Case competitions turned out to be the perfect opportunity, and opened up a whole new career to explore—management consulting jobs.
Case competitions bring together teams of MBA students from around the world, to competitively present strategic solutions to real-world business challenges.
For Amanda and Geneviève, these events were a great way to put the skills they learned at business school to the test, and discover their next career step.
A new challenge
Before they came to John Molson, neither Amanda nor Geneviève had much of a strategic background.
Geneviève is a dietician by training, and began her career developing personalized nutritional interventions to support people through acute and long-term illness.
“I realized I had an affinity for organizational roles, though, and quickly moved into management positions,” she explains.
Geneviève had been managing operations with food and support services company, Compass Group, for three years when she realized she was craving a new challenge.
Hoping to widen the scope of her responsibilities, and develop her leadership skills even further, she decided to embark on an MBA.
Amanda came to the program for similar reasons. Her background in events management was engaging at first, but after a few years she was eager for a new challenge.
“I initially enrolled in the MBA with the objective of starting my own event management firm,” she recalls.
Amanda and Geneviève were drawn to John Molson for similar reasons. They both appreciated the collaborative and diverse community they saw on campus, as well as the school’s international reputation.
Discovering case competitions
When Amanda and Geneviève arrived at John Molson, they were on the look-out for experiences to take them beyond their comfort zone. MBA case competitions seemed like the perfect opportunity for growth.
John Molson is a well-known name in the world of case competitions, hosting the renowned John Molson MBA International Case Competition (ICC) every year.
During this week-long event, 200 competitors, including John Molson students, gather to solve seven real-world case studies supported by 19 industry sponsors.
“I didn’t know what case competitions were before starting my MBA,” Amanda admits. Less than a year later, however, she and Geneviève were winning them.
They both got involved in the case competition community right away, participating in internal and external competitions.
Later, the pair secured positions on the John Molson MBA Case Competition Committee (MBACCC).
As members of the MBACCC, they helped the MBA student body get involved with case competitions.
About 50% of MBA students at John Molson participate in some kind of MBACCC activity—from introductory case cracking workshops to representing John Molson at external competitions.
In 2019, Amanda’s team won first place at HEC Montréal’s CSR Case Challenge case competition, cracking three cases on corporate sustainability.
The same year, Geneviève’s team took home the top prize at Rotman School of Management’s A4S International Case Competition, which focuses on sustainable finance.
Gen (third from right) and her team won the RotmanA4S competition in 2019
Skills for a career in consulting
When they graduate, both Amanda and Geneviève want to take the skills they honed during case competitions, and apply them to a brand new profession: consulting.
Case competitions opened their eyes to the world of consulting, and helped them develop some crucial consulting skills, they believe.
Perhaps the most important skill was teamwork. “Winning a case competition requires much more than the talents of the four students competing on the team,” Amanda reflects.
“At John Molson, each podium belongs not only to the competing team, but is a win celebrated by the entire MBA case competition community.”
The support that Amanda and Geneviève had from volunteer alumni coaches, a faculty advisor, and their peers on the MBA, made a huge difference, they believe.
Another skill they developed was learning how to make strategic decisions with limited resources and data.
“Regardless of industry, information is limited, decision-making time is constrained, and stakeholders are varied,” explains Geneviève. Competing was a valuable opportunity to learn how to make quick, but well thought through, decisions.
“The adrenaline rush of cracking a case under pressure and the shared experience of delivering a strong recommendation with my team are definite highs in a case competition,” the pair recall.
Geneviève is already exploring her interest in a strategy further, having undertaken a business strategy internship with The Montreal Office, a marketing and advertising agency.
Amanda, meanwhile, is continuing to develop her managerial skills as the President of the MBACCC.
Both of them also worked on pro bono consulting mandates for local non-profits, advised directly by senior consultants.
Both Amanda and Geneviève are confident that the network they built while competing in case competitions will serve them through their career transitions.
At the ICC for instance, events like the networking cocktail allow competitors, sponsors, and judges to connect. Consulting firms like CGI, Peak and EY are often in the mix.
For Geneviève and Amanda, the whole case competition experience will be invaluable as they set out on their post-MBA careers.
“Case competitions, including the ICC, have been a transformational experience,” they conclude.
Concordia University: John Molson School of Business
Anthony
Verified
25/11/2023
On Campus
Educational advancement
My time at Concordia College has been set apart by huge self-awareness. The steady instructors and staff have assisted me with fostering my abilities and information. The college offers a scope of administrations and extracurricular exercises, giving various open doors to understudies to reach out. In general, my involvement with Concordia has been positive and improving.
Student
Verified
16/11/2023
On Campus
My growth
"My time at Concordia University has been marked by significant personal growth. The supportive teachers and staff have helped me to develop my skills and knowledge. The university offers a range of services and extracurricular activities, providing numerous opportunities for students to get involved. Overall, my experience at Concordia has been positive and enriching.
Ashley
Verified
31/10/2023
On Campus
Communications and Culture Studies
I am currently enrolled in my first year in the Communication and Culture studies program. I have met so many incredible people and have already acquired skills that I will serve me in my professional career. The courses are dynamic, engaging and intellectually stimulating. I am happy to be a student at this university and look forward to the next 2 years here!
Student
Verified
11/09/2023
On Campus
Significant advancements
Having attended Concordia University, I can confidently state that I have seen significant advancements in my skills. The faculty and staff demonstrate great thoughtfulness and provide effective support. Additionally, the university offers an abundance of student clubs and services.
Arman
Verified
11/09/2023
On Campus
Master of Quality Systems Engineering
I completed my Master's in Quality Systems Engineering at Concordia University, where I gained a comprehensive understanding of quality management principles and methodologies. The program provided a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, including coursework in statistical process control, Six Sigma, and Lean principles.
I engaged in hands-on projects addressing real-world quality challenges, collaborated with experienced faculty, and conducted independent research. This experience has equipped me with the skills and expertise needed to contribute effectively to organizations seeking to enhance their quality control processes and achieve operational excellence.
Amber Lee
Verified
6/09/2023
On Campus
Awesome
The Communication program at Concordia University will prepare you for the future. The program is divided in two blocks: one more theoretical, from which you learn the concept of communications through the perspective of philosophy, history and social studies; another completely hands-on in which you learn how to produce media choosing from three streams; sound, moving images, intermedia. What I love about the communication program at Concordia is that the teachers are clever, up to date, and exited about putting the future in the hands of students. Not only there is so much to learn in the communication program, but there are also so many opportunities!
Student
Verified
3/09/2023
On Campus
Concordia is best
Concordia university is one of the top listed universities not just in Canada but worldwide. The most amazing thing about this university is it is a standalone English speaking university in Montreal that allows non francophone students to enrol and study efficiently. My program is beautifully designed with access to high quality classrooms and faculty members that are available every time to attend your queries. The huge campus of the University including the library allows students to indulge in group work and research programs. The administration staff is super supportive and polite in their conversations. I have had the most amazing experience studying at Concordia so far.
Student
Verified
5/07/2023
On Campus
Entrepreneurship and Marketing
I had the privilege of being a part of Ryerson University's Entrepreneurship and Marketing program, and it was an outstanding experience. The program's curriculum was well-designed, providing a perfect balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical application. The faculty members were highly knowledgeable and supportive, creating an engaging learning environment. The program's emphasis on industry connections and experiential learning opened doors to valuable internships and co-op opportunities. The resources and facilities dedicated to the program were top-notch, allowing me to explore my passion and excel in my studies. I am grateful for the real-world skills and industry connections I gained through the program. Ryerson University's Entrepreneurship and Marketing truly prepared me for a successful career in the business world. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a transformative educational experience.
Student
Verified
25/06/2023
Blended
Integrated Student Life
Concordia University has done a fantastic job at providing on-campus activities and workshops for students to feel connected and less lonely in stressful times. My program, Human Relations highlights this perfectly as a human relations student to be able to see the effects these workshops have on our beings and our mental and physical health as well. The student Life at Concordia has allowed our school to feel more like a community than a school.
Dami
Verified
6/03/2024
On Campus
Study review
As a graduate student in the doctoral program in chemical engineering at Concordia University, I would rate the program as highly commendable. Although, the academic experience has been rigorous, challenging, and intellectually stimulating, providing a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of chemical engineering principles.
However, my ongoing program has been equally rewarding and has equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in academia and industry.
Student
Verified
7/03/2024
On Campus
Amazing
In general, I love my university. It's a true representation of diversity, with students from all around the world. The system is incredibly organized, with everything functioning seamlessly, from the structure to the services.
