Case Competitions Build Skills and Networks

For undergraduate business students, case competitions offer a unique and valuable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, develop critical problem-solving skills, and gain exposure to industry professionals. These competitions simulate real business scenarios, pushing students to think strategically, collaborate effectively, and present their solutions with confidence.

Logan Claassen-Wilson, ‘26 BSB, recently competed in a case competition at Kansas University. He grew up in Kansas, and heard about the competition from a personal connection with a faculty member at KU. From there, he recruited fellow students Sofiia Oprishko, ‘26 BSB, Alexander Eich, ‘27 CSE, and Pranay Dhiman, ‘27 BSB, and asked Siddharth Chandramouli, PhD, to be their faculty advisor. All of the students are members of the Carlson Consulting Enterprise, which is led by Chandramouli.

"They had prize money for the top 5 teams, which was a good motivator. More importantly though, it was a chance to represent our school in the Midwest, add a cool experience to our resumes, and network with different folks we wouldn’t normally meet,” said Claassen-Wilson.

Gaining Real-World Business Experience

One of the primary benefits of case competitions is the opportunity to tackle complex business problems in a high-stakes environment. Students were challenged to advise Tesla on how to counteract slowing growth and low profitability by addressing international competition, product strategy, and revenue diversification. Their solution—to expand into the Indian EV market—demonstrated an ability to assess macroeconomic trends, regulatory challenges, and industry-specific constraints.

Through experiences like this, students develop a strategic mindset that goes beyond textbooks and lectures. This hands-on application of coursework helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, making participants better prepared for future careers.

"MGMT 3004 Strategic Management, which is part of I-Core, taught me how to use both a macro and micro perspective to analyze business problems," said Claassen-Wilson.

Enhancing Professional and Presentation Skills

Success in case competitions requires more than just great ideas; students must articulate their strategies clearly and persuasively in a high-pressure setting. Our curriculum emphasizes presentations, which Claassen-Wilson credits for helping his team stay professional and polished during their five-minute pitch. Strong communication and presentation skills are critical in any business career, and case competitions provide an excellent way to refine them.

Additionally, many case competitions simulate the fast-paced nature of consulting, where teams must research, analyze, and present solutions under tight deadlines. The team’s experience in the Carlson Consulting Enterprise (CCE) played a crucial role in their success.

"By far, the Carlson Consulting Enterprise had the biggest impact on our ability,” said Claassen-Wilson. “Be it presenting, building slide decks, or simply doing quality work under pressure, CCE was the real difference maker for our whole team."

Ultimately, the team earned 2nd place in the competition and $750 in prize money.

“I couldn't have asked for a better team—they made this experience both exciting and rewarding. I’m grateful for the dedication and collaboration brought to every step of the competition, which helped us tackle business challenges and build a strong solution, even under tight deadlines,” said Oprishko.

Strengthening Friendships & Networks

Beyond professional development, case competitions foster strong relationships among team members. Traveling to competitions, working through late-night strategy sessions, and celebrating successes together create a unique bonding experience.

"My favorite part was bonding with my team during our team dinners and over the course of the drive to and from Kansas,” said Claassen-Wilson. “Traveling case competitions like this are truly a special experience, and I hope other students in Carlson take opportunities to travel for competitions whenever they can!"