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Earlier this month, Aaryamann and I had the incredible opportunity to represent Frankfurt School at the Solvay Business Game in Brussels, one of the most prestigious student competitions in the world. With over 300 brilliant minds selected from top B-schools worldwide, this two-day event was nothing short of exhilarating, intellectually demanding, and, at times, downright chaotic (in the best way possible!).
Pitch Challenge by McKinsey & Company
First up was the McKinsey Challenge, where we had to tackle real-world HR dilemmas related to talent acquisition, employee retention, and workforce strategy. Picture this: a room full of sleep-deprived yet ambitious students, frantically brainstorming ways to help companies retain employees while making hiring processes seamless. Our strategy? A mix of AI-driven talent matchmaking, employee well-being programs, and just a sprinkle of “please don’t quit” incentives. This challenge pushed us to think ahead, leverage data, and craft solutions that were not only innovative but also executable.
Negotiation Challenge by BDO
Next, we walked into what can only be described as a corporate battlefield, the Negotiation Challenge by BDO. This was our absolute favourite! Teams were divided into buyers and sellers, negotiating the sale of a highly controversial piece of land. And just when we thought we had all the facts, the organizers kept throwing in surprise information at intervals, twists, hidden liabilities, ethical dilemmas. It was like Monopoly, but with actual stakes.
We had to navigate through corporate politics, strategic bluffing, and some top-tier poker faces. At one point, I was convinced we were in a full-blown real estate drama series. Did we get the best deal? Well, let’s just say we left the room feeling like Wall Street hotshots (minus the millions, of course).
AI Workshop with Microsoft
As if our brains weren’t already fried, the day ended with a Copilot AI workshop by Microsoft, where we explored how AI can revolutionize workflow automation, decision-making, and business intelligence. The workshop was insightful where we learnt how to use prompts to get the best result from copilot.
Strategy Challenge by CACEIS: Creating a Digital Global Village
On the second day, we dove into the Strategy Challenge by CACEIS, which tasked us with designing a Digital Global Village, a utopian business ecosystem that fosters global collaboration and innovation. Our team had to create a four-minute business pitch outlining the vision, business model, and execution strategy.
Let me tell you, condensing an entire world-changing idea into four minutes is no joke. With the clock ticking, we crafted a pitch that was bold, futuristic, and just the right amount of convincing (or so we hoped). The experience gave us a deep appreciation for high-pressure decision-making and storytelling, a must-have skill in the business world.
The Grand Finale: Closing Ceremony & Networking Overload
After two days of back-to-back challenges, we finally made it to the closing ceremony, a moment to celebrate, reflect, and, most importantly, network like our careers depended on it (because, well, they kind of do). We had the chance to connect with industry leaders, recruiters, and fellow students from across the globe. Conversations flowed, LinkedIn requests were sent at the speed of light, and we even managed to sneak in some Belgian waffles to reward ourselves for surviving the madness.
Looking back, the Solvay Business Game was a truly unforgettable experience. It tested our analytical thinking, strategic planning, and ability to work under pressure. More importantly, it was an absolute blast. We walked away with not just new skills but also new friends, incredible memories, and a renewed passion for tackling real-world business challenges.
Would we do it again? Absolutely. But next time, we’re bringing a suitcase just for all the free merchandise.
Most importantly we are grateful to Frankfurt school to have supported us in the entire journey.
Co-authors
Aaryamann Bhaskar
Master in Management at Frankfurt School, class of 2026
Aaryamann Bhaskar is currently studying for Master in Management at Frankfurt School, specializing in Global Strategy concentration.
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