When I heard that MBSSA was opening registration for the Melbourne Business School Case Competition last year, I had two options: participate or pass. I decided to participate, and it turns out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made – hear me out.
If you feel unsure to participate because you have just commenced your journey at MBS and won’t be able to compete against senior students, I share your concern and that is precisely what I felt at the beginning. Nevertheless, I did it anyway because you know what? What is the worst thing that could happen? It’s definitely not money because the competition is free. Perhaps you might think that losing is, but even if you don’t win you could learn so much from attempting to solve the case. This is why I refuse to believe that there is anything you would lose by participating; on the contrary, it’s a win-win situation which means that regardless of the competition outcome, you still gain something out of it.
Just for your reference, last year’s topic was super unique, exciting, and even explosive (literally). Inspired from a real client’s case of an established consulting company, it was about a company that provides explosive products and services for mining companies. The company was facing challenges from a slowing financial performance, not to mention the surging negative sentiment over mining practices due to the subsequent environmental footprints. Our task was to come up with a short- and long-term strategy for the company.
I have learned so much from the competition both from the process and the feedback that the judges gave. From identifying the right questions to address the problem, honing my research skills, to preparing and delivering a professional presentation. As this year’s competition will be held online, I am sure the virtual experience would bring a great relevance to our new normal of working from home. Furthermore, you can demonstrate this experience later when you are answering the behavioral questions in your future job, internship, and other applications!
If somehow you still don’t buy what I said up to this point (which is rather hard to believe given my incredibly persuasive testimony), well, feel free to read from my amazing teammates themselves:
“I really challenged myself by joining the competition. As a team, we worked really hard. I learned a lot how to work in a team in the most effective and efficient way given the limited time we had to solve the case. It was absolutely one of the best experiences in my post grad life!” – Dyah Ayu Permatasari, Master of Management (General)
“Joining the case competition was very challenging yet rewarding. My team was formed with students from different programs (and great friends), making discussions very enriching since our viewpoints were diverse. Beyond the learning about the industry we worked on, I learnt the importance of thinking outside of the box and of transforming ideas into courses of action. Moreover, I learnt sometimes we underestimate our capabilities, and we can surprise ourselves if we work hard for our goal.” – Carolina Abdala Cruz, Master of Management (Marketing)
“Participating in MBS Case Competition is definitely one of the highlights during my study. I was challenged to go out of my comfort zone and apply the knowledge I know in the real case situation. The event brought me to the best teammates who kept the discussion and brainstorming session both intense and enjoyable at the same time. Overall, it was a great learning process for me, and I would definitely recommend the other students to join the competition this year!” – Santika Wibowo, Master of Management (Human Resource)Back to your concern to compete as new students, my team consisted of all 2nd semester students and yet we managed to win. There were also lots of 1st semester students who made it to the semifinal rounds – all of you have an equal opportunity to win! So, what are you waiting for? Make the best out of your limited time at MBS, team up with those you can best work together with, and surprise yourself, who knows you can be this year’s winners!
Registrations for the Case Competition Semester 2 open on 28th July 2020
MBS Student Association 