Welcome back CA DECA members! Now that the new school year is well underway, let’s embrace all the opportunities DECA has in store. From competition preparation to leadership conferences, and making new friends, which might be done in several ways to make the experience in DECA more rewarding, today you are in for a treat as we have 4 pieces of advice from WHS DECA alumni Tamanna Gandhi to share with you!
1. Mentorship Program
One of the great ways to curve through those complexities is through mentorship. Tamanna Gandhi, DECA alum, and former VP for Leadership of the NorCal DAT 7 reflects on the tangential influence of having upperclassmen guide her journey:
“I was very fortunate to have upperclassmen guide me through my DECA journey, but I know that not everyone has a mentor they can ask for advice. Establishing a formal mentor-mentee program could allow new members to freely ask for advice in their written, a judge for their practice role-play, or even someone they can talk to during conferences.”
The mentorship will develop a supportive environment of shared learning.
It not only helps the new members, but it also allows the upperclassmen to share their knowledge and leadership skills as well. Consider forming a program whereby the veteran DECA members may mentor the new recruits with ways to prepare a written report, practice for role-plays, and even just general advice on how to deal with situations that will arise at DECA events. With this as your base, your chapter can encourage cooperation and ensure all members are prepared and supported.
2. Weekly Workshops and One-to-One Coaching
Workshops and personalized coaching go a long way in enhancing the competitive performance of a chapter. As Tamanna recounts, the weekly workshops that her chapter conducted were invaluable in their skill-building:
“The best thing my chapter did throughout the year was hold weekly workshops to offer competitive tips and, sometimes, individual meetings to sharpen members’ written reports and role-play skills. The collaborative atmosphere for advice and commitment to excellence definitely helped us become one of the most successful CA chapters at ICDC!”
In addition to this, the arrangement of weekly workshops in important competition areas like role-playing, presentation techniques, and report writing will enable members to work on perfecting their skills continuously. It shall be possible to provide individual coaching sessions for members who feel the need for personalized attention. This will prove to be a great factor, especially when the events are drawing near. This format allows for a culture of continuous improvement and preparation which will lead to the best outcomes at conferences.
3. Develop a collaborative culture, not a competitive one
While DECA is a competition, the actual secret to success lies in the collaboration effect one will have at the chapter level. As Tamanna so rightly brings out this dynamic:
“My number one DECA tip for chapter leaders is to foster a collaborative culture rather than a competitive one. Success follows chapters who encourage their members to share ideas, explore their creativity freely, and support one another.”
The true greatness of DECA chapters shines through when all members are working towards each other’s growth and elevation. Foster team building and collaboration through various activities that help bond your chapter or simply through brainstorming sessions regularly. Whether critiquing role-plays, listening to and providing feedback on presentations, or just cheering their comrades on-a collaborative environment lets members feel valued and motivated to succeed. As a leader, set the example by freely sharing your ideas and encouraging others to do the same.
4. Emphasize Leadership and Personal Development
Leadership means more than a title; it’s about the initiative you take, the peers you motivate, and continuous personal and professional growth. Many DECA alumni share how their leadership development experience took them out of their comfort zone and prepared them for an array of life experiences.
Tamanna firmly believes her experience as VP of Leadership taught her so many critical leadership skills that she now implements both in college and professional life. Public speaking, project management, and team collaboration are just a few of the skills that will be important for whatever career path she chooses in the future. As you head into your DECA year, be sure to lead at every opportunity: whether facilitating a meeting, mentoring younger members, or hosting a workshop. DECA leadership will translate directly into college, careers and beyond.
Bonus Tip – Attend Conferences and Competitions
Competitions and conferences are at the core of the DECA experience. Not only will these events let you showcase the skills you have honed, but it is also a chance to network with your peers, professionals in the industry, and future mentors. Make the most out of each competition through better preparation, setting personal goals for each competition, and taking time after each event to reflect on performance.
Connections you make and the feedback you receive from other people can serve as a game-changing element in your personal and professional life. Your year in DECA is what you make it, so go into it wholeheartedly and take part in all that DECA has to offer. Whether you are a first-year member or an experienced competitor, there is always more to learn and grow from, and to remember. So, as Tamanna and other DECA alumni have shown, the skills you develop through involvement in DECA will follow you long after high school; make this year one to remember! Good luck, and here’s to a successful DECA year ahead!