DECA. I’m sure you have heard of it, but what is it? DECA, an abbreviation for Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a nonprofit organization intended to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in industries including marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the world.
By joining Collegiate DECA, you become part of a community, an inner circle of ambitious individuals striving for success. DECA enhances students’ career preparedness with education programs using the latest technology and advanced research. They also provide professional development and leadership activities as well as opportunities to network with business professionals and hear from guest speakers. Between educational conferences, events, and competitions, you will have the opportunity to travel to new places and explore new cultures and lifestyles.
DECA emphasizes competition, allowing students to show their skills, experience, and knowledge. Compete with the best of the best and earn international recognition through business competitions. Competition events include individual case studies, team case studies, and preparing business presentations. Many have awards such as cash prizes, international honors, and scholarships.
One competition taking place currently is the Stock Market Game, which challenges teams of one to three Collegiate DECA members to build and manage a high-performing investment portfolio of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds; participants manage a virtual investment portfolio. Another competition taking place is the Virtual Case Simulation, where members take on the role of a restaurant entrepreneur; they are responsible for opening, setting up, and operating a new restaurant in a digital simulation. Participants must identify a target audience and work to build a successful business. These are only two of the many events that DECA hosts – imagine the opportunities you can partake in!
Founded in 1946, DECA has influenced the lives of more than ten million students, and you can be the next! The Collegiate DECA Guide is a great resource to learn more about the details of Collegiate DECA 2021-2022. Whether you are interested in business, entrepreneurship, or simply want to improve your professional development skills, join the UConn DECA chapter today.
You can also reach out to the UConn DECA chapter at uconndeca1@gmail.com and follow the team on Instagram @uconndeca and Twitter @UConnDECA.
Photo courtesy of Rohan Makhecha
