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IESE MBB Case Competition

Prize money / networking, 1^st Year MBA

Case Competitions are a cornerstone of the IESE MBA experience, combining academic rigor with real-world problem-solving. The MBB Case Competition is the first major Case Competition of the year, and simulates the high-pressure environments of Strategy Consulting, giving students a platform to sharpen analytical thinking, teamwork, structured communication, and executive presence.

Beyond skill-building, the IESE MBB Case Competition offers a direct exposure to the leading Strategy Consulting firms McKinsey, BCG, and Bain & Co., providing first year MBAs with real networking opportunities, mentorship, and often, fast-track recruitment options.

At IESE, organizing an MBB-sponsored Case Competition as the first major competition of the academic year carries strategic importance:

1. Early Engagement with Top Talent: By hosting the competition early, MBB firms gain first access to high-potential students before internship recruiting peaks. This fosters early relationships and helps shape students’ perception of the firm.
2. Student Motivation and Momentum: Kicking off the year with an elite competition energizes the student body. It sets a high standard of excellence, motivates students to start preparing for interviews early, and reinforces the school’s reputation as a launchpad for consulting careers.
3. Showcasing IESE’s Strengths: Organizing such an event allows IESE to highlight its collaborative culture, rigorous academics, and student leadership. It’s also a way to engage faculty and alumni in a meaningful, high-impact activity.
4. Recruiter Commitment: For firms like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, associating with IESE early in the year helps them assess campus engagement and prioritize candidates, especially as internship slots are limited and competitive.
5. Prestige and Visibility: An MBB-led competition signals academic excellence and career relevance, attracting top-tier candidates and boosting IESE’s global positioning in consulting circles.

In short, an MBB Case Competition at IESE isn’t just a contest — it’s a strategic initiative that benefits students, firms, and the school community alike.

IESE International Roland Berger Case Competition

Prize money / networking / internship opportunities, 1^st Year MBA

As business becomes increasingly global and interconnected, IESE Business School has taken the lead in bringing together future business leaders from Europe, North America, and Asia for a dynamic event that blends learning, collaboration, and high-stakes competition.

Founded in 1995, the IESE International Roland Berger Case Competition has grown into one of the most anticipated annual MBA events. Co-hosted by IESE and the global strategy consultancy Roland Berger, the competition convenes top MBA talent from leading business schools worldwide to tackle real-world business challenges under intense time pressure.

Selected participants represent the best of their programs and gain a unique opportunity to work on a complex, relevant case that mirrors the realities of consulting and strategic problem-solving. With the guidance of experienced Roland Berger consultants, teams are coached on analytical rigor, structured thinking, and effective storytelling, culminating in presentations before a jury of senior executives and industry leaders.

Beyond the competition itself, the event fosters meaningful connections. Participants engage with international peers, gain exposure to the consulting world through direct interaction with Roland Berger professionals, and experience the rich culture and energy of Barcelona, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

More than a contest, this competition is a launchpad for future leaders and a celebration of global talent, strategic thinking, and cross-cultural exchange