Student Competitions

Western Michigan University finance students participate in numerous competitions each year.

Event information

Association for Corporate Growth (ACG®) Cup Western Michigan

  • Intercollegiate competition for MBA and undergraduate students.
  • Receive real-world exposure to the mergers and acquisitions industry in the West Michigan region.
  • Gain an understanding of the diverse industries served in West Michigan.
  • Connect with potential employers.
  • Engage with ACG Young Professionals.
  • Cash prizes.

Additional information can be found at the ACG® Western Michigan website.

Interested MBA students are encouraged to email Dr. David Burnie. Undergraduate students are encouraged to email Dr. Onur Arugaslan.

Chartered Financial Analysts Institute Research Challenge

  • Teams research a publicly traded company and prepare a report before presenting their work to a panel of financial experts.
  • Each team works with a Certified Financial Analyst®  charterholder.
  • Learn from seasoned professionals and gain real-world experience.
  • Connect with potential employers.
  • Cash prizes.

For more information, email Dr. David Burnie.

Community Bank Case Study Competition 

  • Undergraduate teams of 3 to 5 students research a community bank and prepare a report for submission to the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS).
  • Each team partners with a community bank to complete a case study of that institution.
  • Students engage in an experiential learning opportunity that will allow them to network with local banks, CSBS staff, and academics.
  • Scholarships for each team member if placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd.
  • 1st place team gets expense paid trip to the Annual Conference of State Bank Supervisors.
  • 1st place winners will be able to present their work to federal and state regulators, academics and industry stakeholders at the Community Banking Research Conference.

Additional information can be found at the CSBS website. 

For more information, contact Dr. Bhanu Balasubramnian

ENGAGE® International Investment Education Symposium

  • Provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis.
  • Student teams research and analyze a publicly traded company and write a research report.
  • Defend findings to a panel of industry experts.

For more information, email Mr. Daniel Haines, Certified Financial Analyst® charterholder.

Foundation for Financial Service Professionals Industry Issue Competition

  • Teams of two or three undergraduate and/or graduate students submit research that examines a critical issue of high relevance to the financial services profession.
  • Gain an understanding how professionals make a living within their career path in the financial services industry.
  • Connect with local practitioners.
  • FSP scholarship awards.

For more information, contact Dr. Wenling Lu.

The Risk Management Association (rma®) Commercial Credit Analysis Competition

  • Teams of two or three undergraduate students analyze a commercial loan request.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of banking and credit for local banking professionals.
  • Balance risk management with meeting customer needs.
  • Gain knowledge via RMA University and through an assigned local banking mentor.
  • Cash prizes.

For more information, contact Dr. Wenling Lu.