Preparing for the business world with McMaster DECA U

Victoria Coates | Hamilton, ON | Posted on October 26, 2011

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

DECA U is a business and marketing education organization with chapters at universities across Canada. The McMaster chapter started in 2007 and serves as an outreach program for all students interested in applying the knowledge they have obtained 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 one of two training meetings a week where 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, says 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," says Giles, who has been a member for two years.

Giles advises that being involved with McMaster DECA U is a fun experience where 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 that students wanting to prepare for the business world should give the club a try, noting the benefits of experiential learning.

"Being a part of McMaster DECA U really complements the education I am receiving at DeGroote," says Jaskova. "I get to apply what I’m learning and develop skills that will be useful in the workplace."

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