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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.
DECA Direct Magazine: What Comes Next?
As another year in DECA nears its end, it’s time to look forward to what comes next! Whether you’re preparing for college, seeking internships or getting ready to start your career, you’ll find the resources you need to stand out from the crowd.
How to Make the Most Out of Your College Orientation
College orientation is your first opportunity to build connections, discover campus resources and begin your next journey. To get the most out of orientation, you need to step outside your comfort zone.
How to Tackle the Three Main Categories of Collegiate DECA Competitive Events
One of the best things about Collegiate DECA's Competitive Event Program is that there's truly an event for everyone. Whether you're a confident presenter, enjoy thinking on your feet or like developing long-term projects, there's an event for you.
2026-2027 Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Program of Leadership
For 2026–2027, the Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Program of Leadership focuses on three priorities - Leadership Development, Member Engagement and Member Recruitment - all designed to help you become the Next Big Thing.
Lessons Beyond the Classroom: Collegiate DECA Members Reflect on Their Summer Internships
Four Collegiate DECA members reflect on their recent summer internships and discuss what DECA skills they were able to use, what their biggest challenges were and their tips on how you can find rewarding summer internship experiences too.
DECA Announces New Premier Partner Program + Inaugural Members
The DECA Premier Partner Program offers a meaningful way for organizations to connect, be visible, and actively engage with DECA’s network of high school and collegiate student members and advisors.
Summer and Competition Preperation is in Session
Whether this upcoming school year is the first time you are competing in Collegiate DECA or not, there is no better time than now to start taking the first steps.
A Leader’s Checklist for Preparing for a New School Year
For chapter and association leaders, this time of year is especially important. The work you do before classes begin can set the tone for your entire year, helping your team stay organized, engaged and ready to succeed.
5 Ways to Lead Outside of DECA
While DECA has helped shape me as a leader, some of my biggest leadership lessons have come from experiences outside of DECA. Whether it's at school, work, or in your community, there are opportunities to lead everywhere.
Be a Founder: 6 Steps to Bring Collegiate DECA to Your University
During my senior year of high school, I realized the college I was attending did not have a Collegiate DECA chapter. This made me realize that I had the opportunity to create something that would benefit students for years to come.
Simple Ways to Balance Work, Life and DECA
Balance does not mean doing everything perfectly. It means finding a routine that helps you stay organized, communicate clearly and take care of yourself.
Get to Know the 2026-27 Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Team
As the 2026-27 Collegiate DECA Executive Officers gear up for an exciting year ahead, take a moment to learn more about the faces behind the blazers and the stories that brought them here.
How to Discover Your Next Big Thing
Your Next Big Thing starts with one step. Learn how DECA members can discover their goals, grow from challenges and use every opportunity to become stronger leaders and members.
