WMU business students in the winner’s circle at DECA competition

KALAMAZOO, Mich.— Among 1,200 competitors, Western Michigan University students once again found themselves as top finishers in a variety of competition categories at the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference. At the competition in San Francisco, California, business students tested their skills in a variety of contexts in both prepared and extemporaneous case studies and presentations. Eight students placed in the top three in the international competition:

• Emma Helmstadter from Dundee, Michigan, and Alex Little from Midland, Michigan, placed first in the marketing communication competition where they were tasked with developing a customer retention plan for a grocery store. The goal was to encourage consumers who had begun purchasing store-brand products during tough economic times to continue purchasing the store’s private-label products. 
• Liam Zoli from Canton, Michigan, placed third in the corporate finance competition where he assessed a merger between two golf corporations involving fractional share compensation. His task included calculating business valuations, analyzing risks and external market factors, and presenting a financial recommendation supported by a consolidated balance sheet.
• Ashlyn Thom from Plainwell, Michigan, and Zoli placed third in the financial statement analysis competition where they evaluated the financial health of Nike and Adidas using their most recent annual reports, conducting analyses, assessing public perception and company performance, and concluding with investment recommendations.
• Tanner Pizzuti from Caledonia, Michigan, and Chelsea Prebil from Caledonia, Michigan, who are also friends from high school days, placed third in the business ethics competition where they needed to understand and overcome an ethical dilemma in role-play. Their case involved the ethical questions and implications for a company deciding whether or not to conduct a mass layoff. 
• George LaForce from Flat Rock, Michigan, and Madison Petroff from Roseville, Michigan, placed third in the event planning competition where they planned a New York Fashion Week afterparty with a 1920s speakeasy vibe. Working together as peer educators in the college’s Zhang Career Center, LaForce and Petroff are experienced in planning events for WMU Haworth students and translated those skills to the competition.

Real skills, real business, real life

In only the third year of DECA at WMU, the student organization has soared in terms of experience-driven learning opportunities for students that put them into real business situations early and often.

“This was my first year in DECA, and it has completely pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me grow in countless ways,” says Helmstadter. “The competitive events have taught me how to think on my feet and improve my presentation skills. I would not be where I am today, both professionally and personally, without DECA and the support of all the club members.”

Zoli, who has participated in DECA at WMU for multiple years notes the organization and its related competitions as a highlight of his time at Western. “Competing in DECA has been one of the most valuable experiences of my college career. From last year to this year, I’ve grown tremendously in my ability to think strategically under pressure and present complex financial analysis with confidence. Each competition has pushed me to refine both my technical skills and my communication as a future finance professional.”

The drive to succeed

“When they called our name as the first-place team, Emma and I looked at each other in shock, and it didn't feel real at first,” says Little. “That moment was filled with so much pride for how much work we had put in and also for how far our team had come since the beginning of this year. Being able to represent WMU Haworth and bringing home first place against strong international competition was an unforgettable and incredibly rewarding experience for us both.”

DECA at WMU emphasizes effort and work ethic so that students can achieve their personal bests.

“Reflecting on the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference, I’m continually amazed by how well our students perform,” says Scott VanAvery, chapter co-advisor. “We brought home one more trophy than last year, and while I love to see our students win, what stood out most was their incredible drive to succeed. We had a blast competing, but we also made time to explore a new city and soak up the total experience. Watching our students light up with excitement made the event memorable and meaningful!”

To learn more about DECA at WMU and other student organizations, visit the website.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.