All Recent Articles
Filter by division:

Preparing for Success: Summer Competition Preparation
Taking steps during the summer sets you up for success when competitions begin. Whether you’re competing in a prepared event or a role-play event, getting started early can make a huge difference.

Lip Balm to Life Choices: Finding Your College Essay Topic
Your future goals can shape the stories you choose to center your college essays around. One of the best ways to brainstorm a strong essay topic is by looking at the projects, hobbies and products that connect back to you.

Your Chapter’s Guide to Finishing Your School Year Strong
As the school year ends, it's important to make sure members feel recognized, celebrated and motivated for what’s next. Here's a guide to finishing the year strong so you can hit the ground running next school year.

The ELS Experience for Association & Chapter Officers
DECA's Emerging Leader Series is designed to help association and chapter officers gain leadership skills, meet members from across DECA and leave feeling inspired for the year ahead.

The Real World Awaits
Though finding an internship may sound a little terrifying, employers are excited to see our generation eager to get involved in their industries. Discover both the benefits of an internship and how to secure one in this article!

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.

Leveraging the DECA Brand to Make a Community Impact
By following three key steps, chapters can turn simple connections into lasting impact, transforming participation into true community influence. Community involvement is just the beginning of DECA success.

First Place Wasn’t The Best Thing I Got From DECA
From making states to earning first place in PMFL and placing top 20 at ICDC, DECA gave me confidence, leadership skills, unforgettable friendships and lessons that will continue to shape my future long after I graduate.

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.

Congratulations to the 2026-27 Marriott Foundation Curriculum Grant Recipients
Congratulations to the following chapters selected to receive the VBC–DECA Hotel Challenge Curriculum Grant provided by the J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation.

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.

Explore Holiday Trends: Consumers Shop Sooner, Spend More
The National Retail Federation says this holiday season will have consumers shopping sooner and spending more – emphasizing the deep impact that retail has on the overall economy and highlighting the career opportunities in the industry.

Case Study of the Week: Generational Marketing at Pottery Place
You are the owner of the small business Pottery Palace. Since the business opened one year ago, you have noticed that the majority of customers are females, age 25-55 years old. While you appreciate your customers, you feel that Pottery Palace is missing out on the large population of senior citizens in the area.

Case Study of the Week: A National Chain Makes Plans for a Rural Location
You are to assume the role of district operations manager for Go-Mart. The district vice president has asked you to determine which brand of Go-Mart retail store is best for a new rural location.

How to Craft a Stand-Out Cover Letter
A cover letter is an appetizer before the main course—your resume. Like any good appetizer, it gets you excited for what is coming next!

4 Essentials for Planning Your Future Career
Regardless of what field you want to pursue a career in, there are four essential elements that need to be part of your plan.

How to Land a Dream Career in the Apartment Industry
Don't roll the dice when it comes to discovering a dynamic and rewarding career! Once considered a best-kept career secret, DECA has helped increase awareness and promote the apartment industry as one that offers a “career of choice”, not of chance.

Minnesota DECA Is Back 2 Business
Minnesota DECA is "Back 2 Business" as they kicked off their first in-person conference at the beginning of November.

Collaborating with Other Chapters
Learning to collaborate with others is a fundamental skill that is useful in both DECA and the real world. So why not start collaborating with other chapters? By partnering with others, chapters can increase their members' skills, share best practices and better prepare for competition.

Case Study of the Week: Financial Planning for the Future
You are to assume the role of a financial counselor at Ready Financial Planning, a company that provides financial services for members of the community. A client has asked for your help in determining how to best act now to secure a financially sound future.

Dress for Success: Interviewing 101
Do your members know how to make a great first impression at a job interview? Use this presentation and guided narration from Men's Wearhouse in your classroom

Top 5 Tips to Prepare for Case Studies
Are you looking for ways to maximize this year’s competition season? Follow these five tips to learn how you can make this year’s competition your best one yet!

Case Study of the Week: Online Reviews to Boost a Ghost Tour
You are to assume the role of the owner of Gullet City Ghost Tours, a walking tour for residents and tourists visiting Gullet City. Your business partner wants you to determine how the business can solicit online reviews from customers for use in marketing.

