The opportunity to participate in fun DECA social media campaigns such as Summer of DECA, DECA Month and various conferences allows people to come together and create enjoyable content. At the same time, we have learned how to showcase our talents, from creating DECA Instagram accounts to setting up our LinkedIn profiles. But why stop there when we can soar even higher to market ourselves?
As the DECA term comes to an end, keep these points in mind as you continue toward your career:
Shifting from Marketing DECA to Marketing Yourself
With the DECA content you have created, you now have a platform containing your DECA brand associated with your chapter or association. This is where you can shift your brand to market your own platform.
For example, many DECA alumni transform their platforms into portfolios showcasing their skills. This could be in photography, cyber competitions, and more. You can also guide your community toward a platform like LinkedIn to solidify your professional image.
Another way to approach this is shifting towards marketing your own business or start-up, as you wouldn’t be starting from scratch. Because you have a community that is already supportive and understanding of your values, they will be more inclined to listen to your ideas and may even collaborate with you.
Developing the Connections Made
Through social media or conferences, you have likely met individuals from various chapters. With these connections, you now have the chance to turn them into lifelong friendships and partnerships.
One piece of advice you should take seriously when networking is to "Never burn your bridges." I like to build on my connections by following up consistently throughout the year and making time to cheer each other on as we continue through our education. As adults, this is your chance to meet people from whom you can learn. After being in DECA for so long, I have kept in touch with friends I met in 2022 and even 2017 through this organization.
Whether you have developed a massive social media platform or are just starting within DECA, this community is the perfect place to put yourself out. DECA has provided me with many opportunities to showcase my talents and interests and connect with like-minded individuals. As you continue to meet others in this organization, you will soon realize how passionate everyone is and why DECA is filled with a determined and diverse set of leaders.
Thanks to my social media development in DECA, I was able to translate those skills to my own brand and help other organizations in Las Vegas improve their marketing tactics. Never be afraid to show your best self online and pass that knowledge down to the next generation!
