From classroom to career, value added through case competitions

My favorite part was how it put into perspective the importance of truly understanding your buyer’s needs and building a real connection instead of just pushing a product. It revealed that the best sales conversations feel honest and value driven, not transactional. In addition, I had to adjust on the go and redirect the conversation at times, which taught me to always think ahead if possible.

Participating in case competitions allowed me to apply the skills I learned conceptually and gain a practical understanding of what real-world challenges look like. Some of the skills I strengthened include clear communication, critical thinking, efficient preparation and flexibility. The CBE competitions also foster the importance of networking early, an aspect that all students (yes, that includes freshmen!) should take advantage of. There is no need to be afraid when networking, which is easier said than done, because everyone has been there at some point and needed to get their foot in the door. Professionals can advise on what makes a candidate stand out, what the current market needs and so on. Make the most of the opportunities available!

I was surprised by how well I performed, especially given my fear of public speaking. The competition pushed me far outside my comfort zone. It showed me that preparation and practice can help you succeed, even in areas that feel intimidating. 

The competitions strengthened my confidence in presenting ideas, thinking on my feet and communicating effectively. I use these skills every day in my career. Participating in the Strategic Sales Competition also expanded my professional network. I’ve since crossed paths with professionals from that event who remembered my performance and initiative.

I would encourage everyone to try as many competitions as you can because you never know what opportunities may come from them. Through these competitions, I qualified for a national event and was flown to Florida for an entrepreneurship conference! I recommend connecting with judges and employers that might be there ahead of time to make a lasting impression. Several business professionals have told me they still remember our connection and were impressed by the effort I made to engage with them.

Participating in case competitions was one of the most transformative experiences of my college career. They challenged me, built my confidence and helped shape my professional growth. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and faculty support CBE provided.

The case study competition has become a meaningful part of my professional portfolio, and I highlight it on my resume. As a recent marketing graduate, opportunities like this allowed me to demonstrate research-driven analysis, strategic thinking and actionable implementation planning. It provided tangible proof of my ability to collaborate with a team on complex business challenges and execute thoughtful marketing strategies. The competition strengthened my confidence in business problem-solving and my positioning as an emerging marketing professional.

Be sure to enjoy the experience! While the competition is rigorous and hands on, it provides valuable preparation for real-world business scenarios. I would also encourage teams to establish clear expectations early to ensure everyone is well versed with the presentation and their contributing ideas. Finally, develop a strong foundational understanding of your solution. When you truly know your material, you can confidently and thoughtfully respond to judges' questions with ease. I would like to again emphasize my gratitude to Professor Ellison, as her role played an essential part in our success. Her passion for the competition and the course overall is admirable and was a direct contributor to our win! All the best to future competitors!