Are you currently enrolled in a Marketing class OR in a class taught by the DECA sponsor Mrs. Darby? If so, you are eligible to join! If you're not sure if your schedule qualifies, contact Mrs. Darby for help.
DECA is a nationally and globally recognized organization, and it looks great on any resume or application. Many managers who will be doing the hiring at organizations were a part of DECA in high school and/or college, and seeing "DECA" on a resume is a great talking point!
One of the most interesting parts of DECA membership is being able to compete in various business/marketing based competitions. There are several categories available in which to compete. For example, you may choose to compete in Retail Marketing, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Advertising Campaigns, etc. You can choose to compete on your own or with a team.
Competitions start at districts - which is the local St. Louis area. Here, students compete with other DECA members from neighboring areas. If you place at districts, you are eligible to go to state competition which occurs in Kansas City, Missouri. If you place at state, you are eligible to go to ICDC (International Career Development Conference & Competition); this location rotates each year. The four main rotations are Orlando, Nashville, Anaheim, and Atlanta. At ICDC, you are able to meet and compete with students from around the WORLD who are members of this organization.
While at competition (at all levels), DECA members have the opportunity to network and interact with students sharing similar interests, as well as speak with current leaders in business.
DECA tries to have most of their meetings during the CAT periods each month during the last part of ANP. Otherwise, please listen to announcements for our latest meetings and information!
Sponsor: Mrs. Amelia Darby (DarbyA@msdr9.org or 467-7154)
Dues: $30 (includes chapter dues, district dues, state dues, national dues, and registration for district competition)