At the University of Vermont's (UVM) Grossman School of Business, case competitions are more than just contests, they’re immersive experiences that allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. These competitions push students to think critically under pressure, collaborate effectively, and develop vital problem-solving, time management, and communication skills. Since 2012, more than 500 UVM students have represented the university in case competitions across North America and Europe, demonstrating the strength, creativity, and professionalism of Grossman Schools future business leaders.
BBUICC: UVM Goes Global in Romania
In September, UVM students took their talents to Cluj-Napoca, Romania for the Babeş-Bolyai University International Case Competition (BBUICC). The first international case competition ever held in Romania. Nestled in the heart of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca blends centuries-old history with modern vibrancy, providing an inspiring setting for the weeklong challenge.
The event hosted 12 universities from around the world, each tasked with solving two complex business cases on site. UVMs team included Alexander Rubin, Ruby Blunt, Ben Weaver, Otto Berckmueller and coach Marie-France Nelson. Students were pushed to think strategically and creatively while presenting their findings to industry professionals and academic judges. For many participants, BBUICC represented an exciting opportunity to not only test their analytical and presentation skills but also to experience cultural exchange and collaboration on a global stage.
Cornhusker Business Case Competition: Innovation Meets Ethics
Hosted by the Nebraska Business Honors Academy, the Cornhusker Business Case Competition brought together student teams from universities across the country for a unique challenge designed by students, for students. UVM was represented by Joe Anderson, Alaina Cimonetti, Sam Kyle, Anka Delos Reyes and led by coach Steve Gagner. Teams of four to five participants took on the roles of Winnerscape Entertainment, a national casino operator navigating the rapidly changing gaming and entertainment landscape. With a set budget and focus on one trial state, teams must consider how to successfully relaunch Winnerscape’s sports betting app while addressing ethical concerns and preparing the company for long-term growth.
“We had an incredible experience; I loved the opportunity to explore Lincoln and learn from the other schools in attendance,” said Joe Anderson, a sophomore at the Grossman School of Business and a member of the UVM team. “The case we received was quite challenging; we were tasked with launching an already struggling sports betting app in Nebraska. A central point of the case was how we could drive the success of the business while pushing the boundaries of ethical innovation in the gambling industry. All in all, it was a total blast, and we learned so much.”
Anderson also spoke very highly of his team. Praising the bond they formed and the trust they had in themselves along with the coaching they received from Gagner. Anderson also highlighted that as an entirely sophomore team, competition seemed stiff against some big name schools who had sent juniors and seniors to compete. Despite this seeming disadvantage, the UVM team had an exceptional performance and secured third place in the competition.
LAZSICC: Networking and Global Collaboration in Canada
Most recently, UVM students competed in the Lazaridis School International Case Competition (LAZSICC), hosted in early October by the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada. Recognized as one of Canada’s leading business schools, Lazaridis combines academic rigor with real-world application. Making the perfect environment for an intense week of competition.
Teams from across four continents gathered to tackle both short and long cases, testing their strategic thinking and teamwork under tight deadlines. UVM’s team included Joe Rob, Shannon Douglas, Hunter Jaehn and Sasha Johnson who were coached by Marie-France Nelson. For UVM participants, the experience extended far beyond the cases themselves. “I will say that my experience was great, and I appreciated almost every aspect of the week,” said Sasha Johnson. “I loved the networking opportunities with professionals in the workplace as well as with other teams across the globe.”
For Hunter Jaehn, another UVM competitor, the experience underscored just how inclusive and impactful case competitions can be. “The advice I would give to a student who wants to get into case competitions is to go to GCCA (the Grossman Case Competition Association),” he shared. “The club helps prepare students with skills applicable to case competitions and connects them with opportunities to participate. I also highly recommend starting with the Dean’s Cup. That's how I got into case competitions. Funny enough, as an Engineering Management student within CEMS, I got roped into competing by my friends in Grossman, and now I can say I truly love case competitions and will keep doing them.”
Why It Matters
Case competitions at UVM embody experiential learning at its best. Where students bridge theory and practice, build confidence, and gain hands-on experience in solving real business problems. Whether competing locally in the Dean’s Cup or internationally in places like Romania and Canada, these events foster global connections, personal growth, and professional readiness.
Some final thoughts from Joe Anderson emphasized how accessible these experiences are to any motivated student: “If someone is looking to get involved in case competitions, I would 100% recommend competing in the Dean’s Cup. It’s a great opportunity to compete, learn, and have fun in a low-stakes environment. Anka and I are helping plan it this year, and there will be a lot of fun events coming up for people to learn more and meet potential teammates.”
How To Get Involved?
As for upcoming competitions hosted at UVM, there is 13th Annual Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition (SG-FECC) in January, in which participants are faced with critical issues that are unique to family enterprise by applying the knowledge and expertise they have developed in the classroom towards solving complex family business cases.
In March, the newly revamped Grossman’s Deans Cup will be held. The Dean’s Cup provides the opportunity for undergraduate students to represent their college or university as they take on the role of a consultant and solve real-world business challenges.This in-person competition consists of two rounds held over a single day. Not only is the cup up for grabs, but students will also be competing for cash prizes, medals, networking opportunities, and limited edition Grossman merchandise!
Lastly, UVM hosts the upcoming Business Pitch Competition in April. Students who have innovative and impactful plans to start and grow either a business or a mission-driven organization are invited to apply. The presentation and pitch must demonstrate a viable business solution and plan that addresses an existing consumer need, or can create one, identifies a target market, and outlines the operational and management plan for success.
About the Author:
Payton Holm is a sophomore undergraduate student at the University of Vermont studying Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She is a Social Media and Marketing intern for Grossman School and has a strong interest in writing and reporting.
Photos: Courtesy of LinkedIn, Ben Chiappinelli
