Pascack Valley High School students attended the State Career Development Conference, the New Jersey Distributive Education Clubs of America(DECA) business competition for students who advanced from their district competition from March 4 through March 6. PV Sophomores Abigail Comer and Charlotte Moy have successfully qualified for the DECA International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, California.
Comer and Moy are Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making Event competitors.
“We knew we wanted to do a marketing category and the other [marketing categories] just seemed like more people were joining it,” Comer said. “So, we kind of wanted to do something different [and have a better chance at going farther].”
This is Comer and Moy’s first year participating in DECA; they decided to join because they thought that it was a good opportunity to get involved and learn about business. Before their event, they were nervous and excited for the challenge.
“[I was] definitely nervous because we haven’t done [DECA] before this year,” Comer said. “But it was also exciting to have a new experience.”
Comer and Moy prepared for the competition by reviewing marketing vocabulary and talking to older club members before their event began.
In terms of the California competition, they are going to study more and enjoy the experience, which is what they recommend any future DECA members do before their competitions.
“I would recommend that [participants] be nice [and] be confident [when talking to the judge],” Moy said. “As long as you believe in what you’re saying, the judge will also probably believe in you.”
They also suggest that you show your personality to the judge and make sure that you and your partner are on the same page.
“Me and my partner [tried] and made sure we both had the same ideas. That way if you’re asked a question, you don’t contradict each other,” Comer said.”…It doesn’t have to be perfect because you’re kind of making your own [idea].”
When Comer and Moy found out that they qualified for the next round they were both surprised.
“I was so shocked,” Moy said. “I didn’t think that we would make it but I’m really happy about [qualifying].”
Both Comer and Moy agree that DECA is a great experience and provides a chance to learn about business, meet new people, and learn new lessons. They will travel to Anaheim, CA April 27 through April 30 for ICDC in hopes of winning a glass trophy.
