Preparing for the business world with DECA U

McMaster DECA U is getting ready for a new year of problem-solving, fast-paced
decision making and province-wide competition.

DECA U is a business and marketing education organization with chapters at
universities across Canada. The McMaster chapter was started in 2007 and serves as an
outreach program for all students interested in applying the knowledge they obtain in
business classes to real-world case studies.

The club focuses on preparing for the DECA U Provincial Competition held at the end of
January. At the competition contestants are given scenarios on a variety of
multidisciplinary topics, including finance, marketing and human resources, and have
ten to fifteen minutes to present their ideas to a panel of judges. Throughout the year
participants attend weekly training meetings during which executive members hold
seminars aimed at teaching new skills needed in the competition.

Alaina Giles, fourth-year commerce student at the DeGroote School of Business and
marketing director for McMaster DECA U, said that there are many opportunities for
learning and gaining experience with the club.

“Members of McMaster DECA U develop leadership and presentation skills and improve
their strategic decision-making abilities. At provincials you have an opportunity to test
your knowledge and skills and get feedback from your peers, advisors and business
experts,” said Giles, who has been a member for two years.

She also said that being involved with McMaster DECA U is a fun experience and
members get to interact with peers and be part of an exciting competition. DECA U
provides an opportunity for connecting with university students and networking with
industry professionals who sponsor and judge events. The provincial competition also
opens with a wine and cheese networking event and includes a post-competition social
for participants.

Nicole Jaskova and Andrea Leon, the club's current co-presidents, recommend students
wanting to prepare for the business world give the club a try, noting the benefits of
experiential learning.

“Being a part of McMaster DECA U really complements the education I receive at
DeGroote,” said Jaskova. “I get to apply what I'm learning and develop skills that will be
useful in the workplace.”

While the organization is geared toward business students, membership is open to all
McMaster student. Those interested are invited to attend the first meetings for
McMaster DECA U on September 19 or 21, 2011 in DeGroote School of Business Room
505 at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit www.mcmasterdecau.ca.

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McMaster DECA U is getting ready for a new year of problem-solving, fast-paced <br />
decision making and province-wide competition.<br />
<br />
DECA U is a business and marketing education organization with chapters at <br />
universities across Canada. The McMaster chapter was started in 2007 and serves as an <br />
outreach program for all students interested in applying the knowledge they obtain in <br />
business classes to real-world case studies. <br />
<br />
The club focuses on preparing for the DECA U Provincial Competition held at the end of <br />
January. At the competition contestants are given scenarios on a variety of <br />
multidisciplinary topics, including finance, marketing and human resources, and have <br />
ten to fifteen minutes to present their ideas to a panel of judges. Throughout the year <br />
participants attend weekly training meetings during which executive members hold <br />
seminars aimed at teaching new skills needed in the competition.<br />
<br />
Alaina Giles, fourth-year commerce student at the DeGroote School of Business and <br />
marketing director for McMaster DECA U, said that there are many opportunities for <br />
learning and gaining experience with the club. <br />
<br />
"Members of McMaster DECA U develop leadership and presentation skills and improve <br />
their strategic decision-making abilities. At provincials you have an opportunity to test <br />
your knowledge and skills and get feedback from your peers, advisors and business <br />
experts," said Giles, who has been a member for two years. <br />
<br />
She also said that being involved with McMaster DECA U is a fun experience and <br />
members get to interact with peers and be part of an exciting competition. DECA U <br />
provides an opportunity for connecting with university students and networking with <br />
industry professionals who sponsor and judge events. The provincial competition also <br />
opens with a wine and cheese networking event and includes a post-competition social <br />
for participants.<br />
<br />
Nicole Jaskova and Andrea Leon, the club&#039;s current co-presidents, recommend students <br />
wanting to prepare for the business world give the club a try, noting the benefits of <br />
experiential learning.<br />
<br />
"Being a part of McMaster DECA U really complements the education I receive at <br />
DeGroote," said Jaskova. "I get to apply what I&#039;m learning and develop skills that will be <br />
useful in the workplace." <br />
<br />
While the organization is geared toward business students, membership is open to all <br />
McMaster student. Those interested are invited to attend the first meetings for <br />
McMaster DECA U on September 19 or 21, 2011 in DeGroote School of Business Room <br />
505 at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit www.mcmasterdecau.ca.

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