Happy day, readers!
September is back-to-school season, and I hope you readers have had a rewarding three weeks of school! From The Commerce Week to Career Fair, we’ve had the chance to have fun, build new connections, and adjust to our schedules. It’ll only get busier from now.
If you’re new here, warm welcomes from your passionate blog writer, Melinda Khov!
This month, I had the honour of interviewing the Commerce Students’ Association’s (CSA) Case Competition Co-Chairs, Melissa and Aisha, and the Commerce Cares Co-Chairs, Jack and Seb.
Without further ado, I present the September Scoop: CSA Case Competitions & Commerce Cares!
CSA Case Competitions: Everything You Need To Know
If you’re an Asper student, you may be looking for an opportunity to boost your business problem-solving skills and challenge yourself, while also getting the chance to earn prize money! If so, I hope you’ve heard about CSA Case Competitions.
If you haven’t—no worries. I’m here to share with you everything you need to know. First, let’s introduce the CSA Case Competition Co-Chairs, Melissa Khov and Aisha Salami!
Having entered her second year of Asper, Melissa Khov is pursuing a major in Accounting. Last year, Melissa participated in her first case competition, the 24-Hour Case Crack, and that led her to pursuing one of two Case Competition Coordinator roles. Outside of Asper, Melissa is involved in two other student groups as well.
Aisha Salami is also a second-year Asper student, interested in pursuing a double major in Finance and Marketing. Aisha also pursued the Case Competition Coordinator role, having gained experience after participating in three case competitions last year. Specifically, the IG Wealth Management Prepared Case Competition, Live Case Competition, and the ASBAA Internal Accounting Case Competition.
Along with their committee, Melissa and Aisha organize the CSA’s three case competitions.
But what are case competitions?
To break it down, case competitions give students the opportunity to work in a team to analyze and solve real-world business problems. Joining a case competition will not only give you the chance to network with peers, professionals, and make friends—it will also absolutely develop your analytical, presentation, and public speaking skills. By having case competition experience on your resume, you’ll stand out to employers.
Here in Asper, there are many case competition opportunities, including Commerce Students’ Association (CSA), Asper Case Experience (ACES), Jeux du Commerce West (JDC West), and various upcoming case competitions held by the many Asper Student Action Groups (STAGs).
Today, I’m focusing on CSA case competitions, which are held internally (within Asper) at an introductory level.
In fact, the first case competition of the year is quickly approaching. It’s the IG Wealth Management Prepared Case Competition (IGWMPCC)!
From October 3 to 17, IGWMPCC will be an exciting two-week long competition, including the Kickoff, preparation period, and Presentation Day.
The Kickoff is the first day and a chance for participants to network with their assigned team and mentor, while receiving the case and overview. Then it enters the preparation period, in which each team will have two weeks to analyze the case, prepare a solution, and build presentation slides. On the last day, Presentation Day, teams will present to a panel of judges and the top three teams will proceed to the final round.
Now in its third year, IG Wealth Management has kindly continued to sponsor this case competition. The content and company of the business problem changes each year, and participating teams will get to discover the exciting case on the Kickoff.
If you’re completely new to case competitions, then IGWMPCC is perfect for you! Participating students will compete in teams of four, and you can compete alongside your friends if you indicate your preference! Otherwise, teams will be thoughtfully assigned to include at least one experienced student. Each team will also have an assigned mentor, ready to answer questions and provide support.
If you’re unable to participate in this case competition, don’t fear. The CSA will be having two more case competitions throughout the school year.
- 24 Hour Case Crack, from November 28 to 29
- Live Case Competition – February 6 to 7
“We want to focus more on enhancing the quality of case competitions rather than increase the amount. This is the third year of CSA case competitions, so we still have lots of opportunities for growth.” – Melissa Khov, 2025-2026 Case Competition Coordinator
Overall, Melissa and Aisha’s vision for CSA case competitions is to increase quality and retention.
Actually, that’s why all CSA case competitions will now have mentors! It’s a big change from last year, which previously only had mentors for IGWMPCC. All three CSA case competitions will also have a $10 fee, as well as meals and refreshments for every participant!
“My advice is to make the most of the two-week experience: work closely with your mentors, collaborate effectively with your team, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Put in your best effort, stay open to feedback, and use this opportunity to grow your skills, both personally and professionally.” – Aisha Salami, 2025-2026 Case Competition Coordinator
Additionally, here’s a helpful link for more information about Asper’s Business Case Competitions! If you scroll down, you can also see past case documents in the “Case Library” section to get an idea of how a case might look like.
All in all, Melissa and Aisha are very grateful to their Directors of Logistics, Director of Marketing, and Vice President Academics, for helping them throughout. Needless to say, they’re looking forward to a successful first case competition of the year!
All three CSA case competitions are great opportunities, and students of all experience are welcome!
If you have any questions regarding case competitions, feel free to email [email protected]!
Get your IG Wealth Management tickets here on Hypafy, available until October 2 at 3:00 PM!
The Commerce Cares Mentorship Program
“The mentorship program is our way of introducing new Asper students to how the Asper faculty works.” – Jack Tryon, 2025-2026 Commerce Cares Co-Chair
Commerce Cares is back this September, bringing back the Commerce Cares Mentorship Program better than ever!
Right now, they’re taking mentee and mentor sign-ups until Friday, September 26! If you’re a new-to-Asper student in search of a helping hand in Asper, or a more experienced student looking to share your Asper expertise, this program is for you.
As a recently formed CSA committee, Commerce Cares is celebrating its third year and continuing to promote student wellbeing and mental health.
Meet the Commerce Cares Co-Chairs, Jack Tryon and Seb Nebre.
Jack Tryon has recently entered his second year of Asper, interested in double majoring in Accounting and Strategy and Global Management. Last year he was part of the Asper First Year Committee (FYC) as the Finance Chair, which kickstarted his involvement with the CSA and student leadership.
Now in his third year of Asper, Seb Nebre is planning on majoring in Supply Chain Management and Logistics, while also considering Accounting for a double major. In the past Seb had wanted to become more involved and meet new people in Asper, so taking on his first role as Commerce Cares Co-Chair has been one of the best decisions he’s made.
Along with their committee, Jack and Seb organize the Commerce Cares Mentorship Program, Commerce Cares Coffee House in October, and Student Appreciation Week in January.
The Commerce Cares Mentorship Program pairs new-to-Asper students with a more experienced Asper student—hence the names mentee and mentor—but really, it’s like having a friend to help you out and answer any questions you have!
By facilitating a mentorship program, Commerce Cares provides the opportunity for students in any year to make meaningful connections with other students who are also passionate about being part of the Asper community.
There are so many things to gain by being in the mentorship program. For mentees, it’s an opportunity to meet an experienced Asper student who can provide guidance, encouragement, and answers to help you navigate Asper. Or as a mentor, you’ll actively enhance a new-to-Asper student’s Asper experience by offering guidance and mentorship while developing your leadership capabilities and learning from your mentee as well. Anyone who has completed a year in Asper can become a mentor.
Mentorship pairings will be thoughtfully determined by the team, so if you’re a mentee or mentor, you’re in good hands! Things like your major of interest and hobbies will be considered during the mentorship pairing process, and there will also be a first mentorship meeting in October for everyone to meet each other.
Jack, Seb, and the whole Commerce Cares team are extremely passionate about enhancing student wellbeing, so this is a program you don’t want to miss out on.
The last day to sign up for the Commerce Cares Mentorship Program is this Friday, September 26. Become a mentee/mentor by filling out this google form!
For updates regarding the Commerce Cares Mentorship Program, Coffee House, and Student Appreciation Week, follow the Commerce Cares Instagram.
And this wraps up the September Scoop!
Thanks to Aisha, Melissa, Jack, and Seb for the wonderful interviews and advice. And thanks to you, my wonderful readers, for staying with me until the end.
I would also like to take a moment to talk about the month of September. September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s a day to reflect on the past and honour the children, survivors, and communities impacted by the residential schools. It’s also a day to commit to changes, truth, and reconciliation, and strive towards healing together.
As we spend our remaining September days, remember to stay healthy, kind, and cool for the rest of the month!
Pookie Out!