Contributed by PB Branson | University of Missouri - Columbia, MO
As leaders in DECA, we are responsible for ensuring that our initiatives and actions align with DECA's mission of preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. By doing so, we strengthen DECA’s brand and, more importantly, enhance its value for its members.
However, fulfilling this mission is easier said than done. How can we meaningfully maximize DECA’s utility to its members? This is a question that every DECA leader must ask themselves.
As the Missouri Collegiate DECA President, I often reflect on this challenge, and through my experiences, I have come to three key conclusions:
1. The Careers DECA Prepares Us For Are Constantly Evolving
The industries DECA prepares us for—marketing, finance, hospitality and management—are dynamic and ever-changing. The rise of new technologies, shifting consumer behaviors and evolving business models mean that what worked yesterday may not be effective tomorrow.
If the careers we aspire to are constantly evolving, our approach to preparing for them must also evolve. We must embrace adaptability to ensure DECA remains relevant and beneficial to its members. This means integrating emerging trends into our competitive events, leadership training and networking opportunities. It also means encouraging innovation in our chapters’ operations, ensuring members gain skills applicable to the modern business world.
2. The Best Way to Understand an Industry is to Engage with It
While classroom education and business principles are foundational, they are not enough. The best way to truly prepare for a career is to engage directly with professionals in the industry. Hands-on experiences such as internships, mentorship programs, networking events and real-world case studies provide invaluable insights that cannot be learned from textbooks alone.
DECA chapters should strive to build closer relationships with industry leaders, inviting them to speak at events, partnering with businesses for case studies and facilitating mentorship opportunities. By fostering these connections, we bridge the gap between education and real-world experience, ensuring our members are prepared for the workforce before graduation.
3. Businesses Want to Connect with DECA
In today’s economy, businesses are actively seeking new talent. With low unemployment rates and a competitive hiring landscape, companies recognize the value of investing in future leaders. DECA members, who are already honing business acumen and leadership skills, are exactly the candidates these companies seek.
However, many businesses may not know how to connect with DECA or may be unaware of the organization’s benefits. As leaders, it is up to us to serve as the bridge between DECA and the corporate world. By proactively reaching out to businesses, securing sponsorships and organizing networking events, we can create mutually beneficial relationships that provide opportunities for our members while giving companies access to top-tier talent.
Moving Forward: Strengthening DECA’s Impact If we want to optimize DECA’s value to its members, we must take intentional steps to align our initiatives with the realities of today’s business landscape.
This means:
- Staying informed on industry trends and adapting our programming accordingly.
- Actively seeking opportunities for real-world engagement through internships, mentorships and business partnerships.
- Positioning DECA as a valuable business resource and strengthening connections with industry leaders.
By doing so, we enhance the DECA experience for our members and solidify DECA’s reputation as the premier organization for developing future business leaders. The opportunities are there—it's up to us to seize them.
