Make it Count in the Offseason!

Much like my favorite sport basketball, DECA winds down in the summer. But no seasoned athlete takes an offseason off. All NBA players will work throughout the summer to improve their skills and get ready for next year. And just like basketball players, DECA members need to do the same.

Summer is usually a time to kick back and relax, while doing so, reflect upon how your chapter performed in the past year. Take these evaluations and start planning for next year. Focus on what needs to be improved, while reinforcing what areas you are already strong in. Chapter officers should take this opportunity to bond and get to know each other. You may want to consider attending the Emerging Leaders Conference in July. Plan out the first events of the year so you can hit the ground running when the school year starts.

At its base, DECA is about competition, and just as you need to make your chapter better, you need to improve your competitive event skills. You should become familiar with next year’s research and professional selling topics, which can be found on www.deca.org. Plan out which events you’ll compete in and who you’ll compete with. If you prefer to test, look to increase your knowledge for your cluster exam. Read up on industry trends to prepare for next year’s role plays.

If you prepare and plan during the summer, you can expect to have a more successful year when school starts up again. While LeBron James is working on jump shots, you should be developing competitive event skills and helping your chapter improve. Both of you will have an edge when the next season begins. Have a great summer, but always keep DECA in mind and make this offseason!