NC students from the School of Business and Management put their expertise and skills to the test at the 2023 Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) Student Case Competition.
Hosted annually, the two-day virtual competition held on March 24 and 25 engaged the best and brightest HR students across Ontario colleges and universities and challenged them to tackle real-life business and HR situations.
Among the 20 participating teams were two teams from NC’s Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resources) program coached by School of Business and Management professor, Dr. Susan Ehlert.
Coach Susan Ehlert and students Maddy Emery, Jessica Chang, Julia Krasovec, Camille Houston, Carlee Green, Deborah Bourdages, Laura Ruigrok, and Brianna Sousa during the HRPA Case Competition opening ceremonies.
One of NC teams (Team 13) took home first place at the competition. Team members included students, Madison Emery, Jessica Chang, Julia Krasovec, and Camille Houston.
Members on the second NC team included students, Deborah Bourdages, Christina Bergie, Carlee Green, Laura Ruigrok and Brianna Sousa.
The case competition was part of a new course-based experiential assignment that taught the application of case analysis to improve our students’ comprehension of human resources planning.
As the course instructor and faculty coach, Dr. Ehlert was extremely proud of the teams’ perseverance and professionalism.
“Each member on both our NC teams demonstrated grace under pressure during the competition. Our students’ performance was awe-inspiring when considering the competitive playing field had 20 registered teams, including teams from some of the top business schools in Ontario. Our success certainly speaks to the quality of Niagara College’s business programs,” said Dr. Ehlert.
Students Laura Ruigrok, Carlee Green, Christina Bergie, and Brianna Sousa preparing their human resources case analysis.
During the competition, students were presented with an HR business case on the day of the competition where they were required to read and analyze the case, develop a response strategy, and produce a 20-minute presentation with their team’s recommendations. A panel of judges, comprised of senior HR professionals, reviewed, and scored the presentations based on a point system.
The competition also provided opportunity for all contestants to network with peers, senior HR professionals and HRPA staff.
Student Deborah Bourdages felt the competition was an enriching, educational experience that augmented her knowledge gained in the classroom.
“Competing in the HRPA Case Competition was a wonderful experience that allowed us to apply learned theory from all aspects of our program into action. It was a learning experience that provided a path to our future endeavors,” said Bourdages.
Similarly, student Julia Krasovec, appreciated the opportunity to apply the HR concepts she’s learned over the last few years to a real-world scenario in a high-stakes environment.
“I’m really grateful to the College and faculty for adequately training and preparing us to succeed in this competition, and the HRPA for providing us with such an exciting and rewarding experience,” said Krasovec.
Dr. Kristine Clark, Program Coordinator and Professor, School of Business and Management applauded all students, who with the help of Dr. Ehlert’s coaching and leadership, participated in the recent HRPA Case Competition.
Students Carlee Green and Brianna Sousa preparing to present their human resources case analysis.
“Given it was NC’s first year participating in this very competitive event, to receive a first-place win is a true testament to the caliber of our students and faculty within the Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resources) program,” said Dr. Clark. “It is these very opportunities that contribute to the NC student experience and are truly transformational in students’ professional and personal journeys toward a career in HR.”
Lisa Mendez, Associate Dean, Business and Management also expressed her pride in the incredible dedication and professionalism demonstrated by participating NC students.
“During this HRPA Case Competition, students were able to develop their resilience and self-confidence as they worked through challenging HR case scenarios,” said Mendez. “It was an exciting finish, and we are so grateful for the leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment of Susan and all our faculty team.”
