DECA has over 227,000 members in nearly all 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Germany. This organization is very recognized for its reputation and the quality of its members. A lot of alumni of DECA have been accepted into Ivy League universities and other world-famous universities around the world. Many of them have become distinguished entrepreneurs or leaders in different parts of the world.

No wonder a lot of students are signing up for this competition every year. One of the main components of DECA is its competitive events program, which allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world business scenarios.

In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive overview of DECA competitions for high school students.

What is DECA?

DECA, also known as Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a non-profit organization that prepares high school and college students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

DECA is an international academic club for high school and college students focused on developing leadership, career readiness, and business skills. Founded in 1946, DECA's mission is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. 

Considering the amount of time and level of professionalism that DECA conveys, it is considered one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the US. In fact, it is one of the world's leading career and technical student organizations.

There are three levels of the competition: DECA District Competition, DECA State Competition, and DECA International Competition. Each competitor chooses to compete in one of four career 

Learning in DECA is all about hands-on learning. They integrate classroom instruction with real-world experience and even partner with industries to give students a taste of what it's like to work in marketing, finance, hospitality, or management.

Joining DECA in High School

Some high schoolers just know what they want. If you've envisioned yourself to be a business-oriented person, then joining DECA would be a great extracurricular activity choice for you. DECA could become more than your passion project, as it provides so much more opportunities to explore.

In DECA, you'll learn how to compete at different stages; local, state, and international levels. As a high schooler, this would be a perfect opportunity to shine. 

What Are the Benefits of Joining DECA?

1. Connect and Network with Like-minded Students

DECA has more than 245.000 members and teachers whose goal is the same: to grow in the business area. This is a chance for you to get to know other students, discuss and collaborate. Not just with fellow students, but also with the professionals in the field who then might become your mentor.

2. Joining DECA Help With College Admission

Not only because DECA is one the most highly sought-after academic clubs in the U.S., DECA is also recognized and endorsed by all 50 state departments of education and the U.S. Department of Education.

DECA is quite a challenging club and therefore, joining them shows that you're driven, ambitious, and willing to take on new challenges. The qualities that top universities are looking for from their future students.

3. Practice Your Soft Skills

In DECA, you'll learn 21st-century high-demand skills like problem-solving, leadership teamwork, and public speaking. You'll be expected to navigate a group project, discuss and collaborate with others, or even interview for a job. Here, you'll learn how to have great communication skills.

According to DECA's statistics:

• 98% of DECA members report they gained skills in problem-solving.
• 97% of DECA members report they learned how to communicate thoughts and ideas.
• 86% of DECA members report they learned how to work as part of a team.
• 98% of DECA members report they gained skills to improve personal and professional behavior.

Competitive Event Types & Structures

DECA offers a variety of competitive events to high school students interested in business and marketing. Events are grouped into four career clusters: Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism, Finance, and Entrepreneurship. Within these clusters, students can choose to compete in individual events, where they work alone, or team events, where they work with a partner or a group.

There are three DECA competition categories:

1. Role-plays and Case Studies

Role-play events are the most common type of DECA competition. In these events, students are given a business scenario and have 10-30 minutes to prepare a solution or presentation. They then present their solution to a judge, who evaluates their performance based on specific criteria. Role-play events are available in various categories, such as marketing, finance, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.

2. Prepared Events

This is a long-term competition. This series of events requires students to submit a written report, a presentation, or a career cluster exam on a specific topic related to their chosen category. These events are ideal for students who excel in research and writing. DECA's written event examples include business plans, research projects, and advertising campaigns.

3. Virtual Business Challenges

Virtual business challenges are online simulations that allow students to run a virtual business and compete against other DECA members. These challenges are available in various industries, such as retail, sports, and hospitality. Students are evaluated based on their business performance and decision-making skills.

Step by Step on How to Join DECA Competition

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get involved in the DECA competition.

Step 1: Locate DECA's chapter in your neighbourhood by talking to Your School Advisor

With 3,688 high school chapters, it's fairly simple to locate a club in your area. Check how many schools participate, how many students are members, and which participation is generally regarded. You can find this information on the local website, usually, each DECA in a specific location also has its website that you can check into. This is to check if the chapter that you are choosing can host a competition, or if you need to find or travel to another area if you want to register for a specific competition.

If you have a chapter in your school, it's recommended that you contact your school advisor or your teachers. They will provide you with all the necessary information about the organization and assist you with the registration process. Additionally, they can help you connect with fellow students who share an interest in DECA.

In case you cannot find any chapters nearby, you can consider starting a DECA chapter. However, you must have at least 10 members interested in starting this. Check out the five steps to create a DECA chapter here. 

Step 2: Fee and Registration for Membership

Once you've discussed this with your advisor and have a clearer understanding of what DECA is all about, you'll want to register for membership. This will give you access to all the resources and materials you'll need to prepare for the competition. You can typically register through your school's DECA chapter or online through the official DECA website.DECA's membership fees are USD 8 per person (student, advisor, alumni, and professional) for one school year plus appropriate chartered association dues.

While this can be paid online, however, you should also prepare some extra budget for the competitions. Whether it is a transportation cost (if you're registering outside of your living area), or some budget to be invested in your business or marketing plan.

Step 3: Choose Your Competition Event

For newcomers, identifying the easiest DECA events or the least competitive DECA events can be a smart strategy. This doesn't mean the events are simple, but they might be less saturated with competitors, giving you a better chance to stand out. You can consult with your teachers or advisors or even DECA's alumni to get this information, as this may vary every year.

DECA offers a variety of competitive events that allow you to showcase your skills in areas like marketing, finance, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.

Find the list of DECA events here.

Take your time to learn all the available categories and choose what interests you the most. Also, take into account your strengths and weaknesses. If you are confident with your communication skills, take a role-play scenario or a presentation. Or if you are good at your writing, do a written project.

In choosing your event, consider how will the event impact your future. It's also important to prioritize your time and effort on the best event for you. Winning or qualifying can provide networking opportunities with influential judges. Refer to the chart for an overview of which competitions benefit different career profiles that fit you.

Step 4: Start Preparing

Once you've selected your competition event, it's time to start preparing. This might involve studying business and marketing principles, conducting research, and practicing your presentation skills. If you want to prepare yourself to conduct research, you can register for Indigo's Research Program which offers a 1:1 mentorship from top professors. 

To succeed in DECA competitions, students must have a strong understanding of business concepts and industry experience. Here are some things to consider to help you prepare for DECA competitions:

• Attend DECA conferences and workshops to learn from industry professionals and gain hands-on experience.
• Join a DECA study group or find a mentor who can help you prepare for role-play events.
• Practice time management and critical thinking skills to excel in written events.
• Study the DECA competition guidelines and scoring rubrics.
• Familiarize yourself with DECA's 2023-2024 exam blueprint.

Step 5: D-Day of the Competition

Whichever event you join, use this opportunity to connect with other students, professionals, and potential mentors. Find out who else will come to this event and make your move when you meet them. 

On the day of the competition, it's your time to shine. Prepare yourself, not only academically but truly, dress to impress.

According to DECA's 2023-2024 Official Guide, Competitors are expected to wear an official DECA blazer when interacting with the judges. Although the blazers are not mandatory for briefing and testing, it is necessary to dress professionally. Professional attire is also required for all conference sessions, including workshops and special meal functions like luncheons.

For a more polished, professional appearance, it is recommended that attendees wear appropriate hosiery/socks. For more guidance on how to dress, please refer to the picture.

Conclusion

DECA competitions provide high school students with valuable industry experience and the opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge. By participating in DECA events, students can gain a competitive edge in their future careers and develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. We hope this guide has provided you with a better understanding of DECA competitions and how to prepare for them. Good luck!