At the beginning of the winter semester, MBA student Aaron Wu (right) led the team of Goodman graduate students that competed at the MBA Games, an annual academic, athletic and spirit competition. Aaron reflects back on his MBA Games experience.
The MBA Games are a national competition where MBA students from across Canada compete in challenges that focus on academics, athletics and spirit. Many Goodman students describe it as the most transformational experience of their graduate degree. What makes MBA Games so special?
Personally it’s the passion and the sense of belonging to the business community that make MBA Games so special. The competition itself is only the foundation of the MBA Games. The networking opportunities with other schools of business and with top employers from across the country is what this event is truly about. Moreover, I loved how the Goodman spirit and Goodman brand at the Games was definitely noted by other teams.
How did the Goodman team prepare for the Games?
Jason Barfoot (Goodman staff member) and I helped select the team members and scheduled, planned and attended the practices before the games. There is so much that goes into the preparation and without the support of the faculty it would be a huge challenge, so special thanks to them. We had three subcommittees to help coordinate and organize the video, fundraising and opening dance. We practised our sports four days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and the case competition teams met together once a week. We could not have prepared for the games without the support and dedication of the team members.
What was your favourite moment of MBA Games?
The most memorable moment of MBA Games for me was winning the first basketball match. In past MBA Games, we had not won a single basketball match, but this year we made it to the quarter finals which is a huge breakthrough! Although we lost the quarter final game to the championship team (DeGroote School of Business), we did our best and the score was really close. One player, Kevin, was always waving his white towel from the bench and cheering for the team just like an NBA player. The excitement was indescribable and there was not a better moment than that Goodman victory.
As one of two team captains, you organized Goodman’s participation in MBA Games. What leadership skills have you gained from this experience?
As co-captain, I helped lead and motivate the team to help create the most enjoyable and positive experience for the team as possible. During the weekend, I was there to liaise between the event staff and team to make sure everyone was where they needed to be, there when they needed to be there and support them when they were competing.
Why should graduate students get involved with case competitions like MBA Games?
As a graduate student, you don’t always get the chance to network with MBA students from across Canada in both the academic area and the athletic arena. The MBA Games can provide you with this eye-opening experience. At the MBA Games, the Goodman graduate students created long-lasting bonds not only with each other but also with students from other business schools. Moreover, MBA Games is your chance to get a feeling of the Canadian business community. By networking with the employers and other business professions, you can surely feel the passion and learn more.
