The Importance of Having a VP of Career Development in DECA
As a DECA member, you might have heard of the Vice President of Career Development position, or maybe you have never heard of it at all. Nevertheless, it’s an essential role that plays a significant impact on the DECA organization. In this article, we will delve into the crucial role of the VP of Career Development, and why it’s essential to have one in your DECA chapter.
What is DECA?
DECA stands for “Distributive Education Clubs of America,” an international association of high school and college students interested in business and marketing careers. DECA is an organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. The students who participate in DECA gain real-world experience in these fields while developing essential business skills.
The Role of the VP of Career Development
The VP of Career Development is a crucial role within DECA that focuses on helping students with career development, planning, and exploration. They work to provide a variety of resources to members, including access to internships, job shadowing opportunities, career fairs, and networking events. The VP of Career Development serves as a liaison between members and DECA’s business partners, providing members with the connections and experiences needed to secure jobs and internships.
Benefits of Having a VP of Career Development
Having a dedicated VP of Career Development in your DECA chapter has several benefits that can contribute to the success of the organization. First, the position can help connect members to businesses and industry professionals, providing valuable networking and job opportunities. Second, it can assist in attracting and retaining members who are interested in career development and planning. Third, having a trusted resource to turn to for guidance and support when it comes to career development can help members feel more confident and prepared for their future careers.
Examples of Successful VP of Career Development Programs
Many chapters across the country have successful VP of Career Development programs. For example, the Delaware DECA chapter has a workforce readiness program that provides members with professional development workshops, job shadowing opportunities, and networking events. The program frequently hosts industry professionals to speak about their career paths, which has proven to be valuable to members who are unsure of what field to pursue.
Similarly, the Mansfield High School DECA chapter in Texas has a Junior Executive Mentoring Program that pairs members with business professionals in their desired field. Members meet with their mentors regularly to gain insights into the industry and get career advice and support.
Conclusion
The VP of Career Development role is vital to the success of DECA chapters. It helps members with career planning, networking, and provides them with valuable opportunities for growth and development. Members who take advantage of these resources can gain a better understanding of their career options and feel more confident about their future. DECA chapters should prioritize having a VP of Career Development, as it could be the difference between a member who is more successful in their career and one who isn’t.
