When case competitions are mentioned, grueling work, endless hours of research, and erratic team dynamics are some of the images that might flash across your mind. While elements of this hard work may be present at times, it fails to do justice to all of the positives students can take away from being involved in such a large undertaking.

UNI Business students Myle Duong (Marketing), Megan Kupferschmid (Business Teaching), and Minhchau Chau (Management) are the most recent case competitors to see the fruits of their hard work and dedication paying off as they recently found out they are one of three teams who have moved on to the final round of the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educator (NASBITE) competition. This year’s case tackled obstacles a real company is facing, and the group was tasked with devising a strategy as to how best enter the Singapore market. After talking to the group about their experience, I've come to the conclusion everyone should participate in at least one case competition for the following reasons.

1. Classroom Knowledge Will Begin to Make Sense

One of the most impressive things about case competitions is how they blend the academia and real worlds in a practical way. One of Duong’s favorite things about the competitions was “[getting to] implement the skills and methods that are covered in classes [that] really made it ‘click.’”

2. It's the Closest You'll Get to the 'Real World' in College

Working together also brought out some of the challenges professionals encounter in the workplace. Chau cites coordinating schedules along with blending different personalities and visions of team members as two of the bigger challenges of the project, both of which are encountered frequently in a business setting. It took countless hours of work and the sacrifice of two months of Sundays, but they found a way to not only make it work, but come together to succeed.

3. You'll Develop Actual Skills You'll Need

Finally, and perhaps most notably, are the communication skills the students have developed over the course of this process. They’re now able to verbalize the ideas inside their minds and effectively communicate them to each other as well as outsiders. Kupferschmid sees the development “through presenting in front of a panel of actual business world, being able to receive and accept feedback given, and gaining confidence in [herself].”

The group is beyond excited for the trip and “looking forward to showing the world that UNI has prepared their students for the business world.”

UNI College of Business thanks those who donate to the Dean's Fund for Excellence. Funds raised help pay for student organization competitions, global experiences and professional credential education.