Kaitlin Loeffler-White, 4 April, 2024
L - R: Harrison Rogers, Bachelor of Business (Finance and Statistics) and Bachelor of Mathematics; Ambrose Bub, Bachelor of Business (Economics); Taylah McCullough, Bachelor of Business (Finance) and Bachelor of Information Technology (Information Systems) and Nina Zaupa; Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology); and Professor Larry Neale
Since 2010, QUT Business School has provided a platform for students to refine their skills and broaden their professional connections outside of the classroom through local and international case competitions, offering opportunities for engagement with some of the most talented individuals in the business world and facilitating invaluable learning experiences and networking opportunities.
The competitions are a highlight for many students like Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and Bachelor of Behavioural Science student Nina Zaupa, who eagerly seized the opportunity to compete at the Heavener International Case Competition (HICC) in Florida before she graduates later this year.
"I jumped at the opportunity to join the Case Competition Program because of all the competitions' offerings."
"It is a perfect example of opportunities outside of my formal studies that have given me incredible opportunities to develop professionally and learn and refine my skills."
"It’s a platform where you collaborate globally with individuals from diverse backgrounds,” she explained.
The HICC briefs teams on the two organisations featured in the competition beforehand and they receive identical cases at different intervals during the event.
This format tests the participant's ability to analyse problems under time constraints and pitch innovative solutions to a panel of judges.
L – R: Tayla McCulloug; Harrison Rodgers; Ambrose Bub
“The competition pushes you to work under pressure, think critically, and communicate effectively,” Nina said.
“It allows you to work within a team, think strategically and creatively to solve real-world problems, and develop professionally by making connections with industry leaders, learning from peers around the world, and gaining insight into how you, as an individual, can use your skills to develop an idea and bring it to fruition.”
But beyond the competition, the networking opportunities and cultural immersion are equally enriching.
“Highlights of the competition included being able to network and create amazing connections with people from all over the world, industry professionals and other QUT students.”
“We also got to immerse ourselves in another culture vastly different from Australia's.”
For Nina, the skills acquired through the competition – teamwork, presentation and design thinking – are invaluable and highly relevant to any career. The connections forged with individuals worldwide offer long-term benefits, including mentoring and career opportunities.
“The competition gave me the opportunity to leverage and refine my pre-existing skills in a welcoming and encouraging environment so that I am well equipped for any workplace,” she said.
“It also allowed me to develop my understanding of how different cultures think and approach problems, which allows me to improve my practice by learning from their strengths.”
As she looks ahead to her professional journey, Nina credits the case competition experience for equipping her with the necessary skills and connections to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.
“Overall, the experience, skills and connections I made during the case competition will help me extensively throughout my career.”
Learn more about studying a double degree at QUT
Learn more about sponsoring QUT’s BlueShift Case Competition
