DECA offers more than competition

For many Central Michigan University students, DECA is more than a competition. It’s an ecosystem to test what they’ve learned and to prove themselves. From high school involvement to collegiate leadership roles, DECA shapes how students think, lead and perform under pressure. 

“This is my second year with CMU DECA, and I currently serve as vice president,” said Gianna Raiche, a human resource management major and current vice president of CMU DECA. “I’ve been in DECA since high school, and it’s really helped me get better at thinking and working under pressure.” 

This familiarity and comfort with business helped shape her educational journey. 

“Learning business concepts through DECA in high school definitely influenced my decision to study business,” she said. “Competing has given me a lot of real-world experience and insight into the field.” 

This year, Raiche stepped outside her usual individual events to compete in a team event alongside human resource major Morgan Shropshire. 

“Doing a team event with Morgan this year was a lot of fun and a great way to see how our strengths work together,” Raiche said. “I’m really proud of our whole team and can’t wait to see how we do at the International Career Development Conference.” 

For Shropshire, DECA represents doors that were opened that allowed her to grow as a professional. 

“DECA has granted me six years of applied learning and networking opportunities that have helped shape me into the well-rounded HR professional I aspire to be,” Shropshire said. 

And for her, the value of the experience goes far beyond awards. 

“For me, competing in DECA has never been about winning a shiny plaque,” she said. “It has always been about challenging myself. The preparation, quick thinking, and applied learning required for this competition are an achievement in themselves.” 

That mindset has fueled her development year after year. 

“Each year, I grow and become a stronger businessperson,” Shropshire said. 

Jack Bowen, an accounting major, said this year’s experience reinforced the importance of involvement and initiative. 

“My experience at DECA this year was amazing,” Bowen said. “All the e-board and members made this experience smooth and enjoyable. I can confidently compare it to a well-oiled machine because of them. Overall, this could not have been possible without everyone involved.” 

Qualifying for the next level of competition strengthened his belief in stepping outside his comfort zone. 

“This achievement has reinforced to me the value of getting involved,” Bowen said. “This achievement would not have been possible if I had not taken the initiative to join DECA. I would recommend everyone to go outside their comfort zone and try new things. You never know where it can take you.” 

Strong results at state competition 

CMU DECA members also delivered strong results at the state competition, with multiple students placing in individual and team events and several qualifying for the next level of competition. 

Individual event results included: 

Team event results included: 

As members prepare for the International Career Development Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, their focus remains on preparation, professionalism and growth. For Shropshire, who is completing her final semester, the next step includes working full time as an HR professional with plans to advance into employee relations. 

Through case studies, presentations and live competition scenarios, CMU DECA members apply classroom knowledge in high-pressure settings, building communication, critical thinking and leadership skills that employers value. 

At CMU, DECA is more than a student organization. It’s where learning turns into confidence and confidence turns into career momentum. 

“My experience at DECA this year was amazing,” Bowen said. “All the E-board and members made this experience smooth and enjoyable. I can confidently compare it to a well-oiled machine because of them. Overall, this could not have been possible without everyone involved.” 

Qualifying for the next level of competition strengthened his belief in stepping outside his comfort zone. 

“This achievement has reinforced to me the value of getting involved,” Bowen said. “This achievement would not have been possible if I had not taken the initiative to join DECA. I would recommend everyone to go outside their comfort zone and try new things. You never know where it can take you.” 

As members prepare for the International Career Development Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, their focus remains on preparation, professionalism and growth. For Shropshire, who is completing her final semester, the next step includes working full time as an HR professional with plans to advance into employee relations. 

Through case studies, presentations and live competition scenarios, CMU DECA members apply classroom knowledge in high-pressure settings — building communication, critical thinking and leadership skills that employers value. 

At CMU, DECA is more than a student organization. It’s where learning turns into confidence — and confidence turns into career momentum.