The Latam Case Competition was a business case competition where six teams of four to five students from UBC and SFU competed to analyze and propose a solution to a business case provided by our Case Sponsor, Teck Resources. Over 30 students participated, each given one week to prepare their case analysis and present it in front of Teck Resources representatives. The top teams won cash prizes of $700 for first place and $300 for second place.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between academic learning and the real-world experience that employers seek. By participating in these events, students develop critical skills such as strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are essential for their transition into the workforce. Our goal is to equip students with the hands-on experience they need to excel in their careers and stand out to future employers.
To promote the event, we used three key strategies: 1) Social Media: Recognizing that our target audience is active on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn, we created a trustworthy Instagram account featuring informational posts and reels that highlighted the team behind the competition, helping to build credibility and encourage sign-ups. 2) Connecting with Key Partners: We collaborated with Latino student organizations at UBC, such as the Mexican Student Association, Peruvian, and Ecuadorian clubs. By engaging these groups, we expanded our reach and encouraged their members to participate. 3) Physical Events: To engage students in person, we held introductory workshops on business case analysis and set up a booth on campus, allowing us to interact directly with potential participants and generate further interest. These efforts led to 120 registrations, with around 70% attendance on the day of the event.
This was the first time a case competition focused on a Latin American issue was organized, and the promotional strategies helped us achieve strong participation and engagement. The community impact of the Latam Case Competition was significant, as one of the key pieces of feedback we received was from a participant who discovered his passion for consulting through the event. He shared that, before the competition, he had only studied textbooks at university and never had the chance to experience something practical. Through the case competition, he was able to step into the role of a consultant, which was a transformative experience for him.
We also faced some challenges during the planning process, particularly with booking a venue. Some spaces on campus were either too expensive or too far from the main student areas, making it difficult to find a suitable location. However, we managed to secure a great venue. Also, with the help of the Inspiring Community Grant, which also allowed us to provide food and beverages for the participants. This turned out to be one of the main attractions for students, as it made the event feel more welcoming and engaging. Overall, we learned the importance of community partnerships, as well as the need for flexibility and creativity when facing logistical challenges. The positive impact on students and the community made all the effort worthwhile.
Link to photos of the event: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yCxok-qGalW7_ezOqji5Cek3loxFWpnE?usp=sharing
