Alumni Connections

Where Are They Now?

Suhas Puttoju

College: UNC Chapel HIll

Major: Computer Science

How DECA has helped you: DECA has helped me become a far better communicator and helped tremendously with my social skills. Going into college, you get to experience a completely new environment that is extremely foreign and different. I found that DECA helped make this transition far more comfortable and enjoyable, and I do not remotely regret doing DECA.

Favorite DECA Memory: The State competition of my Senior Year was far and away the best time I ever had in DECA. As a senior,  I was far more relaxed than I had ever been going into the competition, and getting to hang out with friends in greensboro was extremely memorable. I placed 5th in my event as well.

How can others optimize their DECA experiences?: Be confident. The only time I ever felt successful in DECA was when I spoke and carried myself with confidence.  Roleplays are all about human interaction, and speaking in a way that makes you sound like you are an expert goes a long way.

Edwin Lozada

College: MIT

Major : Material Science

How DECA has helped you: As I've moved into college, I've found that the presentational skills I grew in DECA are useful in both a classroom and research environment. Further, I think the speaking experience DECA gae me has given me confidence to both branch out into new fields and teach others what I had already learned.

Favorite DECA Memory: My favorite DECA memory would be going to ICDC in Atlanta my junior year. Whether I was competing, relaxing in my room, or walking around the city, I had my chapter all around me; this was just an all-around fun experience, and was an excellent way to cap off a great year.

How can others optimize their DECA experiences?: My advice to current members would be to figure out what you want out of a club like DECA- speaking.interview experience, competition, or just plain fun are all valid reasons to participate, but if you want DECA to work for you in a personal improvement capacity you should be intentional about how you spend your time in the club. I've found that the more you put in to something, the more you get out; this holds true for DECA, so figure out what you're going for, and then go for it!

Tyler Gilbert

College: UNC

Major: Biomedical Engineering

How DECA has helped you: DECA has helped to develop my soft skills and presentation skills, which have proven very important for me in both school and the real world. No matter what your major or life goals are, having the soft skills DECA develops prove extremely beneficial and important.

Favorite DECA Memory: Going to ICDC in Orlando. While I enjoyed many of the competitions I attended, getting to go to the competition at the international level was truly breathtaking, simply by how massive and grandiose the convention was. Also, Orlando is an extremely fun city, which made it far more enjoyable.

How can others optimize their DECA experiences?: Take advantage of your connections. DECA provides you with so many different ways to meet other people and develop friendships and acquaintanceships. When it comes to the real world, it is not what you know, it is who you know.