Competition Tips

2012-10-15

Did you know that Target is expanding into Canada? I know that Jack Fenton, current DECA Ontario officer does in addition to former DECA Ontario officer Daniel Higgins who helped me with my research paper based on the expansion!

Recently I had the opportunity to be part of a team that presented a business proposal in front of judges and leaders within the Target Corporation for a chance to win the grand prize. Sound like anything you’ve done before? Yes! DECA competition.

Competition is an amazing aspect of DECA. It prepares you to be a better team member, public speaker, analytical thinker, and much more. This time of year is when chapter members are beginning to work on their role-plays and manuals for association conferences. So make sure you get started so we can see you on stage in Anaheim this spring!

Here are just a few tips when choosing/competing in the competitive events series:
1) Chose something that interests you! If you’re currently working at a retail store, maybe retail merchandising is an event you will THRIVE in! Do you enjoy doing community service? The community service chapter project is a great way to help others and compete for gold at the same time!

2) Manage your time. Thirty pages may not seem like that much, especially if you’re working with a partner, but when it comes down to the week before your conference and you’re scrambling to collect data, research demographics, and format your paper, you nor your advisor is going to be happy.

3) Practice, practice, practice! The more times you practice presenting the better you will be! Take the opportunity to present in front of your family, friends, and classmates. Learn from their critiques and rock it at your association conference!

4) Have fun! DECA is full of fun, enthusiastic members! Competition can be stressful at times but remember – we’re all enjoying our DECA experience so be sure to make the best of it!

Need some more tips? Send me an email at decavpemily@gmail.com . We can have a conference call and I can offer some pointers! Haven’t competed before? Not sure which event is best for you? Be sure to check out http://www.deca.org/competitions/2/ and see what interests you!

Hope to see many of you on stage at ICDC in Anaheim, California!