Tim Crouse of Coburg Consultants Ltd.

MBA Games1

Obtaining an MBA degree is about so much more than learning the technical skills most typically associated with MBA students. It is about fostering a mindset and attitude that average simply isn’t good enough. Business school teaches students how to learn, adapt, interact and implement.

Prior to entering the post-MBA business world, the best opportunity to showcase the above mentioned skills is at the MBA Games. The MBA Games takes place every January and is the largest gathering of MBA students in Canada. The games are split into three categories: academic, athletic and spirit. Schools build up points in each of the events depending on how well they do. The academic component consists of four case competitions, the athletic component consists of four sports, and the spirit events are everything from a team choreographed dance to charitable fundraisers.

This year’s Games were hosted by last year’s winner, The Schulich School of Business at York University from January 2^nd-4^th. Over 650 students from 20 schools competed in 15 events in hopes of bringing home the Queens Cup.

This year’s events:

Academic: Marketing, Finance, Strategy & Entrepreneurship

Athletic: Basketball, Volleyball, Team Triathlon & Dodgeball

Spirit: Social Media Campaign, RMHC Fundraising Campaign, RMHC Campaign Event, Opening Performance, Themed Video (#BeMore2016), Networking Event, Scavenger Hunt

Dalhousie University’s Team Rowe not only had an amazing experience, they had great success. The team finished 6^th overall including the following wins:

2nd in basketball

2nd in volleyball

2nd in Spirit Event #1

2nd in Spirit Event #2

Although a 6^th place finish doesn’t come with a trophy, every member of Team Rowe left the Games with more connections, experiences and school spirit than they had going in. Dalhousie pride was on full display from day one as we performed in our east coast fishing hats to the final day as we wore our Dalhousie scarves with pride over our formal wear.

Personally, I could not be more proud of the determination, integrity, and competitiveness of each and every one of my teammates. Our small but mighty program rose to the challenge and made a definitive statement that Dalhousie University is a major competitor among Canadians top MBA schools.

Golf has long been the sport of choice for conducting business and making deals. It provides fresh air, time away from the office, and a chance to talk business. I mean, just imagine trying to close a deal while playing football with a potential client….Ouch. But while you don’t have to possess a consistently accurate 300 yard drive, knowing the basics of golf allows one to avoid the embarrassment of declining a boss’ invitation or making a client think it’s your first time.

On October 17th, CRMBA students participated in the first annual CRMBA Alumni Golf Tournament & Fundraiser held at Indian Lake Golf Course. The cohorts lucked out as the 17th was a beautiful autumn day – a crisp breeze, colourful leaves falling slowly from the trees, and the glisten of the sun off the course’s numerous water hazards (now home to quite a few golf balls).

Winners of the 2015 CRMBA Alumni Golf Tournament

The tournament attracted over 40 participants, including current students, alumni, and faculty. In order to formulate fair teams, participants were asked to rank their golf expertise on a scale of “I know my handicap” to “What’s a handicap?.” Groups of four (FORE!) were strategically created with at least one experienced golfer to help guide beginners – who were the majority.

And the Green Jacket Goes To…

The day finished in a three team tie for first place, with each reporting a score of one over par (+1). However, because most MBAs are naturally competitive, a tie just wouldn’t do. With darkness fast approaching, a sudden-death putting challenge was used to crown the eventual winner. There were medals, prizes, and beer, but at the end of the day everyone was able to feel like a winner. Not only did they get to work on their golf game and do some networking, they also contributed to a good cause. As part of the CRMBA’s commitment to the local community, the funds raised through the tournament will be donated to the IWK Foundation.

MBA Games 2016

Dalhousie’s First Annual CRMBA Alumni Golf Tournament & Fundraiser

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