The Dukes School of Finance had its first internal case competition to give students real-world experience and build a stronger case competition culture. The event will become an annual tradition and give students chances to compete in national competitions.

Twenty-four students competed in six teams, with prizes awarded to the top four teams. First place earned a $1,000 voucher, second place $500, and fourth place $250. Participation was open to all College of Business Administration majors, and outside judges from the finance industry helped evaluate the teams.

Angela McGlothlin, program coordinator for the Dukes School of Finance, said the goal is to give students hands-on experience and a sense of the real world.

“We felt like it was very relevant to give our students some hands-on experience,” McGlothlin said. “What we are trying to do is build a strong case competition culture here in COBA and especially in the Dukes School of Finance. This was our first one, and we are hoping to do one every year.”

She said the long-term plan is to prepare students to compete in external competitions where they can meet recruiters and open doors for career opportunities. McGlothlin said the school is heading to the National Women’s Case Competition hosted by Apple, which reserves internships and jobs for participants.

“Eventually, we hope to take these students and compete in external cases so they can get in front of recruiters and get fast-tracked,” McGlothlin said. “It is an excellent opportunity to get your name out there personally and as a university.”

Olivia Crist, a finance major from Valley Center, California, and one of the students who won first place, said she was able to apply what she learned in the classroom.

“I felt that I was well prepared from what I learned in the classroom,” Crist said. “And used it on the different case analysis presented to us.”

She said that a group of students encouraged her to join the team.

“I have never done something like this before, and they said I would do great,” she said. 

Crist said that public speaking is an important skill for students who want to compete, and she encourages other students to join the competition.