Solid handshake? Check. You’ve got the basics down, but what else should you be doing to take your networking to the #NextLevel? Check out these networking tips known only to the pros and start building new connections!

Get into the Gap
If you’re one of the many students delaying or thinking about delaying college, here’s what you should know to have a productive and meaningful gap year or semester.

Hospitality Is for Everyone
Are you ready to launch your hospitality career? From entry-level positions to advancement opportunities, the American Hotel and Lodging Foundation’s workforce development programs, scholarship initiatives and educational resources elevate and empower the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Budgeting: Setting Yourself Up for Financial Success
For youth and young adults who are just starting to embark on a lifetime of important financial decisions, one of the most foundational financial concepts to learn about is budgeting. Find out how you can create your personal budget and build a financial plan for success.

Case Study of the Week: Creating a Bereavement Policy
Step into the role of director of human resources at Association of Vision Health, a nonprofit organization that educates and works for policies regarding eye sight and vision issues. The organization employs thirty full-time employees and five part-time employees at its headquarters office.

Success Books That Change You
Summer break is a great time for self-reflection and working to become a better leader as you continue your leadership journey! Here are a few book suggestions about changing your perspective.

DECA and Piper Sandler Complete 45th Semi-Annual Survey
DECA and Piper Sandler completed the 45th semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens® survey. This survey highlights discretionary spending trends and brand preferences from more than 5,600 teens across the U.S. with an average age of 16.2 years.

Looking Back on Your Legacy
Many of us are reflecting on a successful year serving as a DECA leader, but how do you define that success? Looking back on and defining your legacy allows you to reminisce over the great memories and hard work you accomplished and find new ways to improve your leadership style.

Where to Start During Tax Season
Earned wages, tracking hours and spending summers lifeguarding at the pool come with the inevitable: taxes. Interview with Steve Brown, CPA and Founder of Brown and Maguire CPAs, PLLC., reveals the key things to know as you file.

Case Study of the Week: Encouraging Guests to Return and Spend More Money
Step into the role of sales manager at Covington Hotel – Blossom City, a full-service hotel located in a city of 100,000 people. The general manager of the property wants you to create a targeted email promotion that will attract past profitable customers.

Pursue Your Profession
If you’re graduating and searching for what’s next, consider a career in residential property management. The RPM industry is hiring talented, creative and passionate people to help provide homes and create communities for 44 million Americans.

Understanding Credit Cards
Getting a credit card can seem magical—you can buy the things you want without needing cash. But if you don’t manage them correctly, credit cards can make your money disappear.

Case Study of the Week: Funding Options for Small Businesses
Step into the role of the owner of Mobile Jewels, an online company that sells accessories for mobile phones. You were able to start the company with your savings and have used it for purchasing supplies, tools, packaging, and a lease on a small workspace.

Congratulations to DECA's 2022-2023 Scholarship Recipients
DECA is pleased to announce the 2022-2023 scholarship recipients. Each year, DECA and its corporate partners award over $200,000 in scholarships to DECA members. Congratulations to this year’s recipients!