When the team was formed, we started working together on power point presentations, our strength and weaknesses, brainstorming ideas of what the question might be on the day of the competition, what areas it could cover. Anything to prepare us for the competition! Eton College instructors, Anna-Marie and Nazmi were both our mentors and helped us throughout the process. Our principal, John, was also present at some of our practice presentations and gave us helpful advice. As the weeks went by, there were times where at times, we felt like giving up from all the stress but as a team, we worked things out. The day to present was getting closer, and we were filled with a mix of nervousness and excitement.
Day 1, October 19, we were given a room at the Ramada Hotel in Vancouver. We had a little team talk and then got ready for the gala event that was happening at Stanley Park. At the gala, we were one of the teams that arrived first. The venue was really nice! It was my first time at that kind of a fancy event and the experience was amazing. We got to meet many professionals from the industry and our fellow competitors that were just as nervous and excited as us. At the gala, there were times that we separated to meet other people and put ourselves out there. Every now and then, we would go back to our team and have a quick re-cap and separate again. It was nerve racking talking to a random professional, but it worth it as you get to know them and get the chance to get their business card. It is definitely a way to have a connection! It was a great night!
Day 2, October 20, we had arranged for an early meetup at 6:45 am at the Pan Pacific Hotel, where the competition was being held. We were tired and sleepy yet the excitement took over. The competition began and we drew the number for when will we present and shockingly, we were to present!!! By 7:30 am we were given the question. The research and putting the power point all together had to be done in about 4-5 hours. The first presentation, which was us, Eton College, presented at 1:30 pm and IT WAS SCARY! All eyes were on us and we did not know what to expect. However, during the presentation, it was going well. The team had its moment and we were starting to feel more confident. We answered the judges’ questions and overall, we did well. At the end of all the presentations, the judges had their time to recap and discuss. Although we did not win first place, we still felt like winners because we were given the opportunity to meet professionals in our career industry, and we got the chance to show and share our knowledge to our fellow competitors.
Overall, the Link BC Case Competition was an amazing experience! If I were given another chance to do it all over again next year, I would not hesitate to do so. I would be able to share my knowledge and experience after this year’s competition.
