2024 Complete List of MBA Case Competitions

No! Unless specifically noted, a case competition is not strictly for developers or engineers. As a matter of fact, most business case competitions are looking for marketers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and those in business school or interested in finance roles. 

Definitely! Don’t let your unfamiliarity with the specific industry hold you back. Many case competitions specifically welcome diverse perspectives and encourage participation from those with transitional skills and experience in different industries, as they often lead to more creative and well-rounded solutions. The transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, honed through case competitions are valuable in any field. Additionally, if you’re interested in transitioning into a new industry, participating in a relevant business case competition is a great way to showcase your initiative and gain valuable insights.

There’s a long list of legacy business case competitions, and not all of them are marketed toward MBA candidates; there are even case competitions designed for high school students! Out of the lineup of case competitions that are geared toward MBAs and other advanced degree seekers, though, the John Molson MBA International Case Competition is often considered the oldest and largest, founded in 1981 and featuring 30+ teams. That said, while things like reputation and alumni success stories do matter when it comes to choosing the right case competition to participate in, legacy isn’t the end-all. Many employers are looking to more niche case competition marketplaces to connect with talent — and, for MBA candidates, that can mean accessing more networking opportunities in less-crowded environments.

The real-world experience granted by case competitions is absolutely worth it, especially in a recruitment environment that increasingly sets its eye toward skills-based hiring. Case competitions for MBA students provide valuable networking opportunities with peers, industry professionals, and potential employers. Winning or even simply participating in competitions can significantly boost a resume, showcasing your ability to handle pressure and solve complex issues outside of an academic setting. Not only that, but the feedback from judges, who are often industry leaders, can provide insights and learning opportunities that are hard to come by in a classroom.

Cramming your schedule with classes, extracurriculars, and a jam-packed social calendar? We get it – time is precious. But amidst the hustle, case challenges offer a double win: boost your resume and fill any gaps, while opening doors to valuable connections. At these events, you’ll network with recruiters, executives, and future colleagues from top companies, building vital industry connections and potential mentorship opportunities. Case competitions? Not just a resume booster, but a launchpad for your career.

Both! So make sure to read the description for each case competition carefully. Some take place in person, virtually, or a combination of both!

The duration of case challenges can vary greatly, ranging from a few intense weeks to several months, depending on the specific competition and its goals.

Always check the individual challenge’s website or submission page for its specific start and end dates. This will give you a clear picture of the overall time frame involved.

The amount of actual work you commit within that timeframe will depend on several factors:

1. Team structure: Working collaboratively can distribute tasks and workload, potentially making the experience more manageable.
2. Challenge format: Some challenges have specific work phases with deadlines, while others offer more flexibility.
3. Your own approach: You can dedicate as much or as little time as you feel comfortable with, balancing the challenge with your other commitments.

Remember, while some challenges require concentrated effort, they also aim to be engaging and educational. Effective teamwork and good time management can make the experience rewarding and enjoyable.

Additional tip: Many competitions offer resources and support, such as forums or mentors, to help participants manage their time and workload effectively.

Submit your organization’s case competition for consideration using this form.