DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. Students must study and practice for tests, mock job interviews, and role play situations specific to their event/field, which they will engage in during multiple competitive events throughout the year. The purpose of these events is for students to gain knowledge, skills, and simulated firsthand experience in their industry which will greatly benefit them as they enter the professional world. DECA has been a national/international organization since 1949, and has served over ten million members since then. Currently, there are over 200,000 high school DECA members and over 17,000 Collegiate DECA members.