MHRM Case Study- What to know and do to have a great experience!

The annual Case Competition is an intense, rewarding, and insightful experience that MHRM first years (and part-time students) take part in every year. Sponsored by PepsiCo and taking place over just 24 hours, students in groups of four to five are tasked with the development, analysis, and presentation of a solution to a real-life problem currently impacting a global business. Judged by numerous representatives from key recruiting companies such as Eaton, Wendy's, PespiCo, and more, students have the opportunity to learn critical problem solving skills while working in a team. 

This competition not only allows students to make a strong impression on possible future internship and full-time employers, but is a required element of the MHRM curriculum and a graded element for the Contemporary Topics of HR course. While this may sound intimidating initially, the competition also includes certificates and awards for not only the winning team, but three judge-chosen Best Presenters and Best Q&A winners. 

Here are a few tips and suggestions to get the most out of the competition, whether your goal is to win, stand out, or simply learn and grow. 

1. Get to know your group: For most participants in the program, this case competition will be your first time interacting with the cohort in a small-group setting. As soon as groups are assigned, taking the time to communicate with your group members and learn one another's skills, strengths, and preferences will make all the difference on the day of the competition. 
2. Practice, practice, practice: The case competition requires a lot of research, planning, and communication, and it might be easy to simply "divide and conquer" or practice your individual portion on your own. But as this truly is a group presentation, it is critical that you practice the end product with your group two to three times as a whole before you do so for the judges. This will not only help with stress and nerves, but allows you to keep track of timing issues or any content gaps in your presentation. 
3. Take advantage of your coaches: Whether it is the MHRM Case Competition Chair or the generous second-year students who have offered their time to serve as coaches and guides, it's always helpful to get an external perspective. 
4. Learn everything you can: While winning the competition or receiving an individual award may be nice, this experience truly serves as an opportunity for you to gain valuable skills, apply your HR knowledge to a real-world scenario, and learn what a high-level presentation may look like at the professional level. Be a sponge, absorb the feedback your team receives from the judges, and have fun!