Are you ready to recruit new Collegiate DECA members at your next tabling event? Be prepared to share information about the organization, your chapter and your personal experience. Follow this guide to craft responses to commonly-asked questions.
Collegiate DECA Information
What is DECA?
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.
- International, competitive, student-driven organization
- Geared towards professional and career development
What is the difference between the Collegiate and High School divisions?
- The Collegiate DECA division includes over 4,000 members in 200 colleges and universities. It may be smaller than the high school division, but this allows members to build a close-knit community—even across different campuses.
- The competitive events differ from high school and allow members to put their learned knowledge and real-world skills to practice. While there may be less competitive event options than in the high school division, collegiate events require a depth of knowledge and longer competition prep time.
What if I’m not in a business/hospitality-related major?
- The skills you gain from competitive events, challenges and professional/career development events can prepare you for a career in any field or industry. Collegiate competitions and programming strengthen soft skills and presentation skills that are essential for many career paths.
- If you don’t want to compete, you can participate in the Engage Conference in November to sharpen your leadership skills through interactive sessions and workshops and network with other members and industry professionals.
- Getting involved in the chapter by taking on leadership roles can provide you with leadership experience for your resume.
- Participating in the Individual Leadership Passport Program will give you a well-rounded college experience and helps demonstrate to future employers how multi-skilled and well-rounded you are.
What would I do in Collegiate DECA?
- Compete in the Collegiate DECA Competitive Events Program or online challenges and simulations (Stock Market Game and Virtual Case Simulation).
- Engage in professional and career development.
- Participate in the Individual or Chapter Leadership Passport Program.
- Network with like-minded students and industry professionals.
- Travel to new cities by attending the Engage Conference in November and the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in April.
- Lead through chapter activities. (Be sure to mention events that your chapter hosts, such as fundraisers, volunteer events, social activities, etc.)
Chapter Information
Be prepared to provide additional information about your chapter.
- How often does your chapter meet, and on what days?
- What type of social events, fundraisers or annual events does your chapter host?
- How often does your chapter provide opportunities for members to take leadership roles?
- How much are the membership dues?
- How often does your leadership team meet?
Personal Information
Don't forget to highlight your favorite parts of being a member in Collegiate DECA! There's no better way to do this than by sharing your own DECA story or anecdote. If you were in high school DECA, what was your reason for continuing the journey into Collegiate DECA? Think about why you initially joined the Collegiate division and chose to stay involved.
Reminders
While your booth exists to provide information, it is also the first step in building a relationship between you and prospective members. Take time to get to know them. Listen to them, then cater your pitch to their interests; Collegiate DECA can benefit everyone!
Sample questions to ask:
- What is your major or area of interest?
- What do you hope to get out of joining a club/organization?
- How do you want to be involved?
Finally, don’t forget to close the deal! Collect information (phone number or email) from potential members so that you can follow up with them.
