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Helping Your DECA Members Avoid Penalty Points: A Guide for Advisors
As DECA advisors, one of our crucial roles is helping student members navigate the technical requirements of written events. Use this article to guide your student members in avoiding common penalty point deductions.

In the Judge's Mind: What Makes You Stand Out in Your DECA Role-play
Go beyond the official rubric to reveal the unwritten expectations of role-play judges to hear from several experienced judges about the details that separate the solid role-plays from the unforgettable ones.

Advisor Best Practice Spotlight of the Week: Katrina McDowell
Discover how High Plains Technology Center advisor Katrina McDowell is engaging members in marketing management through the Woodward community.

Congratulations to the 2025-26 Competition University Chapter Climb Challenge Winners
Competition University and DECA Inc. are thrilled to announce the top three teams of the 2025 Competition University Chapter Climb Challenge!

The DECA Drop Episode 2: Personal Branding & Networking
Your 2025–2026 Executive Officer Team saw how podcasts were taking off and wanted to give DECA members the same kind of experience: a place to pick up tips, hear updates and get to know our team!

Case Study of the Week: Marketing a Cruise of the World
Step into the role of the marketing manager for Lantern Cruises, the largest cruise line brand by revenue. The director of marketing wants you to develop a marketing plan that will sell spots on the Platinum World Tour cruise.

Getting Into the Giving Season
From food drives, service events, or acts of kindness within their own schools, members have the opportunity to use this time of year to positively impact their community while living out DECA's mission of leadership and service.

The Power of Ethical Consumerism: How Gen Z Is Redefining Brand Loyalty
For decades, businesses have relied on catchy slogans, sleek packaging and competitive prices to capture the hearts of consumers. But for Gen Z, such aesthetics aren’t enough to win long-lasting faithfulness.

Making Connections Count: Networking Tips for Power Trip and Beyond
Networking can open doors to new friendships, leadership opportunities and future career prospects. Here are a few ways to make those conversations count this fall.

Power Up Your Experience in Arlington, VA
Whether you're from Arlington, TX, Arlington Heights, IL, or anywhere in between, here are seven ways you can make your mark in Arlington, Virginia, at the Ultimate DECA Power Trip.

Ready, Set, Go The Extra: #DECAMonth 2025 is Here
With so much happening, there is no shortage of ways to show your DECA pride during DECA Month. Here's how to get involved by participating in the #DECAMonth Social Media Challenge!

Caffeine, Confidence and Career Readiness: The Gilmore Girls Guide to Thriving in DECA
Somewhere between Rory Gilmore’s late-night study sessions at Luke’s Diner and your early morning DECA prep, there is a shared truth: ambition runs on caffeine and confidence.

Celebrate the Good Times
Being a leader, it is natural to constantly be on-the-go finding new ways to innovate and new goals to accomplish. However, it is still important to recognize and reward yourself and those around you. It’s important to celebrate!

The College Application Portfolio: Brand "Me"
It's your senior year and you’ve sorted through dozens of emails, mounds of catalogs and texts. You’ve identified one college or university as the launching pad for your career in marketing communications, but how will you land a coveted position in their next freshman class?

Summer of Success
Summer jobs and internships are the perfect way to build your professional experience and put your networking skills to use. Check out our top tips to help you make the most of your summer gig and deliver a next level performance from day one!

Tips from the Pros: Career Advice from Former DECA Executive Officers
We caught up with some of DECA's former Executive Officers and asked them to share their top piece of advice for DECA members to succeed in their future careers. Here’s what they had to say.

Does It Matter?
Whether you are in high school, undergraduate studies or graduate school, it’s important to put your best foot forward and focus on your academic career.

7 Ways to Stand Out During an Internship
How do you ensure that you make your mark and become an intern that shines, even in a virtual world?
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Must-Have Mentors (and How to Find Them)
As a young professional, mentors are key for getting the guidance you need to grow in your career. But not all mentors are the same, and you’ll need more than one mentor type to get a well-rounded perspective on your career.

6 Tips to Take Your Networking Skills to the Next Level
LinkedIn profile? Check. Solid handshake? Check. You’ve got the basics down, but what else should you be doing to take your networking to the #NextLevel? Check out these networking tips known only to the pros and start building new connections!

Get into the Gap
If you’re one of the many students delaying or thinking about delaying college, here’s what you should know to have a productive and meaningful gap year or semester.

DECA Direct Magazine: What Comes Next?
As another year in DECA nears its end, it’s time to look forward to what comes next! Whether you’re preparing for college, seeking internships or getting ready to start your career, you’ll find the resources you need to stand out from the crowd.

Congratulations to the 2020-2021 Collegiate DECA Recognition Award Recipients
DECA Inc. announces the recipients of the 2020-2021 Collegiate DECA Recognition Awards.

Case Study of the Week: Laney Bee's Customer Service Send-off to the Competition
A rival store in the area will be closing its doors soon and the Laney Bee district manager decided that your store location will honor a rival company’s gift cards for 30-days.

