Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s DECA program will compete at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Anaheim, California.
After a strong performance at the state level in Orlando, the school’s DECA chapter will send over 70 members who have qualified for the marquee event from April 26 to May 1.
Ethan Klein, an MSD student and the Director of Social Media for MSD DECA, tells Parkland Talk that the rigorous selection process the students faced makes the fact that so many earned a spot at the ICDC that much sweeter.
According to Klein, the qualifying process has been an entire school year in the making.
“Every year, our DECA competition starts at districts within Broward County, and each of our 700+ students selects a competitive event to prepare for throughout the year,” Klein said, adding the California event is the culmination of multiple phases of competition.”
Following their selection, students then competed at the district level with hopes of advancing to the state conference in Orlando on February 29 – March 3. Ultimately, he explained that the top performers here qualify for the international conference.
Klein shares that the MSD DECA chapter has implemented a comprehensive preparation strategy to prepare for the high competition the students will face at ICDC.
“We offer prep sessions and roleplay/prep nights tailored for ICDC preparation, and attendance at these sessions is required,” Klein said. “These sessions play a crucial role in equipping our students with the skills and confidence needed to excel on the international stage,”
Klein shares that while DECA’s trip to Anaheim is all about business, they will mix in a bit of pleasure as the students explore California. This aspect, Klein believes, enhances the overall experience.
“This extra day is not just about fun; it’s an opportunity for our chapter to bond and enjoy ourselves outside the competition,” Klein said. “We believe these extracurricular activities contribute significantly to our students’ performance and experience at ICDC.”
Ethan Klein, Mallory Biederman, and Shruthika Bandiathmakur won 4th place in the Integrated Marketing Campaign – Service category at States. {MSD DECA}
As the MSD DECA chapter prepares for the 2024 ICDC, Klein shares that while he’s excited about the trip, he’s most thrilled for fellow students who will make lifelong memories.
“This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we’re all beyond excited to be heading to California.”
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Author Profile
- Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.
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