Founded last year, DECA’s UTM chapter participates in business simulations, educative conferences, and networking with business professionals. In 2010, the UTM chapter was declared Best New DECA.
Members of the club receive training to solve business-related problems, and they participate in events such as the Queen’s Invitational Conference, New York Leadership Conference, and the Provincials Competition and the International Career Development Conference.
In January 2011, DECA UTM will participate in the Provincials Conference, where members will learn about different business strategies, business skills, and networking.
In preparation for conferences, DECA UTM conducts “Singularis Seminars” to equip members with knowledge to give them a competitive edge at conferences. The first Singularis Seminar was held on October 28 with Rotman MBA professor Jasvir Parhar, who lectured on applications of marketing topics learned in classes, such as the marketing mix, SWOT analyses, and branding.
In the Singularis Seminars, DECA members hope to perfect skills they’ll need to solve case simulations in upcoming competitions, such as the first annual Inter-U of T competition, hosted by the chapter at U of T Scarborough (DECA U of T). This will be a small-scale competition in which DECA UTM and DECA U of T will compete for the Inter-U of T championship title. Members will complete business simulations that assesses their marketing campaign and business planning skills. A total of four finalists, two each from the Junior and Senior levels at both campuses, will then be chosen to compete at the final round on November 26. Finalists will be tested on problem-solving, creativity, and presentation skills. This competition will serve as a simulation of other major competitions held throughout the year and it will prepare students with opportunities to hone their skills.
