Businesses rule the world today. Naturally, these businesses need to hire people to work for them and to make these corporations run. There is money to be made in the business field, and competition for these top jobs is intense. How can Owatonna High School students gain an upper hand in landing these desired positions in the corporate world? The answer lies in one word, or more accurately in the acronym, DECA, which stands for Distributive Education Club of America.

DECA is a business activity run through Mr. Scott Pierce. It involves students competing in business structured role plays, with an emphasis on the marketing aspect. Usually, the students are given a task in which they need to solve a problem for a business, such as develop a marketing plan, present an idea or solve internal issues. The students are graded on these role plays, based upon their ideas, presentation and overall quality.

The first of these competitions is called Districts, and will be held at the Christian Family Church on Jan. 8. Every DECA member competes at Districts, where the competition is stiff but friendly. Senior DECA Officer Karissa Hilstad said, “The District meet is really fun because we get out of school and get to hang out with friends, but at the same time it’s nerve racking because I really want to make State again.” The top scoring students at the District Meet are allowed to participate in the State meet, which will be held at Hyatt Hotel on March 6-8. Hilstad weighed in on her DECA State experience, stating, “The state meet has a different feel to it than Districts. Everyone there is concentrated on winning, and there is a way more competitive atmosphere.”

Anyone with an interest in business can join DECA, and it is not too late to join this season. Mr. Pierce states, “I encourage everyone to join DECA. Students learn valuable skills that are applicable in the real world. It’s not too late to join. Students that are interested only need to show up to the morning meetings to sign up for events.” The next DECA meeting will be held on Nov. 12, at 7:30 a.m. in the Small Group Forum.