Students from the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business were tasked with a challenge: select a potential international market for St. Louis-based craft distiller Switchgrass Spirits’ expansion.
Thanks to extensive market research and preparation, members of Team Trulaske — Trulaske students Gracie Hurley and Belle Klump, along with Caven Menezes, an information technology and economics major — secured a spot in the Final Four at the recent NASBITE International Student Case Competition in St. Louis.
“Our team met weekly [for six weeks] to go over our findings and prepare for the next week,” said Menezes, a Mizzou student from St. Charles, Illinois. “In between these sessions, we worked through individual research to prepare.”
Hosted by the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE International), the competition provides a real-world learning and networking opportunity for students attending two- and four-year colleges and universities that offer academic business programs.
The team selected an emerging market in Southeast Asia and created strategic recommendations focused on how the company could successfully enter and grow in that market, culminating in a final presentation before company leaders and conference attendees.
For Team Trulaske member Belle Klump, a junior marketing/pre-law student from St. Louis, the competition provided an opportunity to build confidence in her own ability to analyze complex challenges, work effectively in teams and communicate strategic ideas.
“I gained valuable experience working collaboratively under pressure and presenting actionable recommendations in a professional setting,” Klump said. “I also appreciated how much I learned from interacting with professionals and other students at the conference outside of the competition itself.”
The team was coached by Krista Hinrichs, manager of the MU International Trade Center (ITC), and Jackie Rasmussen, ITC director and assistant teaching professor. The competition gives students a valuable opportunity to put their global market research, presentation and networking skills to work, Rasmussen said.
“As mentors to this student team, Krista and I hope that the students strengthened their research skills and knowledge and, even more importantly, gained confidence in their skills and abilities as young professionals, “Rasmussen said. “The leadership team at Switchgrass was highly impressed by both the extensiveness of the research completed and the professionalism with which the team’s recommendations were delivered.”
All three students had completed internships with the ITC and through the Trulaske Study Abroad program. Through those experiential learning experiences, the team had already completed similar consulting projects and global market research for companies seeking to expand their sales internationally.
“Belle, Gracie and Caven were able to leverage the knowledge and skills gained from previous experience-centered learning opportunities they have had within the Trulaske College of Business to position them for success in this competition, and in the real world,” Rasmussen said.
For Team Trulaske member Gracie Hurley, an international business major from Memphis, the competition taught her the benefits of utilizing feedback. It also provided an opportunity for personal growth.
“I have had a fear of public speaking for as long as I can remember,” Hurley said. “This experience has definitely helped crush that fear and made me more confident about giving presentations.”
Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.