Be a leader in problem-solving
Case competitions give Tippie students the chance to show their ingenuity and leadership skills on a national stage. Demonstrate your career-readiness by representing a Tippie team and competing to identify and solve problems while persuasively communicating solutions.
What are case competitions?
Case competitions are unique applied-learning experiences that combine traditional learning with real-life knowledge application. During competitions, student teams from universities across the country and around the globe work to present solutions to hot-button issues in the business world.
During competitions you'll collaborate with your teammates to analyze a prompt that describes an in-depth challenge to a business, brainstorm solutions, and prepare and deliver a powerful presentation to a panel of judges who will provide feedback that will help sharpen your skills. Case competitions are intense events that offer valuable experience that mimics what you'll face in the real world.
"Does facial recognition technology violate citizens' constitutional rights?"
"How should a tech company transition to sustainable packaging?"
"Is it worthwhile for businesses to invest in cryptocurrency?"
Most competitions offer cash prizes to the winning teams. Beyond prizes, students get to network with corporate partners and recruiters to make career connections, meet other talented students from around the world, and of course, have fun. All participants' travel, lodging, and meals are paid for by Tippie.
How are teams selected?
Teams are selected by staff from the Tippie Undergraduate Program Office (UPO) and Frank Business Communication Center. Interested students are reviewed based on their availability and fit for each competition. To be considered for a case competition team, complete the interest form.
Receive credit for Tippie RISE
Once selected for a team, students receive permission to enroll in BUS:3920 (Business Case Competitions Professional Preparation). This experiential course can be used to satisfy Tippie RISE and is an academic course built to coach participants in the skills needed to succeed at the competition. Training involves meetings with the competition's faculty and staff advisors and with your team.
Learn more about National Case Competition opportunities
Eller Collegiate Ethics Case Competition
Hosted by Eller College of Management's Center for Leadership Ethics at University of Arizona.
Cornhusker Case Competition
Hosted by Nebraska Business Honors Academy at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Restricted to Tippie Honors Society members.
National Diversity Case Competition (NDCC)
Hosted by Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.
Marshall International Case Competition (MICC)
Hosted by Marshall School of Business at University of Southern California.
Engineering and Commerce Case Competition (ENGCOMM)
Hosted in Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.
National Women's Case Competition
Hosted by McCombs School of Business at University of Texas-Austin and Apple, Inc.
Increase your network and career opportunities
Participating in case competitions can lead to increased connections with fellow competitors from all around the world. Traveling to national case competitions gives Tippie students the chance to meet people from other schools and corporate partners who may not always recruit at the University of Iowa.
"What an unforgettable journey my Apple internship has been!"
Case competition participants are given the opportunity to meet countless important contacts and to explore internship and career connections in the process. Companies like Apple, 3M, AbbVie, Target, and many more sponsor national competitions across the country and are eager to connect with students like you.
Want more info?
For more information and answers to any questions you might have, please email Tevin Robbins, Associate Director of Tippie Student Engagement & Leadership Development at tevin-robbins@uiowa.edu and Meredith Ringel-Ensley, Associate Director of Frank Business Communication Center and Adjunct Instructor at meredith-ringel-ensley@uiowa.edu.