THS DECA Students Explore Careers at GABP
Members of the Great Oaks–Taylor High School DECA chapter recently stepped outside the classroom for an exciting day of career exploration, networking, and professional learning at DECA Day at Great American Ballpark.
The event gave students the opportunity to see firsthand how the business concepts learned in the classroom are applied within a professional sports organization. Students attended a panel discussion featuring directors from the Cincinnati Reds organization, where they learned about the many different business operations involved in running a professional sports organization.
Students also participated in a college fair, giving them the opportunity to explore colleges, programs, and potential career pathways as they begin thinking about their futures beyond high school.
The day concluded with students watching the Cincinnati Reds take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ballpark, providing a memorable experience that combined sports, business, and career exploration.
One of the highlights of the day was a special connection to Taylor High School. Taylor DECA students had the opportunity to meet with Taylor High School alumnus Patrick Montague, Director of Corporate Sponsorships for the Cincinnati Reds.
“Opportunities like DECA Day allow our students to see that the skills they are developing in the Finance Program can lead to careers in so many different industries,” said Katy Heller, Taylor High School Finance/DECA advisor. “Having the chance to learn from professionals and then meet a Taylor graduate who is working in the Cincinnati Reds organization made the experience especially meaningful for our students.”
DECA provides students with opportunities to develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and professional skills while exploring careers in business, finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. Experiences such as DECA Day help students connect what they learn in the classroom with real-world career possibilities.
For the Great Oaks–Taylor High School DECA members, the day was more than a baseball game—it was an opportunity to learn from business professionals, explore college opportunities, build connections, and see where a career in business can take them.
