Okanagan College’s School of Business earned more hardware last weekend in the areas of accounting and human resources when two teams of students made their way to the podium in two separate western Canadian business competitions.
In Winnipeg, Okanagan College’s team of Lexi Keen and Rue Mulimba took silver in the 2015 CPA Case Competition, after qualifying in a competitive preliminary round in February. They were second only to Thompson Rivers University; other finalists included the University of Alberta, University of Regina, Mount Royal University, and a second team from Okanagan College.
“This result really does speak volumes about the quality of our program as this competition is normally reserved for third- and fourth-year students,” said OC professor and team coach Adrian Fontenla. “Our team included a second-year student.”
In Calgary, Okanagan College’s Bria Young, Ryan Lazauskas and Miranda Birkbeck finished third in the 2015 HRC West case competition. HRC West includes a preliminary and final round. Okanagan College advanced to the finals along with the University of Alberta and the host team from Mount Royal University.
“Competing in the HRC West was a great experience,” said fourth-year business student Bria Young. “It was a very competitive field and so it was nice to place.”
Young will be graduating with a degree in business this June and says the experience she has gained from participating in competitions with the College has been invaluable.
“It gives you an opportunity to gain practical experience while still in school,” she said. “You get to find solutions to real problems faced by companies and apply your education. I’ve also made a huge improvement in my public speaking and am much more comfortable presenting in front of groups and that is something I will definitely benefit from once I enter the workforce.”
The college’s HRC West team was coached by professors Laura Thurnheer and Roger Wheeler.
“Our top three result really demonstrates the abilities of our students,” said Wheeler. “It was tough competition, and I was impressed with the poise and professionalism they displayed under pressure. They represented our school very well.”
