Contributed by Gracie Plonisch | FAU DECA, FL
Many people may write DECA off as a business club strictly for students looking to major in a directly business-related concentration, start companies, or work jobs that exclude all other majors and categories. That’s simply not true. More students than you would expect are more interested in bioengineering, music and other majors rather than strictly business.
If you fall into a non-business category, where your goal is to pursue a major in STEM or the arts or anything else, don’t be too quick to write DECA off as something that’s not for you. DECA can offer anyone amazing opportunities, regardless of background or interests.
Events such as the written projects allow anyone to think outside of the box to come up with new ideas, not just business majors. For example, if you are interested in physics but don’t know how that could relate to DECA, you might develop a business idea like a physics service to help tech companies design devices and do one of the Entrepreneurship written events.
DECA’s mission is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. However, the skills and experiences gained through DECA are universally applicable. Critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and communication are just a few of the competencies that DECA fosters, which are valuable in any field.
For instance, a student passionate about bioengineering can leverage DECA’s platform to explore the intersection of business and science. They might develop a business plan for a startup focused on innovative medical devices or create a marketing strategy for a new biotech product. Similarly, a music student could use DECA to learn about the business side of the music industry, such as managing a music label, promoting artists or organizing events.
One of the most significant benefits of participating in DECA is the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. DECA competitions simulate real business challenges, providing a practical context for students to test their ideas and solutions. This hands-on experience is invaluable, regardless of your major or career aspirations.
Moreover, DECA events are excellent networking opportunities. Students can connect with industry professionals, potential mentors and like-minded peers. These connections can open doors to internships, job opportunities and collaborations that might not have been possible otherwise.
