Between September 14th and 20th, 11 universities from five continents met in Romania to take part in the country’s first-ever International Case Competition. The event, hosted by Babeș-Bolyai University, took place in Cluj-Napoca in Transylvania, an important economic center and growing tech hub.
Representing IE University and IE Business School were fifth-year Bachelor in Business Administration students Daniel Yebra Ruiz and Pilar Toboso Cárdenas, and third-year Dual Degree in Business Administration + Data & Business Analytics students Gabriel Ferraz Girotto and Henry Stehling.
Despite all being first-time participants at a global business competition, the team clearly impressed a jury comprising economists and business leaders. Their dedication across two challenging assignments saw them take first place, to their own professed surprise. More than proving their technical skills and knowledge, this incredible achievement is a testament to the talent, dedication and drive of our students. With their teamwork and innovation, they showed exactly what it means to pursue the Next Best You.
The journey to Romania
Gabriel initially heard about the competition while chatting with a professor. Excited about the opportunity, he pitched the idea to build a team through a student club he’s part of, 180 Degrees Consulting. The student-led consultancy, which has a branch at IE University and more than 170 others worldwide, connects students with real clients and projects.
The team was formed, and the fact that they already knew each other meant they had the perfect match of skills and chemistry to take on the challenge.
What made the team even stronger was its diversity. The students are from different corners of the globe—Spain, Brazil and the US—and each brought their own strengths to the table, from marketing know-how to financial expertise and storytelling skills. The combination of these talents ensured a well-rounded, high-performing team and also reflected IE University’s global perspective and collaborative spirit.
“The best of you comes out when you work with other people who have complementary abilities,” observed Daniel.
A global experience like no other
The BBU International Case Competition consisted of two challenges: first, a six-hour case focused on improving inclusivity for people with disabilities in a high-tech Romanian shopping mall. The second was a 24-hour case that looked at enhancing customer experience for one of the region’s largest oil and gas companies. Both tasks came with strict rules, including no phones or internet, and for the longer challenge, they were locked in a hotel room for 24 hours with minimal outside contact.
It wasn’t without its hurdles. At one point in the later stages of the 24-hour challenge, their Excel model suddenly corrupted, and they spent an anxious 40 minutes thinking they might have lost all their work—17 hours of it. Fortunately, they managed to recover the file.
Despite the potentially stressful situation, the team stayed positive, determined to have fun during the process and make the most of every moment. They found energy in their teamwork and a shared sense of humor, and even managed to grab around three hours’ sleep!
Building bonds through culture
It wasn’t all work, though. With the help of their Romanian coach, Bogdan, they also had the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture. The agenda included time to explore the area and try traditional food. They also met locals who, they say, were incredibly welcoming.
“It really felt almost like a family thing that we were a part of. It felt like home,” says Gabriel.
The team went into the competition with few expectations, simply keen to learn and gain international experience. Looking back, they believe that their positive mindset, team chemistry and diverse skill sets were key to their success. They describe finding out they’d won as “a proud moment,” and say they’re thankful for the opportunity to give back to the IE Community.
Lessons beyond winning
The team agrees that their time at IE University has played a huge part in their success. Through countless group projects, presentations and experiential learning, they’ve developed the confidence and adaptability to perform under pressure.
“IE University prepares you for presenting and working in global groups,” Henry explains.
“By the time we were presenting in front of the executives, it didn’t feel like much because we’d already done it six or seven times last semester.”
They also credit IE University’s entrepreneurial mindset and strong focus on business education for shaping how they approached each challenge.
“The entrepreneurial drive here constantly puts us in the mentality of problem-solving,” Pilar says.
That practical, solutions-oriented approach, combined with the diversity of perspectives they learn to value in the classroom, helped them stand out to the jury and strengthened their leadership development journey.
Their advice to other students? “Take the initiative, even if it’s something you’ve never thought about doing.” For them, winning was just a bonus; the real achievement was the growth and confidence that the experience of taking themselves outside their comfort zones gave them. “I got so many ideas around ways of working and living that I now get to apply to my personal and professional life,” reflects Pilar.
Taking the global journey further
This achievement shows just how far teamwork, a global perspective and a willingness to take the opportunities you’re presented with can take you. In this inspiring team’s case, their story doesn’t end in Romania.
As champions, they soon learned that they’ve qualified for another global business competition—this time in Mexico. Their journey continues, opening new doors, new experiences and new opportunities to discover their next best you.
