Contributed by Rithika Saravanan | Meridian World School, TX
Celebrate Your Success
Qualifying for DECA state is a big accomplishment that shows your hard work and dedication. Seeing your name on the list is exciting and a huge relief, but what comes next? This year, I qualified for DECA state for the first time, and I quickly realized that the competition only gets tougher from here. While the excitement of qualifying is great, I know that staying focused and preparing well is key to success at the next level.
Setting Goals
After qualifying, it’s important to consider what you want to achieve at state. Whether it’s improving your speaking skills, feeling more confident or aiming for Internationals, setting goals can help you stay on track.
Looking back at your performance so far can give you a good idea of what to work on. Maybe your roleplay could be smoother, or you need to brush up on key business concepts. Whatever it is, having a clear plan will help you stay motivated and focused.
Creating a Plan
Getting ready for state means putting in consistent effort. Setting aside regular practice time, reviewing judges’ and advisors’ feedback and working with teammates can make a big difference.
Practicing with others who are qualified can help you learn from their experiences and try new approaches. During practice, I realized how important it is to work on time management and handling unexpected questions. Practicing under timed conditions and reviewing past scenarios has helped me feel more prepared and confident.
Strengthening Your Presentation Skills
At state, presentation skills are just as important as business knowledge. Confidence, professionalism and clear communication can set you apart. Practicing your delivery, refining your body language and working on your pacing can make a huge impact. Watching recordings of your presentations or asking for feedback from teachers and peers can provide valuable insights and help you improve.
Expanding your knowledge, understanding business concepts and staying up-to-date with industry trends can give you an edge over the competition. Reviewing DECA resources and case studies and staying informed about current events related to your category can show judges that you’re serious about your event.
Staying Focused and Managing Stress
Preparing for state can be overwhelming, but staying organized and caring for yourself is just as important as studying. Getting enough rest, staying active and taking breaks when needed can help you stay sharp and avoid burnout. Practicing visualization and positive thinking has also helped me stay calm and focused under pressure.
Supporting Your Team
DECA is not just about individual success—it’s also about working together. Encouraging teammates, sharing study tips and practicing together can create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Being part of a team can make the journey to state even more rewarding.
Looking Ahead
Whether your goal is to qualify for Internationals or to perform better than before, remember that every experience is a learning opportunity. Even if things don’t go as planned, the lessons you learn will help you improve and grow for next year.
Final Thoughts
Qualifying for DECA state is an exciting achievement, but it’s just the beginning. With the right preparation, dedication and mindset, you can maximize this opportunity and push yourself to new heights. Stay focused, work hard and enjoy the experience. Good luck!
