About Us
Who We Are
SMSU Collegiate DECA is Southwest Minnesota State University's chapter of the international business organization for emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. We live by three words: Discover. Engage. Lead.
The Organization
What is Collegiate DECA?
Collegiate DECA is a student-driven organization that values competence, innovation, integrity, and teamwork. We prepare students for careers by integrating skills learned in the classroom into real-world experiences. Specifically, Collegiate DECA nurtures competent, entrepreneurial, self-reliant, cooperative leadership in a variety of professional areas.
Collegiate DECA programs assist in developing academically prepared, community-oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leaders. Our students major in a variety of academic programs with a strong focus on business-related fields. Collegiate DECA conferences and other activities give students unique access to internships, scholarships, competition, and professional networking.
SMSU's chapter competes at the Minnesota Collegiate DECA Career Conference each year, with top performers advancing to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC).
Our Mission
Guided by SMSU's Values
Our chapter mission aligns directly with SMSU's institutional framework — preparing students to discover their potential, engage with their community, and lead with purpose.
Discover
Explore six business disciplines through hands-on competition and professional development.
Engage
Connect with peers, professionals, and the broader DECA network across Minnesota and beyond.
Lead
Step into officer roles, run events, and build the skills that define tomorrow's business leaders.
How We Operate
Guiding Principles
Everything SMSU DECA does is grounded in four core principles that connect classroom learning to real-world impact.
Integrates into Classroom Instruction
As an integral component of academic instruction, Collegiate DECA activities provide authentic, experiential learning methods to help members succeed in college and prepare for careers.
Applies Learning
Collegiate DECA members put their knowledge into action through rigorous project-based activities that require creative solutions with practical outcomes.
Connects to Business
Partnerships with businesses at local, national and international levels provide student members realistic insight into the industry and provide internships and career opportunities.
Promotes Competition
As in the global economy, a spark of competition drives our members to excel and improve their performance. Campus competition teams also bring recognition to students and academic programs.
Competition Tracks
Six Academic Areas
DECA competitions are organized across six core business disciplines. Members choose their focus and compete in events that match their studies and career interests.
Marketing
Brand management, digital marketing, retail merchandising, sports & entertainment marketing, and advertising/promotion.
Finance
Accounting, banking, financial analysis, personal financial literacy, and financial services.
Hospitality & Tourism
Hotel and lodging management, restaurant and food service, culinary arts, and travel & tourism.
Business Management & Administration
Business ethics, human resource management, operations management, and business-to-business marketing.
Entrepreneurship
Innovation planning, business growth planning, start-up strategy development, and e-business/e-commerce.
Personal Development
Career development, professional communications, emerging business issues, and sales management.
Membership
Why Students Join DECA
- Excel in the classroom in areas such as marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship
- Gain a competitive edge in the global job market
- Develop strategic decision making and project management skills
- Network with business and industry experts and nearly 15,000 students and advisors
- Receive awards and recognition through competition and leadership action
Member Perks
What Membership Gives You
Joining SMSU DECA unlocks a full set of resources, opportunities, and recognitions available through Collegiate DECA's national network.