Ferndale Students Put Marketing Skills, Business Knowledge to the Test

"Join us now or work for us later."

It's the slogan on T-shirts worn by students in 's DECA marketing group and it's a phrase teacher and advisor Liz Watkins said makes a pretty good point.

In DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, students learn skills that will translate to the workforce after graduation. This includes how to give presentations, master an interview and more.

"No matter what career you're going into, you're going to have to get yourself the job," Watkins said.

Watkins said about 126 of University's 485 students are involved in the group.

"It's a pretty good percentage. It's not required. They all want to join," she said. "We are definitely one of the largest in the state."

Students compete in district event

Dressed like young executives, hundreds of students from Ferndale and other areas were at  on Friday morning to participate in a district marketing competition hosted by the University High School DECA group.

Students participated in marketing- and job-related role play in school classrooms. Awards were given in the auditorium following the competition.

According to Michigan DECA, district conferences give students their first opportunity of the year to put their marketing and business knowledge to the test in competitive events. Students also get to meet other members from their district and network with DECA members.

Top performers can move on to state, national competitions

The top performers in each category from each of the eight Michigan DECA districts conferences earn the right to compete at the Michigan DECA State Career Development Conference in Grand Rapids or Dearborn.

Watkins said the state competition can be tough but she hopes some of her students will move on to attend the national conference this year in Utah.

"My chapter has gone the past four years and I hope this will be my fifth," she said.

Other schools participating in the district event at Ferndale High School on Friday included high schools in Hamtramck, Detroit and Lincoln Park.

UHS junior Abriona Mays said DECA gives her the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship and business, which she thinks will help her as she works toward her future career goals..

"I want to own my own hospital," Mays said.

For more information, visit MI DECA or DECA.org.