Women in Business Case Competition

• Dec. 1: Application opens.
• March 5: Application closes.
• March 12: Supplemental materials due (essays, professional résumé, unofficial high school transcript).
• March 19: Recommendation form due.
• April 28: Notification of accepted students.
• May 5: Deadline to accept program offer.

• The program is intended for students who identify as underrepresented, diverse, students of color and/or first generation, or who are interested in gaining new perspective on issues related to business and diversity. Students of any gender are encouraged to apply and will be given full consideration.
• Priority consideration for Colorado residents.
• Current high school students who will be seniors during the Fall 2023 academic year.
• Incoming first-year Leeds School of Business students who will be starting during the Fall 2023 academic year.

It's free—the cost of tuition, room, board and various activities are generously supported by the Leeds School of Business and corporate partners.

• Use creativity and critical thinking skills to address a real-world problem.
• Meet Leeds School of Business faculty, staff and students, along with corporate partners.
• Meet other talented students who are interested in pursuing a career in business and committed to gender equity.
• Explore the CU Boulder campus.

Program Applications Open Thursday, December 1, 2022 and close Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 11:59 (MST)

Part I: Complete initial interest form (closes March 5).

Students with expressed interest in applying to the Women in Business Case Competition Program or the KeyBank Business Leadership Program. Once the form is complete, applicants will be invited to submit their supplemental program materials.

Part II: Submit supplemental program materials (must be received by March 12).

A. Personal essays
Both essays are required, should not exceed 500 words each, and must be submitted in a single PDF file.

Essay One
At the University of Colorado's Leeds School of Business, no two Buffs are alike. We value difference and support equity and inclusion of all students and their many social intersecting identities. How will you contribute to the diversity of the Business Leadership Program and/or Women in Business Case Competition summer programs?

Essay Two
How might your participation in the Women in Business Case Competition fit into your field of study and/or future goals? Think about your prior and current coursework, extracurricular activities, work, and volunteer experience. 

B. Professional résumé
C. Recommendation Form
D. Unofficial high school transcript

• Start by brainstorming and listing out the unique qualities and experiences that make you different from other applicants. This can include your cultural background, personal interests, and any challenges you have overcome. 

• Be specific and provide examples to illustrate how your unique qualities will contribute to the diversity of the Business Leadership Program and/or Women in Business Case Competition. For example, if you are a first-generation college student, you could discuss how your experiences and perspective will add to the program's diversity. 

• Consider how your participation in the program aligns with your academic and career goals. This can include your field of study, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work or volunteer experience.  

• Show how the program will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve your future goals. For example, if you are interested in pursuing a career in finance, you could discuss how the Business Leadership Program and/or Women in Business Case Competition will provide you with the opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain practical experience. 

• Be sure to highlight your passion and enthusiasm for the program. The admissions committee wants to see that you are genuinely excited about the opportunity and will be an active and engaged participant. 

• Proofread your essays carefully to ensure they are free of spelling and grammar errors. A well-written essay will make a strong impression and help you stand out from other applicants.  

• Finally, don't be afraid to ask for feedback on your essays from teachers, counselors, or other trusted mentors. They can provide valuable insights and help you improve your essays before submitting them. 

• Start with a simple resume template that will give the reader a quick overview of who you are and what you can bring to the table. Your resume should reflect a professional resume as much as possible, we want to get an idea of who you are as an individual.

• Focus on your relevant experiences and achievements.

  • Education (High School) and GPA

  • Work Experience (if any)

  • Clubs/Activities, Achievements/Awards/Honors

  • Projects

  • Additional Skills, Hobbies etc.

  • If you are not involved in school or work, highlight home duties like helping at home, caring for siblings, etc. Leadership takes a variety of forms.

• Use bullet points to organize your experiences and make them easy to read. This will help the reader quickly scan your resume and identify the most important information.

• Use action verbs to describe your experiences and accomplishments. This will make your resume more engaging and help you stand out from other applicants.

• Proofread your resume carefully to ensure that it is free of spelling and grammar errors. A well-written and error-free resume will make a good impression on potential employers.

• Finally, tailor your resume for our summer programs. This will show us and other programs you are applying for that you have taken the time to understand their needs and are well suited to the program.