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 CFA charterholder.
  • Learn from seasoned professionals and gain real-world experience.
  • Connect with potential employers.
  • Cash prizes.

Explore the Research Challenge. For more information, email Dr. David Burnie.

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 Dr. Matthew Ross.

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.

Explore the FSP Industry Issue Competition. 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.