Welcome back CA DECA members! As the school year starts and DECA gets back into full gear, one of the most underground events is right around the corner—Corporate Challenges! This year. We have 7 challenges which you can compete in:

Ethical Leadership Challenge

DECA at the Bell Challenge

Unreal Campaign Challenge‍

Social Impact Leader of Tomorrow Challenge ‍

Auction Marketing Campaign Challenge

Digital Presentation Skills Challenge

Social Media Simternship™ Challenge

Participants might be asked to run an online campaign, develop a digital marketing strategy, or create content that aligns with the company’s brand and goals. These challenges typically require you to leverage both creativity and strategic thinking, making them an excellent way to build practical skills that are highly valued in the business world.

Insights on How to Succeed in Corporate Challenges

Participating in Corporate Challenges can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires a strategic approach. Keep reading for personalized advice from a first place winner from last year!:

1. Understand the Sponsor’s Goals

Before diving into the challenge, understand the sponsoring organization. Research their values, target audience, and recent initiatives. What are their business goals? What challenges are they currently facing? 

3. Prioritize Creativity and Innovation

While you should be aiming to stay in line with what the company wants, you need to do so in a way that stands out from the rest. Propose an innovative solution or present the information in a memorable way so that your submission is considered. Creativity is essential, but additionally, ensure that the creative ideas are FEASIBLE and actually address the challenge.

4. Focus on Clear and Professional Communication

A fifth-grader should be able to understand what you’re saying. That’s a core principle of every submission that I made. Ensuring that no matter what concept you are trying to get across, be it tough financials or a company rebranding, every level of management should understand what you are saying. If you plan on using jargon or complex language, your goal should be to showcase that you KNOW what the language means without requiring them to know what it means.

5. Collaborate and Seek Feedback

Corporate Challenges often allow for team submissions. If you’re working with a team, take advantage of each member’s strengths. Collaborate closely, and don’t hesitate to seek feedback from your DECA advisor, mentors, or peers. Oftentimes, it was other people who were able to point out flaws in the logic of my videos or submissions. Don’t get scared away by the idea of sharing the profits!

6. Follow the Guidelines Meticulously

Each Corporate Challenge will have specific guidelines and submission requirements. Be sure to follow these to the letter. Missing a deadline, exceeding word limits, or failing to include a required component can result in penalties or disqualification. 

Corporate Challenges offer a unique and valuable opportunity to engage with real-world business problems while showcasing your skills to industry leaders. Additionally, with the chance to win thousands of dollars, they are a lucrative chance to make some money! 

So, take on the challenge, and let your innovative ideas shine!