Contributed by the 2024-2025 Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Team
You probably have mentioned Collegiate DECA ICDC in your pitch throughout recruitment efforts. This is normal, as CDECA ICDC is one of our most anticipated events of the year. But Collegiate DECA has a major focus on aspects outside competition that make the division unique from high school.
Here are some pointers you can bring up when recruiting non-competitive members:
What Collegiate DECA Members Do...Outside Competition
It may sound simple to some, but highlighting the activities members participate in besides competition practice gives new students a broad insight. Great examples can be receiving volunteer experience or fundraising within your local community. You can even show the fun side of social events and how being part of Collegiate DECA can bring a community together.
Relate Back to Their Major
While many will see Collegiate DECA as an organization for “Business Students,” any student from any major can heavily benefit. For example, technical majors from engineering to computer science can learn soft skills to communicate their projects for those unaware of the technical jargon. This involves appropriately understanding Collegiate DECA as a whole to properly relate to any major when communicating with students across campus.
Importance of a Professional Brand
Do you know students eager to land an excellent job after graduation? Collegiate DECA focuses on that, too! Talking about the different workshops you can experience as a member is a great way to draw in students who want to improve their professional portfolios. More than just having an excellent LinkedIn profile, getting students career-ready is part of the organization’s mission statement: preparing emerging leaders.
Overall, the biggest lesson is to assume that not everyone is going to be competitive. Start slow when giving your pitch and see where the conversation leads.
