Not in DECA? What the HECKA?
Photos provided by Hamilton DECA
What is DECA?
DECA is a global student organization dedicated to preparing students to become future leaders and entrepreneurs in topics such as hospitality, finance, marketing, and management. Now this may sound intimidating, but in addition to providing knowledge about the listed topics, DECA prepares you for a number of real life situations such as job interviews and organizational skills. In addition to these benefits, DECA provides the opportunity to serve your community at your own convenience. Last but not least, joining DECA is a great college resume booster as joining and participating in this club is a great way to show initiative to colleges as the club is nationally known and is centered around community service and personal development. Hamilton DECA is one of the biggest chapters in the state, and this year we have 83 members.
Why should you join?
In addition to providing valuable life skills, DECA also can help you meet people with similar interests. Here is what a few of the club officers at Hamilton have had to say about their personal reasons for joining DECA:
“I joined DECA my freshman year because I knew I wanted to go into the business field. My older sister was in DECA when she was in high school and absolutely loved it. Not to mention it looks good on college applications.” -Co-President Maddie Gammon ‘22
“I joined DECA because my father was a part of it, and he wanted me to try it out. I always knew I was going to go into the business field when I got older.” -Co-President Norah Miller ‘22
“I joined DECA because I knew I wanted to go into business for my career. And I knew DECA would prepare me for the field and help me find a specific path in business” -State VP of Membership Development Rashmi Majjigapu ‘21
“DECA has allowed me to meet my best friends, become a strong leader, and gain a ton of business experience. It truly has changed every aspect of my life and has made me the person I am. Joining DECA is one of the best decisions someone can make. - “State VP of Leadership Development Arushi Ranasaria ‘21
“I believe that everyone should join DECA because it focuses on job skills that every student will need: networking, professionalism, time management, and more! DECA is a great organization for students interested in a career in business, marketing or finance because your experiences in DECA can help you narrow down your specific career path.” - Hamilton DECA Advisor Mrs. Fields
What do we do?
Throughout the year there are monthly meetings held (virtually this year) in order to supply members with information about upcoming community events or competition information. Competition and community service, in addition to these meetings, are not mandatory, so joining the club is still a great option to those with busy schedules. Competing is a great way to prepare for a career in business. There are several categories to choose from, and each competitor performs a “roleplay” where they basically explain to a judge what they would do to improve a company’s situation in a certain scenario. There are also many levels of competition ranging from districts (within the state) to national competitions located in Florida and California among others. Qualifying for and attending these competitions are great resume boosters and are also great opportunities to expose yourself to topics that you may pursue later on in your life.
How can you join?
Joining Hamilton’s DECA chapter may be one of the easiest and most rewarding decisions you make in your entire life! If you are on the fence about joining, you can always check the Hamilton DECA website or Instagram page for additional information. To sign up, all you need to do is turn in $30 to Mrs. Fields in room 53 and fill out a membership form. With that your DECA journey is all set to begin!
