In January, our team of third-year students, Michelle (SFM), Madison (SFM), Jaiden (SFM) and Bonita (AFM), had the exciting opportunity to represent the University of Waterloo at the ACHIEVE Case Competition in Toronto!
From the moment we arrived, the competition was filled with incredible learning opportunities and the chance to network with inspiring professionals. The weekend kicked off with interactive icebreakers on Friday afternoon, followed by a workshop on mental resilience. The speakers framed the concept of mental strength in a unique way— comparing mental fitness to physical fitness and making the point that they are both key aspects of staying healthy in all aspects of life, including your career.
The case competition challenged us to develop strategies for navigating startups under a tight deadline. With just one hour to analyze the case and 15 minutes to present our solution, there was a combination of excitement and nerves as we prepared. Ultimately, we crafted a solid presentation deck, incorporating projected financial statements and governance recommendations to support our strategy.
Reflecting on the case, we agreed that it was an amazing learning opportunity that provided us the opportunity to combine fundamental skills we have been developing throughout our classes and our co-ops! The biggest challenge, and our takeaway, is to make sure we remain accounting-oriented. It was easy to get carried away by the financial statements, but the inclusion of more specific accounting standards and recommendations would have made the presentation a lot stronger.
The weekend wrapped up with the ACHIEVE Gala, a celebration of all participants' hard work and a chance to reflect on the valuable lessons learned.
Overall, ACHIEVE 2025 was an incredible opportunity and we’re looking forward to applying our newfound knowledge at future competitions!