Virtual competition a unique catalyst for students to showcase skills

Five Lakeland College business students competed against 50 of the province’s brightest post-secondary business students in the first virtual Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition.

While the competition was hosted in a different format, the virtual experience didn’t hinder what Mary Novick describes as a worthwhile opportunity to put their business knowledge to the test.

“The competition was tough, and the time constraint was definitely the true test for us especially while trying to maintain a good work-life balance. But it definitely brought the best in all of us. I surprised myself that I could sit for eight hours and power through the case. It forced me to think outside the box and be creative,” says the second-year business administration student majoring in accounting.

The team of Novick, Jeru Lopez, Fernanda Martinelli, Gabriella Fea and Maxime Lebo, were tasked with developing a case for Servus Credit Union. They had eight hours to apply a diverse blend of business knowledge in marketing, management, finance, accounting, and human resources to research, analyze, and articulate recommendations to a group of judges.

“This was my first year competing, and it was a great experience! Our team is accountable, and we worked hard and supported each other. Even though we didn't place this year, I believe we won because of the great relationship we built and the high-level experience we shared.

"Being part of this team allowed us to challenge what we have learned in our classes and apply it in real-scenarios, particularly in organizing our team to work efficiently and effectively. The competition provided us with an opportunity to enhance our skills and creativity in solving relevant business problems today,” says Lopez, who is also in the accounting major.

When asked to elaborate on what the experience means to her, Novick was happy to share that “after the competition, we got together virtually and spent hours reflecting on our experience. The team is so supportive of one another, professionally and personally. I’m happy I got to meet these brilliant people, and I am blessed to call them my friends.”

With support from the team’s sponsors--Metrix Group LLP and Newcart Contracting--and Lakeland business staff and facul

Red Deer College hosted the 2021 competition from March 11 to 13. In the last 16 years, Lakeland has placed in the competition five times.ty, Lakeland’s business case team put in more than 70 hours of virtual practice by completing case studies and delivering mock presentations.

Photos: (Top) Lakeland's business case team is comprised of Mary Novick, Jeru Lopez, Fernanda Martinelli, Gabriella Fea and Maxime Lebo. (Bottom) The team during the last practice before the competition.