Amanda Rushton, MBA 20
When considering MBA programs, the John Molson School of Business was my first choice. I knew that I wanted to be part of a community that emphasizes authenticity, collaboration, diversity and engagement through experiential learning.
Within the John Molson MBA, the case competition program is perhaps the most well-known experiential opportunity. With no previous business background, I did not know what case competitions were before starting my MBA. However, after speaking with several case competition alumni about the various ways to participate (i.e., as a competitor, a competition organizer or a facilitator), I knew I simply couldn’t miss out, regardless – and perhaps because of – how far outside of my comfort zone it would push me.
Throughout my time in the MBA program, I became involved in all aspects of case competitions. I had the opportunity to represent John Molson in some of the most prestigious competitions on the circuit. As the oldest and largest MBA case competition in the world, the John Molson MBA International Case Competition is the gold standard for graduate competitions and is the faculty’s flagship MBA event. Naturally, I was thrilled to be selected as a member of the 2019 competing team, supported by a dedicated group of faculty and volunteer alumni coaches. This experience was made even more special through the efforts of the competition’s organizing committee and volunteers – my MBA colleagues and friends who worked tirelessly to welcome 36 international teams and hundreds of judges and volunteers.
I also had the immense privilege of serving as the President of the MBA Case Competition Committee (CCC). This allowed me to collaborate with faculty and the other CCC executives to provide strategic guidance, promote engagement and support the growth of the MBA case competition program. It was an incredible opportunity to give back to the program while building my leadership, problem-solving and communication skills.
Although I was involved in several experiential learning opportunities outside of case competitions, ranging from the MBA Society to the Community Service Initiative and the MBA 50th Anniversary, the case competition program was the highlight of my time at John Molson and a transformative experience. It enabled me to transition to a new career in consulting – a career that I had never previously considered possible.
Most impactful of all, the case competition program – and the MBA in general – gave me a community of mentors and friends that I have continued to lean on well beyond graduation. It is these inspiring people, these cherished relationships, that make me proudest of all.
#WeAreJMSB.