A Quick Guide to Collegiate DECA Competitive Events

Originally published in DECA Direct:

So, you’ve decided to compete in Collegiate DECA. Now what?

What competitive events exist? How do you choose? We’ll tackle these questions so that you can become a #NextLevel competitor!

I have never competed in the same event twice, and I take pride in that. I love knowing that there are so many different ways to develop myself in Collegiate DECA. During my collegiate career, I’ve competed in Business Ethics, Entrepreneurship Operations, and Sales Management Meeting. They are completely different topics, but each one has increased my knowledge of the subject and developed me in ways that traditional education simply cannot.

Now let’s talk about what events exist. There are five main career clusters—Business Management & Administration, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Hospitality & Tourism and Marketing. Within these clusters, there are individual case study events, two-person case study events, and prepared presentation events.

1. Individual Case Study Events require competitors to take a 100-question test a few days before competition day which will be worth half of your total score. On competition day, you will be given a case study related to your topic and have 30 minutes to prepare before a 15-minute live presentation to a judge.
2. Team Case Study Events do not include a test. Two-person teams are given 60 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to make their presentation but are also judged on how you work together as a team.
3. Prepared Business Presentation Events require you to prepare an in-depth presentation, starting weeks or even months before the actual competition. With prepared events, you can form a team of 2-3 people, or compete solo. On competition day, you will be given 20 minutes to present.

Now that you know a little bit about each type of event, how do you choose?!

Ask yourself this: What are your weaknesses, or what areas can you improve in the most?

Collegiate DECA is all about becoming an emerging leader. If you only focus on what you are already good at, then you may not necessarily develop much. I always advise choosing a topic that will challenge you to learn and develop new skills.

I cannot wait to see you all competing this year as you develop yourself into a #NextLevel leader!