Accounting students Alyse Souza, Alex Kurowski and Rachel Fils represented Cleveland State University in the Peoples Bank Case Competition on February 10th, 2017.

The group travelled to Marietta, Ohio where they competed against other Colleges of Business and presented an outstanding report and presentation. The group worked with faculty Dan Kaminsky and Maryann Lawrence to develop their paper.

"The 50+ page report included an extensive risk assessment, cash flow analysis, strategic planning and detailed, comprehensive marketing plan," said Alyse Souza. "Truly every discipline was represented in our study and I will certinaly keep the product of our labor in my portfolio for years."

As for their experience, all three students agreed that there were not only valuable and lasting lessons in collaboration and teamwork, but that it was an enriching, engaged learning experience that they will always remember.

"The Peoples Bank Competition was one of the most valuable events I participated in while at CSU," said Alex Kurowski. "It gave our group the chance to collaborate like we were in a real business setting. I felt this was the capstone to all of my undergraduate courses. Having the ability to apply information learned in school to a real-life scenario was exciting. This case proved to me that CSU really does prepare one for the real world."

"The Peoples Bank Case Competition was one of the best experiences I could have asked to be a part of," added Rachel Fils. "I learned so much about the business world and how it works, not only from the case itself, but also from the students and faculty I worked with. I also had the opportunity to improve my presentation and communication skills.  I really enjoyed getting to know Alyse, Alex, and the accounting faculty outside of class, and I had a lot of fun working with them on this project.  This is definitely an experience I will never forget!"

"The competition was an incredible experience for each of us," added Alyse. "It was an intense, focused and expansive application of business knowledge we have been able to acquire through our education at CSU. We were able to take our students and put them to use in real-world decision-making and problem solving scenarios. I will fondly remember the Peoples Bank Case Competition as one of the most enriching educational experiences at CSU and would highly recommend other students to consider competing in any case study competition they can."