Competing at DECA 2020

At Greenwood, one of the most popular clubs within our community is DECA. DECA is a business case competition in which high school students around the world participate in various categories: finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and hospitality. Students have the option to choose the event they wish to compete in, keeping in mind that some events are individual and some are team events. 

Students first compete at regionals in November, during which they arrive at a local school on the weekend and compete at their allotted time. Those who compete individually have approximately 10-15 minutes to review their business case and then 10 minutes to present their solution to an assigned judge. Meanwhile, those working in teams have 30 minutes to review their case and 15 minutes to present their solution to a judge. In addition to this, the week before the competition students must individually complete an online multiple choice exam related to their category and the results of this exam are factored into the final score. 

Greenwood’s DECA Committee is led by a team of six Grade 12 executives along with two of Greenwood’s Business teachers. Meetings are held twice a week prior to regionals and once a week prior to provincials, in order to prepare members in all aspects of the competition. At these meetings, cluster-specific practice cases are reviewed and presented to executives, peers, and teachers. We also practice multiple-choice questions and review general information such as appropriate business attire to wear to the competition.

This year, 12 of Greenwood’s DECA members earned a high enough score to compete at the DECA Ontario Provincials, held in downtown Toronto on February 7. Every member prepared tirelessly over the past few months in order to prepare for the challenges they were going to face. It was a great day and an incredible learning experience for everyone!

Many students often question why they should join DECA because they see it is a big commitment. Our most compelling argument is not only the reward that students receive during the competition, but the skills they develop by participating in the club. DECA teaches students time-management and critical-thinking skills, and it emerses them in the world of business. One of the most important things it also helps with is presentation and interview skills. Overall, it is a great learning opportunity that can help you in all aspects of life.