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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.

DECA's 2021 Advocacy Campaign Recipients
February was Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month®, and many chapters worked hard to advocate in their schools, communities and to their policymakers on behalf of DECA by completing the 2021 DECA Advocacy Campaign.

Case Study of the Week: Laney Bee's Customer Service Send-off to the Competition
A rival store in the area will be closing its doors soon and the Laney Bee district manager decided that your store location will honor a rival company’s gift cards for 30-days.

FIDM Entrepreneur of Tomorrow Challenge 2021 Winners
DECA Inc. and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) are excited to announce the winners of this year’s FIDM Entrepreneur of Tomorrow Challenge.

10 of the Most Influential Businesswomen of 2020
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we explore the top 10 most influential businesswomen from 2020.

5 Business and Leadership Books That Should Be on Your List
Throughout my academic career, I have found that a good book is hard to beat. I can honestly say that certain books have even changed my life—everything from basic tasks such as how I make my bed, to greater things like the way I think and process information.

3 Creative Ways to Recognize Your Chapter’s Competitive Event Finalists
Association conference season is in full swing and we all know what that means… it’s DECA Glass season! To take competitive event finalist recognition to the #NextLevel this year, we have to think outside of the box. Here are three ways that your chapter can get creative to do just that!

Employee Appreciation Day Ideas for Your SBE
With Employee Appreciation Day approaching on March 5, 2021, there is no better time to commend the members who make your chapter’s School-based Enterprise possible! Keep reading for some creative ways to let them know their hard work is valued!

Case Study of the Week: Investing in Smart Carts
Step into the role of the general manager for Valley Grocery, a large grocery store. The owner of the store wants you to analyze the possible economic benefits and risks of investing in new smart shopping carts.

Extra, Extra! Write All About Your DECA Experience
Whether it’s tips and tricks from your first competition experience or an impressive membership recruitment campaign, your DECA experience is worth sharing! Not sure where to start? Discover why you should submit, what to submit and how to submit your DECA story in this article.

Behind the Booth: How to Run an Impactful DECA Recruitment Table
Your DECA recruitment booth is your chapter's initial impression. Learn how to develop a captivating booth, tell your story authentically and turn interest into enrollment. This guide contains the essentials of what exactly works to get prospects to pause, listen and sign up.

Download the 2025-2026 Collegiate DECA Guide
The Collegiate DECA Guide provides all the information you need to have a successful year. Explore our learning programs, check out this year’s calendar, learn about virtual challenges and access competitive event guidelines.

Case Study of the Week: Can Posh be Swag?
Step into the role of the owner of Posh, a luxury portable charger for mobile phones. The director of sales wants you to choose a new sales channel that will increase sales but not damage the brand image.

Prepping for a Record Year: Building Your Chapter’s Calendar with Purpose
If you want to lead your chapter to a record year, you need a calendar that covers competitions, community service, social events and everything in between. Here's how to build one that works.

Go The Extra: The Collegiate DECA Program of Leadership
Your Collegiate DECA Executive Officer team is excited to announce our 2025-2026 Program of Leadership. Focus areas for the Collegiate division include member engagement, member recruitment and leadership development.

Choosing Your Major: What Every College Freshman Should Know
Your major doesn’t define your future—but it can help guide it. Take your time, use your resources and lean on communities like DECA for insight and inspiration.

Tips and Tricks for Collegiate DECA Member Recruitment
We’re so close to courses starting back up! That means it’s the perfect time to get ready to recruit new members who will join your DECA chapter on campus. Get ready to find some of the best students on campus to join.

Tips on Navigating an Internship
An internship offers valuable lessons that apply to nearly any industry. Whether you’re in tech, marketing or nuclear science, here are a few key takeaways to help you get the most out of the experience.

DECA Welcomes New Partners in Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Please join us in applauding our newest collaborators who are providing realistic insights into business and industry, and promoting meaningful, relevant learning for DECA members.

Get to Know the 2025-2026 Collegiate DECA Executive Officers
During this year's Collegiate DECA ICDC in San Francisco, members elected the leaders who will serve during the 2025-2026 school year. As they 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.