By Brooklyn Wangrycht | @brooklyndeca | Burlington DECA, MA
If you’re a first-year DECA member and, much like I used to, think that DECA is just roleplays and exams, think again. Here are five things I wish I knew before joining DECA that would have helped me grow as a member and realize what an amazing organization it is from the get-go.
1. It’s Not All About The Competition
While winning that coveted glass should definitely be a goal to work towards, it should not make or break your DECA experience. From the leadership positions I had to the friends I made, my favorite experiences in DECA happened outside of competition. Conferences are fun to attend, but running fundraisers or hosting chapter bonding events can be just as meaningful.
2. Everything is a Networking Opportunity
Networking with industry professionals or other members may seem like a daunting task, but once you realize that any conversation you have can be a networking opportunity, it becomes much easier to put yourself out there. Getting a snack after competing? Talk to the person in line behind you about how your presentation went. Visiting an exhibitor table at ICDC? Talk to the business professional running it about how they got to where they are in the industry. Any casual conversation you have, while it may not seem like networking, actually is.
3. You Get Out What You Put In
DECA can be whatever you put your mindset to. If you see it as weekly meetings that you are forced to go to, then it will only hinder your experience. But, if you consistently try your best during practice roleplays or give running for an officer position a shot, you’ll see that DECA can help you in more ways than you previously imagined.
4. You Don’t Have To Be The Best
Don’t be discouraged if you end up not placing at your first regional or state competition. If you are a competitive person, use the loss as motivation to come back even stronger next year. There are so many competitors in each event and judging can be unpredictable at times, so winning first place should be a goal to aim for, not an expectation.
5. It’s Much Larger Than You Think It Is
If you come from a small chapter or state like I do, attending your first ICDC may be a huge shock. With over 300,000 members now, DECA is constantly expanding, which means the opportunities are limitless. Running for state office or making friends in different states are things one would never expect to do just by looking at DECA from a chapter-based lens.
