Peters School of Business Students Prepare for Case Competition

A dedicated team of Business Administration (Accounting Specialization) students from the Peters School of Business are gearing up for the Accounting Matrix Case Competition in Winnipeg this weekend, bringing months of preparation, teamwork, and hands‑on learning to the forefront.

Second‑year student Hilary Renwick says the preparation process has been rigorous but rewarding. “We get cases from our instructors, meet as a group, and build presentations based on them,” she explained. Weekly practice presentations allow the team to refine their approach with detailed feedback before they face judges in Winnipeg.

The competition structure challenges students with both extended and rapid‑fire case analysis. Teams receive a case mid‑week and have 48 hours to develop recommendations and a full presentation. On Saturday, they face an even tougher test: a brand‑new case, only three hours to prepare, and a presentation shortly after. “It’s extremely beneficial,” Renwick said. “We can practice, try things, get feedback, and improve before we’re in the real pressure of competition.”

The team was selected through a formal interview process that considers academic standing, attendance, and communication skills, includes Renwick, Liam Musgraves, Davyd Kuluk, and Kristina Ivanova. Renwick credits the group’s cohesion as a key strength. “We work really well together. We communicate, and it’s just fun.”

Instructors Cheryl Bryant and Sandi Kinley, who coaches the team alongside fellow faculty, says the competition offers students experiences the classroom simply can’t. “They need the technical background, but competitions are where they build communication, teamwork, and decision‑making skills,” she said. “Employers are looking for people who can think quickly, collaborate, and make solid recommendations.”

Bryant adds that the Matrix event provides significant networking opportunities, with representatives from industry, professional organizations, and financial institutions attending. The experience is “invaluable.”

Selection for case competition teams at the Peter School of Business is intentional and structured. Second‑year students apply and participate in interviews, presentations, and evaluations. Faculty then build a team they believe can compete effectively against top-level peers.

For Bryant, the benefit is clear. “This prepares them to be successful in the workforce,” she said. “It’s a chance to apply everything they’ve learned under real pressure.”