Understanding the value of encouraging students to explore business and IT, CGI’s office in Regina, Saskatchewan reached out to sponsor a first-ever business case competition for high school students across the province.

Students from eight high schools competed in an intense, two-day event that involved analyzing a business case, proposing a solution and presenting the solution to a panel of industry experts. Business and academic leaders also shared their expertise and helped “prep” the students for the challenge of deconstructing a business case under “pressure cooker” conditions.

In addition to building the students’ business knowledge and skills, the event also taught them the value of networking and collaboration through a variety of activities, including an air band competition, skits, team cheers and more.

Three teams made it to the finals and, in the end, a high school in Regina, Campbell Collegiate, took home the title, “Business High School of the Year.”

As a sponsor of the event, CGI donated money to fund it and also handed out pens and memo pads to the students.

The competition, organized by the Business Education Students Society and the Saskatchewan Business Teachers Association, was such a success that initial planning is already underway for a second case competition next year.

“CGI welcomes opportunities like this to invest in young people and help develop their business knowledge and career aspirations,” said Vice President Jim Dundas. “It’s a win-win situation because it not only benefits our local communities but provides potential recruits for CGI as these students go on to pursue a higher education and hopefully a career in business and IT.”