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The Ethics of Leadership
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.
DECA Direct Magazine: Next Level Leadership
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.
The Next Level is Inclusion
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?
Top Tips for Socially-distant Membership Recruitment
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.
The Power of the Diamond
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?
Cultivate Your Chapter’s Culture
2020 is a year that has changed all of our lives. If your DECA chapter has experienced a decline in recent months, struggling to cope with virtual meetings and maintain engagement, your chapter culture may need a boost.
Discover Your DECA Leadership Style
There are hundreds of assessments to help you pinpoint your leadership traits, but the only one you need to take your leadership to the next level is the DECA Leadership Style Quiz.
Influence with Informal Leadership
While you may not have an official leadership title, you still have the ability to help take your chapter to the #NextLevel with your informal leadership influence. Read on to learn more about informal leadership and how you can use it to make this year a success for you and your chapter.
5 Tips for Your Freshman Year
Entering high school can be a nerve-wracking experience, but remember you're not alone! To help calm your nerves and ensure you start off on the right foot, follow these five tips for your freshman year.
DECA Members Raise $7,000 Through the MDA Muscle Corp Program
DECA members raised over $7,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) this summer through the pilot MDA Muscle Corp Program. Twenty-one DECA members successfully completed the program and earned 40 hours of community service.
Mountain View High School Virtual Recruitment
Like for many chapters, this year’s DECA kickoff meeting was unique for Mountain View High School in Georgia. Even though the meeting was held through Zoom, the chapter still found a way to make it one of their best meetings yet.
How to Raise Your Membership to the #NextLevel
As we enter a new year, it's time to get excited about membership recruitment! We know this year is going to look different, so here are some tips for taking your recruitment efforts to the #NextLevel!
Mindset Matters: How Positivity Fuels DECA Success
Being positive, even when life throws everything at you, helps you navigate the challenges. This article breaks down the power of positivity and how it can be leveraged throughout life, especially in DECA.
Fuel the Journey: Fundraising Your Way to Collegiate ICDC
Getting to CDECA ICDC takes support. Fundraising is the key to turning your hard work into reality. It builds leadership, strengthens your chapter and connects you with your community.
Introducing the Collegiate DECA ICDC 2026 Keynote Speaker
DECA is pleased to announce that Charles Clark will deliver the keynote during the 2026 Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference Grand Opening Session.
UW-Whitewater Collegiate DECA’s “DECA Deep Dive” Sessions
UW-Whitewater Collegiate DECA’s “DECA Deep Dive” sessions give members extra time beyond regular meetings to practice case studies, work on projects and get feedback from peers. It is where preparation turns into confidence.
From Idea to Impact: How to Find the Next Big Business Idea
Successful business ideas are built by solving real problems. Learn how observation, trend analysis and validation can help Collegiate DECA members turn simple ideas into impactful ventures.
Why Leadership in College Organizations Matters
College organizations often help students get connected on campus, but leadership within those organizations fosters a level of growth difficult to find anywhere else. Leadership teaches you how to carry responsibility even when challenges arise.
Case Study of the Week: Limited Time Only or Always?
Step into the role of the director of marketing at Fitness Time, a chain of over 2,000 fitness centers. The senior vice president wants you to analyze claims that the company is acting unethically by marketing misleading information and recommend if changes are needed.
How to Talk About Your DECA Experience in an Interview
By using the STAR method and framing your experience in a clear, meaningful way, you can turn your DECA experience into compelling stories that impress recruiters.
Case Study of the Week: Resort Day Passes
Step into the role of the director of sales and marketing for Dew Point Resort and Conference Center, a large resort located in a popular tourist town.
Sending DECA Love this Valentine's Day
Let your DECA bestie, competition partner and fellow chapter members know how much they mean to you with this year's DECA Valentines!
Effective Networking Activities for Your Collegiate DECA Chapter
As college students, learning to network can be daunting. A way your chapter can overcome this is by hosting networking events with additional business organizations to create a more comfortable environment.
Case Study of the Week: Spot The Weaknesses
Step into the role of an accounting auditor hired by Operation Care, a local nonprofit organization. The chair of the board of trustees wants to increase accounting controls and has asked you to review current controls, report weaknesses and make recommendations.
