Over the past 4 years, I have been a part of one of the greatest organizations a student could discover, DECA. A huge part of my high school experience has been shaped by the people that I have met, the trips that I went on, the competitions, and the leadership roles I took on as a result of being a part of the organization.

This past year, I had the opportunity to give back to the organization by serving as the Executive Southern Region Vice President. My term ended this week in Orlando where the new Executive Team was elected. Since then, I had some time to truly reminisce and realize how the organization has benefitted me as a college student and young professional.

So, if you are an incoming college student, here are ways your experience with DECA will benefit you. If you are a college student and DECA alum, here is a chance for you to reminisce on the great things you accomplished as a result of the organization. If you have never been a part of DECA, here are 5 reasons why you should have been:

1. Professionalism

This year I had a class that dealt primarily with professionalism in the business world, and all of the information felt like second-nature to me and any other DECA alum in that class. Professors also immediately notice your professional nature through the way you conduct yourself in class, group settings, communication, and written work. All of these things you were taught as a result of competitions and DECA leadership roles.

2. Time Management

The 15-minute rule is something that all DECA members are familiar with. Timeliness is in our nature and having balanced all of our DECA activities with school and other extracurriculars, balancing college assignments is not as big of a challenge as others make it out to be.

3. Network, Connections, and Friendships

With an alumni base of over 10,000,000, DECA members truly are everywhere. It's incredible the number of alumni that I met in college. No matter where I was (class, interview, rush event, campus event, etc.) I connected with a former DECA member, and that connection and network led to some serious friendships.

4. Always Ahead of the Game

The competitions, assignments, and experiences you had with DECA are definitely reusable in any college class. Whether it is a project or a group discussion, you will always have some tricks up your sleeve that will help you stay ahead of the game!

5. Future Opportunities

Most importantly, your experiences with DECA will help you land any future positions you are interested in. I have had so many doors open for me as a result of employers hearing about my experiences with DECA. The same goes for any DECA member. You are ready for interviews with an intense list of accomplishments that will help you land any internship and potential job!

It is not difficult to see that this organization has given me the experiences and tools needed to succeed in college. There is no doubt that it has done the same for all former DECA students and for those coming into college, there is no doubt that it will do the same for you.