Cancarb supports experiential learning at MHC
Medicine Hat College (MHC) students are being given an opportunity to participate in experiential learning, thanks to a generous donation from Cancarb Limited.
The donation is in support of the MHC Case Club, an initiative which allows students in the business administration program to apply their knowledge in accounting, finance, management, and marketing, to create solutions to real business problems.
Each year, students are coached by instructors, Miranda Davies and Dillon Batsel, and work in teams to analyze business cases, create solutions, and present, all within a time constraint. Groups of MHC students who perform best during regional competitions will also be given the opportunity to compete in the provincial Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition and national Vanier National Marketing Competition, which takes place in Montreal.
Davies says participation in case competitions is an opportunity to network with industry professionals and business students from across Canada, gain practical experience, and the confidence to continue their education beyond the college level.
“We sincerely appreciate the generosity of Cancarb, allowing our students to reap the benefits of participating in case competitions,” says Davies. “Students who have participated in the past have said their experience in Case Club has allowed them to develop confidence in their work, interpersonal skills, and public speaking experience, which they have carried forward with them throughout their careers. We’re excited to continue to mentor students through this program, thanks to this donation.”
In addition to their financial contribution to the program, representatives from Cancarb Ltd. also served as guest judges in an internal preparatory case competition on Feb. 9, providing an additional opportunity for mentorship from local industry professionals.
Brad Thompson, director of global sales and marketing for Cancarb says supporting MHC students helps to give back to the region through hands-on learning opportunities which help them thrive in the workplace. As a leading developer and manufacturer of thermal black carbon, the organization employs a wide variety of professionals, including power engineers and keys trades, along with information technology, human resources and administrative professionals.
“Cancarb appreciates the continued opportunity to provide support to Medicine Hat College and their student body. Experiential learning is an important aspect of the education process and one that will carry on as students filter out into their professions,” says Thompson.
As a local business servicing a global customer-base in several different industries, Cancarb provided a unique and engaging case study for the students, asking them to outline the advantages and disadvantages of the presented problem, create messaging to communicate with new and existing clients through advertising, and consult on the budgetary effects of the problem. A team made up of three business administration students, Lily Schaerer, Nikita Kovalev, and Kaiden Drabiuk, took first place in the competition.
“We are so proud of each and every student who competed in this case competition,” says Davies. “The problem that Cancarb provided to the students was significant and a great challenge to attempt to solve. The students’ recommendations were interesting and Cancarb’s feedback was that some of their suggestions had actually been implemented previously, so students were on the right track.”