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College Success

10 Tips for Back to School

Sep 22, 2020

As the new school year begins, we must all learn to adapt to a new world. We'll encounter many online classes, virtual events and new guidelines for campus... To help you navigate it all, here is a list of ten tips for starting this school year strong.

Chapter Strategy

Quick Guide to Virtual Chapter Meetings

Sep 22, 2020

Virtual meeting platforms have become a prominent form of communication between family, friends and businesses and many of these tools are here to stay. Being prepared to host or participate in a virtual meeting will allow you to stand out and make a great impression.

Chapter Strategy

3 Fundraising Ideas for Fall

Sep 22, 2020

It seems that in every facet of DECA, fundraising is a necessity. During these unique times, it's important to innovate to ensure your chapter can participate in events and remain secure for the future. Here are three virtual fundraisers to try this fall.

Chapter Strategy

10 Tips for Your Social Media and How to Apply It to Your SBE

Sep 16, 2020

Social media has become an essential tool in business. It is how businesses are building their brand and their online communities. The root goal behind why businesses build their online presence? The main goal is to make sales and build a customer base. So how do you get started to apply this to your own business or school-based enterprise? Here are 10 tips to get you started.

Leadership

Video Call Tips and Tricks

Sep 10, 2020

Practically overnight, video calls have become a new societal norm. This guide will provide you with a few tips and useful tricks to help improve your online learning or telecommuting experience.

Partners

Take Your Community Service to the Next Level with Lead4Change

Sep 8, 2020

The Lead4Change Leadership programs offer numerous benefits for students. An independent research study found that participating in Lead4Change contributed to significant growth in areas such as leadership skills (60% of students improved), respect for others (54%) and ambition and innovation (53%). Teachers can have equally transformative experiences.

Leadership

A Quick Guide to Understanding Servant Leadership

Sep 8, 2020

The concept of leadership has been around since the days of Aristotle and Plato and has evolved countless times throughout the centuries. But in 1970, a new theory emerged. Developed by Robert Greenleaf, servant leadership is the idea that empowered leaders serve their followers and to enable them to live and work to their full potential.

Leadership

The Ethics of Leadership

Sep 8, 2020

Ethical leaders exist in all walks of life. They are the individuals who step forward when crises occur, come to the rescue of others and generally do what's right—no matter what. Anyone can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk? In today's high-visibility, social world, more people are taking note of leaders’ behavior and holding them accountable.

Leadership

DECA Direct Magazine: Next Level Leadership

Sep 8, 2020

A new school year brings new chances to elevate your leadership to the next level. Discover fresh ideas to enhance your chapter and become a leader worth following in your school, community and beyond.

Leadership

The Next Level is Inclusion

Sep 8, 2020

It has never been more important for emerging leaders to be characterized by teamwork, innovation, competency and integrity. Fortunately, those are the valued characteristics of DECA’s student leaders. What if this moment needs you and the unique values that drive your leadership?

Chapter Strategy

Top Tips for Socially-distant Membership Recruitment

Sep 8, 2020

Building your chapter’s membership is one of the most important ways to set it up for success in the new school year. But what are the best ways to recruit within the “new normal” of more virtual interactions and less in-person activities? Learn how to recruit new members the socially-distant way with these top tips.

Chapter Strategy

The Power of the Diamond

Sep 8, 2020

Throughout your DECA career, you’ll wear the blazer, throw up a DECA diamond symbol and add lots of blue to your wardrobe. You will also undoubtedly hear DECA’s core values and mission statement more times than you can count. But have you ever stopped to think about what they really mean?

Career Insights

Stand Out with Gratitude: Why DECA Members Should Embrace Thank-You Notes

Jul 1, 2025

Gen Z was a generation raised on texting, DMs and 24/7 connectivity. Sitting down to write a thank-you card might feel outdated or even awkward. But in the professional world, that’s exactly what makes it such a powerful move.

Chapter Strategy

From Idea to CDECA ICDC: A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching a Collegiate DECA Chapter

Jul 1, 2025

Starting a Collegiate DECA chapter might seem a lot at first, but with the right plan and the right team, it’ll become an exciting and rewarding journey. You’ll get to lead, compete, grow and build a legacy brand on your campus.

College Success

Balancing College and Collegiate DECA: Tips for Success

Jul 1, 2025

Being a Collegiate DECA member means pushing yourself to be a leader in and out of the classroom. Whether you’re juggling classes, jobs or leadership roles, staying on track takes strategy. Here are four key ways to balance both and thrive.

College Success

Excelling During Freshman Year

Jul 1, 2025

Your first year in college will be very different from anything you’ve experienced before, so make sure to enjoy your time and make the most of it. This article gives you some helpful tips for a successful first year of college.

DECA News

The Summer of DECA Quest

Jun 20, 2025

Summer of DECA is ready for takeoff! This digital scavenger hunt is packed with exciting missions and will be updated weekly throughout the summer. From catching sunsets to mapping out your 2025-2026 DECA goals, there's an adventure waiting for everyone.

Conferences

2025 Advisor Professional Learning Virtual Conference Keynote Speaker & Sessions

Jun 17, 2025

DECA is excited to share a look at the 2025 Advisor Professional Learning Virtual Conference keynote speaker and sessions. Join us on July 23-24 for two days filled with content focusing on instructional content that connects DECA to the classroom.

Spotlights

Leading with Pride: Empowering LGBTQ+ DECA Members

Jun 12, 2025

Pride Month is a chance to reflect on our progress and the work we still need to do. Whether someone is just joining DECA or stepping into a leadership role, they deserve to see that there’s a path forward for them, just as they are.

DECA News

DECA Hosts Luminary Program Powered by Adobe in San Francisco

Jun 11, 2025

This elite professional development experience brings together distinguished DECA chapter advisors from across the DECA network to deepen their leadership, instructional, and digital skills in a unique “train-the-trainer” format.

Spotlights

How your DECA Judge Thinks like a Shark Tank Investor

Jun 4, 2025

DECA judges use mental shortcuts just like investors. Learn how to craft your pitch to match their mindset and make your project more memorable.

Chapter Strategy

Making the Most of Summer: Community Service Ideas for Collegiate DECA Members

Jun 1, 2025

Whether interning, working a summer job or enjoying a lighter class schedule, community service helps you stay connected to DECA’s mission of preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.

Career Insights

The College Student’s Guide to LinkedIn

Jun 1, 2025

Let's be real, college is stressful enough without having the added stress of thinking about your future career. Here are five fun and practical ways to start using LinkedIn today to better your chances at landing your dream career.

Chapter Strategy

The Goal of Goals

Jun 1, 2025

Summer is a great time for college students to relax after the busy school year and difficult finals. It is also the perfect time to evaluate progress on your goals and start planning for the future.