By Tran Nguyen, @deca.tran | Apex Friendship High School, NC
Placing at DECA ICDC feels good. But no matter how you finish, you'll leave with more than a ranking. Here's how to actually make use of it.
Your Prepared Project is a Portfolio Piece
You put together a real business document. Don't let it sit on a shelf:
- Cold email companies that relate to your project topic. Share the plan and mention you're looking for opportunities. Students have gotten internships this way before they even started college.
- Go talk to local businesses in person. Offer to help them put the plan into action. A few students have turned that kind of conversation into real consulting work.
- Start the business. You already did the research and laid out the framework. It's worth taking seriously.
"I attached my research reports to early talent program applications at places like Wells Fargo and Bank of America, and then those same skills carried straight into college, case competitions, interviews, everything. It all carries over." — Chaitra Paasham, UNC Assured Kenan-Flagler Freshman, 3rd Place Finance Operations Research, ICDC 2025
Work the Exhibit Hall
Recruiters come to ICDC because they're looking for people. Give them a reason to remember you:
- Be specific about what you've done.
- "I built a full integrated marketing campaign this week" lands differently than "I'm interested in marketing."
- Ask about internships, entry-level roles and what they wish more applicants understood going in.
- Send a follow-up within 48 hours. Most people won't bother, and that alone puts you ahead.
College Applications
Don't just list ICDC and move on:
- Name your event and make it clear you competed on an international stage.
- Use your essays to talk about what you actually learned, not just whether you placed.
- If you're applying to business programs, admissions officers know what DECA is. Tie your event to your intended major or field of study.
Your Event Topic is a Career Clue
Six months of prep tells you something about yourself. Whether you loved it or couldn't wait for it to be over, that's worth paying attention to:
- Talk to your judges. They work in the industry and most are willing to share how they got there.
- Search for DECA alumni on LinkedIn who ended up in your event's field. Most are happy to connect.
The Bottom Line
The badge is a symbol. What actually matters is the project you built, the skills you picked up and the people you met. Put those to work.
Questions?
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