I came. I saw. I conquered

What to expect

A business competition is like any other tournament. Teams are given a challenge and the winners move to the next round, paving their way to the final. The finale is often a grand event. The top three teams are awarded. 

There is a wide plethora of tasks that may be given; it varies from one competition to another. Zulfiquer Ali Haider is a Core Faculty Member, Department of Management, School Of Business and Economics at North South University. As the Faculty Advisor of the university's business club, Young Entrepreneurs Society (YES!), he has overseen this year's Ad Maker Bangladesh, a competition organised by the student club. "The tasks in Ad Maker are related to building promotional campaigns," he informed. "Teams have to come up with promotional strategies and tactics and even make TVCs. Tasks in business competitions generally include case solving, creating business plans, designing Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) plans and solving real life business problems."

Why participate?

For many, it's the thrill of the competition. While for many others, it is the opportunity to do something for their institution – to win one for the university and bring the pride home.

Of course, there are other reasons. "A business competition allows students to apply what we teach in the classroom. It is the perfect training ground where students work either in simulated reality or, sometimes, in the real business world itself," Zulfiquer, a businessman himself, discusses the learning opportunities. "In this sense, it gives you experience and makes you better prepared for what's out there in the world of business and commerce."

Another common reason cited is that it makes your CV more attractive. Being a champion in a competition is not only prestigious, but also a reflection of your capability. And it's not just the technical capability we are talking about: acing competitions require perseverance, strong sportsmanship and being a good team player.  

Understand (and accept) the drawbacks

A semester, by itself, is a race for survival. With numerous project, assignments, quizzes, exams and so on, you have a lot on your plate. When you add the pressure of a business competition, the stress can become overwhelming.

If you are not good at juggling and still decide to enrol in one of these competitions, your courses (and your CGPA in the long run) may take the blow. The competitions are very demanding. In one moment, you might be looking forward to a relaxing weekend, and in the next, you will be on your toes planning to spend a couple of nights with your teammates to turn in a task.

These competitions sometimes throw down seemingly impossible deadlines, and sooner or later, they will cross roads with your quizzes and exams. "Excelling in competitions is no excuse to flunk exams," Zulfiquer declares. "Extracurricular activities are important; so is your academic performance."

Remember, those who win business competitions are also not free of academic load; they know how to deal with it. Be warned: the combined pressure of studies and competition will take a toll on your mind and make a circus out of your schedule. Before you sign up, make sure you are confident that you can survive the ride without making a disaster of your grades.  

Still interested? Draw your team

"The most defining step is often the first one: choosing your teammates. Don't blindly go for your friends," Zulfiquer suggests. "Think about joining with those who have the ambition to succeed. Find out the nature of tasks the competition entails and seek out people who are good at it. If team members can complement each other in terms of their strengths and weaknesses, then there will be synergy, which is the whole point of team work."

 "These competitions demand strong knowledge on constructing plans, designing campaigns, analysing the business environment and so on. They also require strong presentation skills. These are things taught in the courses. So pay attention in class," Zulfiquer concludes.

A strong team may take several semesters in the making. Strike when you think you're ready. And the first attempt may not work out great. But don't quit.

Eye of the tiger!

Special thanks to Zulfiquer Ali Haider, Core Faculty Member, School of Business and Economics, North South University for sharing valuable insights for the write-up.