Case Competition

Learn all about business case competitions

Written by

CFI Team

Updated January 6, 2023

What is a Case Competition?

A case competition is an event where contestants compete to create the best solution to a business case study within the rules and guidelines set out by the organizer. Cases may be designed for individuals or teams, and contestants have to submit their work for judging by a panel. Judges typically use a rubric to grade participants, based on predefined criteria. CFI’s Financial Modeling Competition is an example of an international event where contestants can win up to $10,000 in cash prizes.

Types of Case Competitions

There are various types of competitions, and they are usually related to business or education. Some of the most common types include:

• Financial modeling – contestants build an Excel model to value a business or a transaction
• Consulting – management and strategy consulting topics related to business
• Investment banking – typically centered around a transaction such as mergers & acquisitions (M&A)
• Stock pitches – participants must pitch a long or short investment idea for a public security
• Research – research topics can vary widely, including sciences and humanities
• Data analysis – topics can include big data, mathematics, and quantitative topics

Prizes

Many competitions offer prizes that are awarded to winning teams or individuals. While there is a big range for cash prizes, there are several competitions that award approximately $10,000 to winners.

Examples of competitions have that $10,000 (or more) in cash prizes include the National Investment Banking Competition (NIBC), the Harvard Case Competition, CFI’s Financial Modeling Competition, the John Molson MBA Case Competition, and ModelOff.

Why Enter?

Entering competitions is a great way to boost your resume and advance your career. They are especially popular among undergraduate students and MBA students who want to add some valuable extracurricular activities to their resume.

Top reasons to enter a competition may include:

• Learn new skills
• Build confidence
• Win cash prizes
• Develop leadership skills
• Make new friends
• Improve your resume

Financial Modeling Competition

CFI hosts the global Financial Modeling & Valuation Competition where contestants are challenged to download a data pack with financial information, company information, and a specific situation that they need to build a model for.

Judges evaluate participants on a scorecard that includes criteria such as structure, design, accuracy, insight, and overall quality of recommendations. Enter the competition now to compete with analysts around the world for a chance to win $10,000 in prizes.

Additional Resources

CFI is the official provider of the FMVA™ Analyst Certification that teaches the full range of financial analyst skills required to rise up the ranks in a career. To continue learning and advancing your career, check out these additional CFI resources: