The Academic Angle
DECA - A Competitor's Experience
By Amber Carter
The DECA competition on February 5th was held at Kent State University's Main Campus. We were in the Student Union, a big light brick building with many windows, across from the library. We entered and were directed to the auditorium and ballroom. It was a silver and blue room with a stage and pretty comfortable chairs. After a quick announcement, we all started to go and look around to find out where we go for the competition.
Eventually, I was sitting and waiting until they led us to the room to compete. I had ten minutes to write down ways to solve an advertisement mistake that was on a brochure sent to the customers. I played the role of a manager talking to the district manager to solve the problem. After the ten minutes were up, I was led to a small booth. I introduced myself and the judge did as well. Afterwards, I explained my ideas and answered any questions the judge had.
I then went and waited for my next role play to begin. This time, I was a salesperson who had to explain the safety and concerns of people test driving a car to a new salesperson, played by the judge. I had another 10 minutes to come up with the concerns and how I would explain it all. I did the best I could, then I went and met my new judge. After explaining and answering questions, I got up and left. I got some food and relaxed until everyone was done, and we could leave.
The following Friday was the DECA breakfast. Some of the schools gathered in a church dining hall. We were served eggs, sausage, potato cubes, waffles, and muffins. We had the choice of water, orange juice, hot chocolate, and coffee. We had about half an hour to get our food and eat. That's when they had the announcer get on stage and start calling off categories and their top five. After all sections and categories were done, we all left.
Overall, I would say it was scary not having directions, waiting for the competition, having to go through the different role play scenarios, and knowing that I was getting graded the whole time, but it was worth it in the end. I had lots of fun, and I want to congratulate all of those who participated in DECA this year. Everyone did amazing work, and we should all be proud of those who had the nerve to do it. I also want to congratulate all of those who made it to the state competition-- you guys are going to do great so go out there and try your hardest.
DECA - The Competition is On
By Kaylie Weston
From Akron to Columbus to Nashville, TN, DECA is a great way to get ready for a job interview! The role play scenarios are similar to interviews in that a judge or two will ask questions about the scenario.
Not only does it help with interview skills, but participating in the DECA competition is great for a resume. The role plays are a business version of problem solving. There are activities to do and places to see on the competition trips. This includes lots of food and stores you can visit as well as lots of new experiences.
In the past year, Ms.Garcia along with students who have completed in the competition at Kent State, or scored a 40 or higher get to go to a breakfast buffet. Once the winners are announced, a lot of pictures are taken. Ms.Garcia does her best to find a place where everyone will want to eat for dinner on Saturday as well as a hoodie or sweatpants with KGHS on it. Once in Columbus the students get to visit the outdoor mall as well as a nice hotel, with a gift shop and a handful of good places to eat.
The Career Fair
By Veronica Fick
As a student ambassador, I spoke to most of the business partners. They were all very kind, and, even if you weren't interested in a particular company as a potential future employer, each station was full of good information. It was very informative. One example of something I learned is that you don't necessarily have to do heavy lifting if you work in construction. It is actually possible to work at a desk and design the buildings or be a recruiter, whose job it is to decide who works on the project.
I really appreciated that the seniors had as much time as they needed to learn about the careers they could potentially have in the future.