Sask Polytech hosts third annual business competition
November 25, 2015 - Saskatchewan Polytechnic's School of Business hosted its third annual Business and Beyond competition today in Moose Jaw with the theme, Gearing Up for the Future. Approximately 75 high school students competed for a chance to win prizes including Sony SRS X2 mini speakers and Paradigm headphones in addition to tuition credits and textbooks towards a Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Business education.
The event has proven to be very popular with Saskatchewan high school students and the momentum continued this year. Participants competed in spirited business-themed challenges based on each of Saskatchewan Polytechnic's business diploma specialties. The top four teams from the challenges then competed in a comprehensive case study final to determine the winner. Carter Wotton, Errylson Aldean, Gage Haubrich, and Bryce Magkaski from Swift Current Comprehensive took home the top prize. Rounding out the top four were three teams from Vanier Collegiate in Moose Jaw. Xyrus Smith, Ashley Blair, and Isaac Gomez came in second. Third place was taken by Elizabeth Berenik, Alexis Jones, Shelby Robinson, and Morgan Ferraton. Kendall Bistretzan, Kim Zumsten, and Travis Ludwan came in fourth.
"Business and Beyond is a great applied learning competition for high school students interested in pursuing a career in business to solve real-world problems," shares Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. "In 2014/2015 we had 347 Business certificate enrolments. We hope the Business and Beyond competition encourages more students to consider Sask Polytech for their post-secondary education."
"There are many different areas of business and it can be daunting for high school students to find the one that interests them," said Dan MacKay, Saskatchewan Polytechnic's dean of the School of Business. "Business and Beyond allows them to explore their options in a fun and interactive way. It also shows them the hands-on learning environment that they will experience at Saskatchewan Polytechnic."
Participants were able to ask questions at display booths featuring each of Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Business diploma specialties: Accountancy, Financial Services, Human Resources, Insurance, Management, and Marketing. There were also displays providing information about student recruitment and the campus students' association, available co-operative education programs, and amenities in Moose Jaw.
"Congratulations to all the teams participating in the Business and Beyond competition," Advanced Education Minister Scott Moe said. "It is wonderful that high school students have the opportunity to showcase their skills and experience some of the programs available at Saskatchewan Polytechnic."