Autorenprofil
This March, my teammate Yannick Saenger and I had the thrilling opportunity to represent Frankfurt School of Finance & Management at the HEC Business Game 2025, an intense and dynamic case competition that brings together some of the brightest young minds in business. Over two days, students from top universities worldwide tackled real-world business challenges, collaborated with industry leaders, and tested their ability to think critically under pressure. The experience was not just about solving cases – it was about adaptability, innovation, and pushing personal boundaries.
The most challenging part was that participants had to come up with solutions in 2-3 hours. Each case was unique, ranging from sustainability consulting to optimizing the product portfolio of a sports equipment distributor. What made this event stand out was the element of surprise – we had no idea what challenges lay ahead, and that unpredictability made every decision count.
One particularly exciting case required us to evaluate and articulate the value proposition of an employee development program and think of ideas on how to expand it to different countries. Our team, composed of students from four different countries, had to navigate diverse perspectives, align on a strategy, and craft a compelling pitch in record time. The most valuable lesson? Ideas are important, but execution and clarity of presentation are what set great teams apart.
The competition was a reminder that success is rarely about knowing all the answers – it’s about asking the right questions and being able to pivot when necessary. Here are some of my biggest takeaways:
If you’re considering taking part in HEC Business Game 2026, here’s what I’d recommend:
The HEC Business Game 2025 was more than just a competition – it was an eye-opening experience that tested my ability to think creatively, collaborate under pressure, and apply my knowledge in real time. Beyond the intense cases, the connections I built, the perspectives I gained, and the excitement of problem-solving at a global level made it an incredible experience. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. If you’re thinking about applying next year, go for it! You’ll come out sharper, more confident, and with a network of brilliant peers from around the world.
It’s not just about winning; it’s about learning how to adapt quickly, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both professionally and personally. Participating in an event like this pushes you outside of your comfort zone and inspires you to aim higher, think bigger, and embrace challenges with enthusiasm. We are grateful for the opportunity and can confidently say it was one of the highlights of our academic journey so far.
Co-author
Yannick Saenger
Master in Management, Class of 2026
Yannick is currently studying in the full-time Master in Management Programme at Frankfurt School. Besides his studies he is working as a working student at J.P Morgan.
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