No application
Just show up and explore.
Open to all U-M students
Welcome to
Michigan Collegiate DECA
Preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs to be career ready.
All majors welcome
Not just business students.
Monthly meetings
Low time commitment.
Why DECA @ UMICH
Professional growth that still feels like college.
Build practical confidence
Practice presenting, thinking on your feet, and solving real business problems in a supportive environment.
Compete on your terms
Choose from dozens of events, work individually or with a partner, and prepare at a pace that fits your schedule.
Meet people beyond class
Join students across majors for meetings, travel, conferences, and social events without an exclusive recruiting process.
A welcome from our president
“We brought DECA back to Michigan to give students a familiar and welcoming business club experience—one where you do not need a perfect résumé or prior experience, but simply the willingness to meet driven peers, compete in case competitions, and sharpen your public speaking skills to prepare for a variety of careers.”
Carson MacMillan
Meet the team
2026–27 Executive Board
Our student leaders keep the chapter welcoming, organized, and connected to Michigan Collegiate DECA.
President & Founder
Carson MacMillan
Sophomore · Business Administration
Vice President of Communications
Katie
Sophomore · Psychology & EconomicsMinors in Spanish & Business
How it works
Four simple steps. No recruiting maze.
DECA is designed to fit alongside classes, work, and other organizations.
1
Raise your hand
Complete the interest form and join our email list. There is no interview or application review.
2
Come to a meeting
Learn about events, meet members, and decide whether you want to participate.
3
Choose your event
Select a category that matches your interests and compete alone or with a partner.
4
Prepare your way
Use chapter resources and optional practice sessions—then compete when you are ready.
Typical commitment: one chapter meeting per month, plus optional preparation on your schedule.
The chapter experience
Compete together
Competition matters. So do the people, trips, and memories along the way.
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Conference information
Compete through Michigan Collegiate DECA.
DECA @ UMICH is a collegiate chapter of the Michigan Association and attends its annual State Career Development Conference. The Michigan Association maintains the official and most current conference information.
Visit the Conferences tab on its website for current costs, registration deadlines, dates, schedules, policies, and the experiences offered at state and international conferences.
View conference information ↗State competitionCase studies · Prepared presentations · Workshops · Networking
2026–27 chapter rhythm
A schedule built for busy students.
Exact dates and locations will be announced through Maize Pages and our member email list.
Meet DECA
Find us at Festifall, attend our kickoff, and explore competitive events.
Monthly chapter meetings
Event selection, skill-building, member updates, and optional social events.
Prepare and compete
Optional practice sessions leading into Michigan’s collegiate competition season.
International conference
Qualified members may continue to DECA’s international conference and celebrate the year.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know.
Do I need to apply?+
No. DECA @ UMICH is open to all University of Michigan students. Complete the interest form, attend a meeting, and decide whether it feels right for you.
Do I need prior DECA or business experience?+
Not at all. We teach the competition format and help you prepare. You can join with zero experience and choose an event that fits your interests.
How much time does DECA take?+
Our chapter meets about once per month. Competition preparation is flexible and largely self-directed, so you can scale your involvement around classes and other commitments.
Is DECA only for Ross students?+
No. Students from every U-M school, college, year, and major are welcome. DECA events span marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, hospitality, management, and more.
Do I have to compete?+
Competition is encouraged because it is the heart of the DECA experience, but you choose your event, partner, preparation style, and how far you want to take it.
What does membership cost?+
Dues and conference costs will be shared before registration. Completing the interest form does not commit you to paying or attending anything.
Interested in joining?
Start with one simple form.
We will send chapter updates, meeting details, and next steps. This is not an application and does not commit you to membership.
✓ No résumé✓ No interview✓ No obligation