Victory Lap: Thanking and Acknowledging our Advisors

As a member of the Indiana Collegiate DECA State Officer Team, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to all our Chapter Advisors.  Each of you provides incredible and supportive leadership that guides our new association!  The passion for student development within your chapters has allowed us to grow Indiana into one of the largest associations in the world.  You form students who are equipped with career and interpersonal skills, ready for the workforce and/or graduate school.

I would also like to thank my Yorktown High School DECA Advisors: Mr. Troy Davis and Mrs. Kelly Miller.  It is through their dedication and perseverance that I have the honor of serving Indiana Collegiate DECA in this capacity. 

Make sure to thank your advisors for their commitment the next time you see them!  Read the next section of this article to understand the time commitments that CDECA Advisors have!

Tasks of a Non-Competitive Collegiate Advisor

While a lot of the tasks that are going to be mentioned in this section are responsibilities of the CDECA Chapter’s Officer Team, it is important to understand that an advisor oversees the actions of a CDECA Chapter.

1. Advising & Mentorship: Advisors help guide non-competitive members toward career development opportunities such as resume building, networking, LinkedIn, and interview prep.

2. Help Students set Personal and Professional Goals: This can often be a relationship between an advisor and chapter officer, where the advisor offers advice to the officers on how to become better, more contemplative and effective leaders.

3. Professional Development: Advisors often aid in the organization of workshops, using connections to facilitate guest speakers.  They may also reach out to businesses to find internship opportunities.

4. Provide Recognition: Awarding certificates and shoutouts to chapter officers and members for their achievements outside of competition.

Tasks of a Competitive Collegiate Advisor: Similar to the section above, the duties of a chapter advisor and officers can overlap.

1. Competition Preparation: Explaining CDECA’s competitive events, rules, and guidelines.  They can also help students choose an event that aligns with their strengths, major/classes, and/or career goals.  The chapters may also execute practice role-plays, case studies, and practice competitions that the advisor may oversee.

2. Skill Development: Host workshops on critical thinking, presentation skills, and other basic career skills: SWOT Analysis, 4Ps, etc..  They may also facilitate a connection between students and professionals who excel in the field that the event covers.

3. Logistics & Support: Advisors have to help with registration (especially the accounting and money management) and event planning.  This can mean that an advisor might have to coordinate travel, hotel, transportation, and other accommodations.  They also have the duty of making sure that all students are academically eligible to attend CDECA events.

Written by Vice President - Peyton Wormer