AU Staff
4 reasons to enter a student business competition
From gaining real-world experience to course credit, business competitions benefit students
Every year, Athabasca University (AU) students represent the Faculty of Business at regional, national, and international business competitions.
Any Faculty of Business undergraduate student, no matter where they are in their program, is eligible to apply.
For students, these events offer a chance to test and improve practical skills in trading or presenting a business case. There are also valuable lessons to gain in terms of critical thinking, time management, and teamwork. These are all highly employable skills that you can add to your resume.
But you don’t have to take our word for it.
“Winning the case competition was not the goal for me,” said Jing Fei Feng, a member of AU’s winning team at the 2023 Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition. “The case competition allowed me to enhance my skills and develop confidence in areas I doubted myself before.
“Overall, participating in The Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition and winning first place is an impressive achievement that will undoubtedly positively impact my personal and professional development,”
We asked Feng and other former AU competitors why students should consider joining a student competition team.
“Winning the case competition was not the goal for me. The case competition allowed me to enhance my skills and develop confidence in areas I doubted myself before.”
– Jing Fei Feng, a member of AU’s 2023 Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition team
1. Strengthen your teamwork and leadership skills
For case competitions, such as the Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition and CPA Education Foundation Business Challenge, teams solve a business challenge for an organization and then present strategies and solutions to judges.
Some firms even have case studies as a part of their interview process, so participating gives you a competitive edge in the job application process.
“It was a great learning experience and a great way to connect with other AU students and faculty. The knowledge gained from this process has been extremely beneficial,” said Lexie Pullman, a member of AU’s 2022 case competition team.
2. Earn course credit and cash prizes!
Beyond the real-world experience that comes from competing, there are other benefits. Students could also be eligible to gain course credits and win a variety of cash prizes.
“Everyone brings unique and valuable perspectives to the team. This is an experience that I’ll value for years to come and have learned so much from,” said Trudy Slaght, a member of AU’s 2023 CPA and Alberta Deans of Competition case competition teams.
3. Get to know your peers and professors
Students selected to compete on an AU team are guided by expert coaches at every step! Team members attend bi-weekly online meetings with Faculty of Business experts leading up to the trading or case competitions.
“The dedicated team of faculty and advisors involved with the case competitions were excellent and committed to helping all of us grow as students, communicators, and team members,” said Keith Pritchard, a member of the 2022 case competition team. “This is a significant undertaking, but well worth it for motivated individuals who want to challenge themselves to learn and improve.”
While the trading competition is entirely online, case competitions are typically held in person. AU will cover all competition expenses no matter where you call home!
4. Gain real-world business experience
Competitions like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group University Trading Challenge (resuming fall, 2024) allow competitors to face off against other students. You get to experience real-time futures trading in a simulated, professional electronic trading platform.
“It was a fantastic learning experience. It was great to get to interact with other like-minded individuals on the team. I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants to learn how markets trade,” said Byron Webb, who was a member of AU’s trading competition team in 2019.
Applying is easy
To apply, email a letter of application and a current curriculum vitae (CV). If you’re not sure how to craft a CV, check out the AU Faculty of Business student competition page, pick the competition you’re interested in, and follow the instructions.
“Everyone brings unique and valuable perspectives to the team. This is an experience that I'll value for years to come and have learned so much from.”
– Trudy Slaght, member of AU’s 2023 CPA and Alberta Deans of Business Competition Case Competition teams
“Everyone brings unique and valuable perspectives to the team. This is an experience that I'll value for years to come and have learned so much from.”
– Trudy Slaght, member of AU’s 2023 CPA and Alberta Deans of Business Competition Case Competition teams
Join a student business competition
AU is recruiting for the following student business competitions:
Case competitions
- Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition (Deadline to join: Oct. 10, midnight (Mountain))
- CPA Education Foundation Business Challenge (Deadline to join: Oct. 10, midnight (Mountain))
Trading competition
- Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group University Trading Challenge (resuming fall, 2024)
