Case Study Events

Claire Harte, Northern Area Vice President

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is one of the largest student organizations that
prepares young people for careers in business, leadership, and community involvement. Among
the wide variety of competitive events offered by FBLA, case study events stand out for their
real-world application of knowledge and problem-solving skills. These events present students
with a business scenario and require them to analyze the situation, identify the issues, and
present practical solutions. Succeeding in these events requires not only confidence but also
careful preparation and practice.

The first key to success in case study events is studying the subject area of the event you are
competing in. FBLA provides study guides and topics for categories such as marketing,
management, finance, and hospitality. Reviewing textbooks, online business articles, and past
case studies can give you the background knowledge needed to handle any situation. Just like
written tests, case studies require a strong foundation of business concepts; without that, even
the best presentation skills cannot cover gaps in understanding.

Practicing with sample cases is another crucial step. Gather a teammate, advisor, or even a
friend to play the role of the judge, and work through different scenarios. Time yourself so you
get comfortable with the limited preparation period. The more you practice thinking on your feet,
the more natural your response will be during competition. It also helps to practice structuring
your answers: start with identifying the problem, propose clear solutions, and explain why those
solutions will work. Organization and clarity leave a stronger impression on judges than
scattered ideas.

Presentation skills can make or break a case study. Dress professionally, speak clearly, and
make eye contact. Confidence often matters as much as content, so practice your delivery until
you can present without reading directly from notes. Using business terminology correctly and
backing up your recommendations with logical reasoning will also set you apart from
competitors.

Finally, remember that preparation for case studies extends beyond practice. Studying for the
objective tests that are part of many FBLA events is equally important. These tests often cover
vocabulary, principles, and scenarios that can appear in the case studies themselves. Scoring
well on the tests shows that you have a complete understanding of your field, which can boost
your overall performance.

In summary, success in FBLA case study events comes from a balance of studying, practicing,
and presenting with confidence. By mastering the content, rehearsing real-world scenarios, and
polishing your presentation, you will be well prepared to excel in competition. The skills
gained—critical thinking, problem solving, and public speaking—are valuable far beyond FBLA
and will benefit you in any future career path.

- Claire Harte, Northern Area Vice President