If you’re looking to build your leadership skills, gain real-world experience, and prepare for a future in business, joining DECA might be the perfect opportunity. DECA is a high school program designed to give students hands-on experiences in business, marketing and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re preparing for college or looking to sharpen your professional skills, DECA offers something for everyone.
“I joined DECA last year. My sister was the president, and she suggested I join. I’m expecting to have fun with people and enjoy the competitions we have,” Porter Ross (10) said.
Like many students, Porter was drawn to DECA because of the chance to engage in fun, competition-based activities that help develop important business skills. Porter said his experience so far has been positive.
“It’s a very fun competition-based club,” he says, emphasizing the excitement of DECA’s interactive format.
Despite the fun, he admits that DECA has challenged him in unexpected ways.
“I’ve learned I’m not a great test taker,” Ross said, “but It’s been a learning experience.”
Ross said he believes DECA has helped him overcome difficulties.
“The challenge for me has been focusing during interviews, but DECA has taught me to get more prepared,” Ross said
According to DECA advisor Gavin Darr, the program offers a wealth of benefits.
“This will be my seventh year as the DECA advisor, and I love how DECA competitions allow students to participate in different marketing aspects,” he said,
Darr highlights how DECA prepares students for real-world scenarios:
“They get interview experience, dress up in business professional clothing, and go through mock role-play scenarios that can help with answering interview questions. Plus, it looks great on a resume,” Darr said.
Beyond the immediate skills, DECA also fosters confidence.
“When students present their ideas in front of someone, it builds confidence in their abilities and trust in their ideas,” Darr said.
He added that he has witnessed students growing through DECA, and recalled success stories where members went from doubting their abilities to placing at state-level competitions.
Ultimately, DECA provides students with more than just business knowledge-it prepares them for future careers. As Darr puts it, “DECA is all about presentations and business skills. If you do DECA , you’re already one step ahead.”
His advice to students considering joining? “Give it a shot. Everyone that’s joined has stuck with it.”
