Case Competitions Help Both Students and Companies
Case Competitions Help Both Students and Companies
The 2024 Pitt Business Analytics Case Competition was held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at DICK’S Sporting Goods headquarters in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania with teams of undergraduate business students from across the U.S. The competition started with 38 teams from 26 universities. After the preliminary rounds which took place virtually, the final eight teams traveled to Pittsburgh.
This case competition is offered in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Business and DICK’S Sporting Goods. The national, data-driven strategy challenge requires undergraduate students to use their analytical techniques to solve pressing retail issues and provide creative recommendations to a panel of experts from DICK’S.
The University of Texas – Dallas finished first, taking home a $3,000 prize. Oklahoma State University finished second and Pitt Business finished third, claiming $2,000 and $1,000 prizes respectively. Other teams in the top eight represented Boston University, the University of Minnesota – Duluth, the University of Missouri – Columbia, the University of Southern California, and the University of South Carolina.
Students on the Pitt Business team included:
- Frances Adams
- Isabelle Layding
- Sophie Lu
- Hannah Ye
Strategic Partnership a Win-Win
When Becky Rhoades, associate director of First Year Experience and Career Programming at Pitt Business, took over the competition in 2020, only regional universities participated virtually. In the past four years, she has overseen the revitalization of this offering and says that the partnership with DICK’s Sporting Goods helps bring in the best and brightest students from across the country.
With business analytics of growing importance in business education, building a strong foundation as an undergraduate student is critical. All aspects of business benefit from knowing how to interpret analytics. Ryan Petrovich, senior recruiter for University Relations at DICK’S, says having that understanding “makes you extremely versatile.”
Rhoades says, “This competition gives business students, regardless of their major, the experience necessary to stand out amongst their peers in a competitive market.”
DICK’s and Pitt Business have partnered for many years. “The relationship is invaluable to this school and our students,” says Deb Good, associate dean for undergraduate business education. “Having a national firm, with corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, that is willing to work with our students in a variety of ways from guest lecturing to sponsoring case competitions, allows Pitt Business to provide our students the resources and opportunities that will help them develop their skill sets to a very high level.”
Hannah Ye (BSBA ’24) thanked Pitt Business for offering case competitions catering to many business industries and interests. She says, “These competitions often offer you the chance to present your findings to senior leaders within the industry, providing unique opportunities not only to gain valuable feedback but also to network and make professional connections.”
Skill Showcase
To win a case competition on a national scale, students must rise to the challenge. Pitt Business students gain skills inside the classroom that help their performance outside the classroom in internships, competitions, and eventually, their dream career.
Rhoades and Petrovich agree that this competition sets up all participants for success in their future careers. Petrovich believes that “this competition equips students with useful skillsets that will be valuable to them once they enter the workforce.” He notes high-value skills like critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and presentations.
Isabelle Layding (BSBA ’25) gained confidence in her presentation skills through this experience. She says, “The feeling of going in front of people with a slide deck you’re proud of, with data you know inside and out, and with awesome teammates to back you up made me feel so confident in what we were showing the judges.” She knows this skill will help her in projects throughout her time at Pitt Business and in her future career in management consulting.
Ye gained skills in creative thinking and problem-solving and says, “It is this creative, out-of-the-box thinking that is crucial for any career I plan on pursuing.” She has competed in other case competitions and enjoys working with different teams. “The variety teaches me so much about how I adapt to different team dynamics and how my role can evolve in response to those changes.”
The Power of Analytics at Pitt Business
Rhoades says, “This competition prepares students by challenging their skills, all while providing an opportunity to connect with recruiters who see their talent put to action.”
As AI makes companies more data-oriented, Pitt’s undergraduate business program now requires data analytics courses and offers a Business Analytics major or certificate as options for further focus. For more information, contact: admissions@business.pitt.edu.