NJDECA

2023-2024 NJ DECA Theme

This year’s theme is Surge! Electricity is the energy that flows through every part of our world. It is the backbone of the modern world, with almost everything relying on its forces. Through New Jersey DECA, our members find the power within themselves to become influential future leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals shaping the business landscape. New Jersey DECA aims to embrace the surge, the dynamic force driving our members to harness their ultimate power in shaping the future of their careers and successes. Our members power up to become the most inspiring innovators, stronger than ever seen before. After consistently gathering all of our energy to make an immeasurable impact, we want our members to maximize our potential once again to continue making a difference. Our members are ready to embrace #NJDECASurge. It’s time to be the power that changes our world.

By NJDECA, ago

Nominate a Student for DECA’s Emerging Leader Honor Award

Originally published by DECADIRECT.org:

The deadline for School-based Enterprise (SBE) Chapter Certification submissions is quickly approaching! Don’t miss your chance to certify your SBE for the 2020-2021 year.

Submit Nomination

The deadline for School-based Enterprise (SBE) Chapter Certification submissions is quickly approaching! Don’t miss your chance to certify your SBE for the 2020-2021 year.

Here are a few key reminders as you prepare to submit your project:

  • SBEs must submit their documentation to DECA Inc. via the online submission site no later than 11:59 p.m. on January 11, 2021. All submissions must be uploaded via the website. Mailed submissions will not be accepted.
  • Guidelines for chapter certification and chapter recertification are available here.
  • More information about updates for the 2020-2021 guidelines is available here. Your SBE can pick whichever re-certification guidelines work best for you for 2020-2021. Re-certification Option A uses the traditional guidelines and Re-certification Option B is more flexible as many SBEs have had to change their business operations in light of COVID-19.
  • If your SBE needs to reclassify or re-certify for an additional year due to having to alter business operations because of COVID-19, a waiver can be found here.
  • Advisors should plan to log on early to become familiar with the site and be sure of their username and password (it’s the same one used to log-on to the DECA membership website.)
  • Step-by-step instructions for submitting the project online are available here.
  • Be sure to check out the FAQ section on page 7 – this may answer any questions you have!
  • The Statement of Assurances is electronic – there is not a physical form that students need to sign. (Note: this is unique to the SBE Chapter Certification project. Other DECA written events still utilize the physical form.) Be sure to review the Statement of Assurances language found in the project guidelines with your students. Upon submitting the project online, advisors will be prompted to confirm their students read, understood, and abided by the requirements.
  • Acceptable file types that can be uploaded to the submission website include JPEG, Word Doc, and PDF files. (If you’re attempting to upload one of the acceptable file types and it won’t successfully upload – the file may be too large.)

For questions, please contact Debbie Taylor at debbie@deca.org.

By NJDECA, ago

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!

By NJDECA, ago