As I sit here in the Detroit airport for a 3.5 hour layover between my Minneapolis and State College flight, I can’t help but reflect on the past 4 days, particularly amazed by how fast they’ve gone. Three classmates (fellow supply chain majors) and I just completed the 4th Annual National Undergraduate Supply Chain Case Competition at the University of Minnesota. Although I completed a case competition within Penn State’s Smeal College of business as a freshman, that initial experience was more-or-less “getting my feet wet,” having me consider this more recent competition as my first ever. For most of us, it was. Besides our team leader, none of us were familiar with the process or approach toward these events. This particular competition, hosted by 3M and many other companies, was “express” in nature, meaning that the case (business situation/challenge) was only supplied to each team 24 hours in advance of their presentation. Typically, cases are given weeks in advance, giving students ample time to prepare at their home universities before presenting their solution/recommendation to a panel of judges. Might I add that these judges are distinguished business executives in the field, many of whom work at the company addressed in the case. Needless to say, my teammates and I quickly learned how to become comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Within minutes of reading the case, my teammates and I realized that the underlying issue of the case (requiring the most attention) was largely financial. As a team of 4 supply chain majors, equipped with only introductory finance knowledge, we were initially taken aback, especially since most others teams had at least one finance student. Nevertheless, we realized that in order to devise an appropriate solution while still showing confidence and professionalism in our presentation, we would have to proceed with whatever finance background we had, simultaneously working extra hard to leverage our strong supply chain understanding. With only 24 hours to read the case, conduct our analyses, evaluate the findings, develop a solution, create a PowerPoint slideshow, print handouts, and rehearse our presentation, there was no time to dwell on any deficiencies or looming questions. Forget about adequate sleep. As you might assume, only a handful of hours (if that) involved rest.

Despite all of this, my teammates and I rallied together, embracing any and all intimidation, uncertainty, and heat (yes, the team work room felt about 90 degrees due to mechanical issue). We confronted the challenge before us, realizing that it was a “sink or swim” matter. Our successful completion of all of the steps resulted in an excellent presentation that unfortunately found itself interrupted about midway through due to our laptop dying. Yes, a classic technology “hiccup,” another lesson to be had in learning how to become comfortable with the uncomfortable.   Thankfully my team had a charger just outside the room and managed to re-power the laptop without overly distracting maneuvers – a successful, composed, recovery that I believe worked to our advantage. Regardless of how we perceived the situation, it didn’t seem to negatively sway the judges, as we received positive feedback in the evaluation forms and ultimately came in second place for our flight (there were 4 flights with about 4 teams each). The Honorable Mention award and cash prize my team received conferred a great sense of appreciation for our efforts and pride in our school. Had it not been for the education we have received over the past 4 years and the pre-competition encouragement we received from our faculty advisor and professor, Dr. Felisa Preciado, the endeavor and accomplishment would not have been possible.

Although it was slightly intimidating (a “fear of the unknown”) to enter an unfamiliar competition, in a unfamiliar territory, alongside 14 of the top Universities in the field, I am grateful to have accepted this challenge when my professor presented me the opportunity back in February. Beyond the case itself, the Honorable Mention award, and the cash prize, I am most grateful for the network I have built on this trip, the lessons I have learned, and the important reminder to venture away the “safe zone.” Like many growth experiences I have had throughout my years at Penn State, the 4th Annual National Undergraduate Supply Chain Case Competition serves as a great reminder to take calculated risks. After all,

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

– Neale Donald Walsch