Tackling the Case

Under the pressure of a ticking clock, new C. T. Bauer College of Business students evaluated real problems from industry and pitched real-world applicable solutions during the Bauer First Year Case Competition. 

The event, which was sponsored by BP, challenged participants to identify innovative, ethical and cost-conscious solutions in the energy industry. The HUB for Student Success and the Rockwell Career Center (RCC) hosted the event on campus for interested freshmen and transfer students. After receiving the case, students worked in groups to create eight-minute presentations.  

“Our main initiative at The HUB is to get students involved and engaged as much as possible,” Program Manager for Student Experience Dell Ivy said. “I really enjoy seeing how the students collaborate with one another and build connections. It's also good for them to compete and explore what their career may look like.” 

BP Senior Manager for Gulf Coast Gas Operations Justin Cade was a judge at the competition. He said the case was a great opportunity for students to analyze possible solutions to make their recommendations.  

“Colleges like Bauer that give experiential opportunities are really inspiring for us because we get to see the students work to solve real-life problems,” Cade said. “Additionally, it serves the students and the company to interact and form relationships.” 

Management information systems sophomore Fabia Neto participated in the case competition and said the experience helped her understand the full picture of a problem and think outside of the box. 

She added that by working with others, the case competition built her confidence. 

“I'm a very introverted person, so I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone,” Neto said. “I've been leaning into the growth comes from that.” 

Finance junior Alexander Vergara said he got involved with the case competition because he wanted to get more experience communicating academic ideas. Throughout the program’s duration, Vergara enjoyed putting himself in the headspace of a major company. 

“It's been very interesting and challenging, especially because of the time frame," he said. “This is my first case competition, and I'll definitely want to do more in the future.” 

Students can learn more about opportunities to get involved at Bauer by connecting with The HUB for Student Success.