A team of students from NC’s School of Business and Management placed among the Top 6 in Canada at the Scotiabank Vanier College National Marketing Case Competition.

The weekend competition drew 24 teams of marketing students from across Canada. Participants were given three hours to analyze a real marketing case and present viable marketing solutions before a panel of expert judges. The finalists then had to analyze a new marketing case on the final day.

NC was among six teams announced as finalists at a Gala dinner on March 2.

Three NC students participated: second-year students Dario Spiteri ,Brooklyn Balanowski, and third-year student  Catherine Ball.

Associate Dean, School of Business and Management Studies ,April Tyrrell noted that the students were asked if they wanted to participate as they were members of the College’s team that competed in  the Ontario College Marketing Competition (OCMC) in November. They were chosen based on their commitment to the process and their skill in understanding and responding to the cases they received. In both competitions, they were given a short amount of time to prepare their response to the case they received so they needed to be able to work well under pressure.

“Case competitions help students build confidence in their ability to present a compelling solution to a panel of judges while adhering to a tight timeline,” said Tyrrell. “They work closely with their peers by reading the case to determine the problem, but they must recall what they have learned in the classroom to provide a viable solution.

“Students often speak of their experience at case competitions as a time where they had a shift in their confidence, knowing they had the skills and abilities to compete at a national event.”

Third- year Business Administration -Marketing  student Ball said that it was an honour to represent Niagara College at the Competition .

“While my previous experiences at OCMC pushed me beyond my comfort zone, competing at Vanier provided a uniquely enriching experience,” said Ball.

For Ball, the competition was an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from the OCMC and enhance case analysis skills.

“The confidence and skills acquired during this process will undoubtedly shape my career after graduating this spring,” said Ball.

“A heartfelt thanks to our dedicated coaches for their invaluable insights and countless hours of preparation as well as my partners Brooke and Dario for making this experience truly unforgettable. This experience will forever stand out as a highlight in my academic journey.”

For competition info, visit vaniercollege.qc.ca/business-administration/official-case-challenge/