Students in the Master of Management program tested their skills Feb. 11 at the Odette School of Business in a case competition hosted by the National Bank of Canada.

Twelve teams competed to propose a marketing plan for the bank to engage and attract new Canadians. A panel of five judges from NBC selected the top three teams, awarding each a cash prize.

“The competition provided Master of Management students with a unique opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a practical business problem and receive valuable feedback on their efforts,” says Master of Management program director Brent Furneaux.

The first-place team will present its plan to NBC’s executive team and its members will have the opportunity to meet with NBC managers for an interview and resumé coaching session.

Clementa Stan, Odette career advising co-ordinator, says getting guidance will prove invaluable to the students’ futures.

“The career coaching session with leaders at NBC is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain practical insight into their interviewing and resume skills,” she says. “Students will see what companies see when reviewing applications and interviewing candidates.”

All participants enjoyed a lunch sponsored by the bank and had the opportunity to meet with company managers prior to the competition to learn more about the organization and the case.

—Sienna Ducharme