荔枝视频

In today鈥檚 rapidly-changing world of work, employers are looking for more than just strong grades 鈥� they鈥檙e searching for graduates who can lead, collaborate and adapt in real time. That鈥檚 where experiential learning makes the difference. 

Understanding its critical role in molding students into career-ready professionals, the is committed to integrating hands-on learning opportunities into its programs. By moving education beyond the classroom and into real-world challenges, experiential learning empowers students to apply theory to practice, build confidence through problem solving and develop the professional skills today鈥檚 organizations demand. What was once considered a nice-to-have is now essential 鈥� experiential learning has become a cornerstone of business education and a launchpad for future leaders. 

One prime example of experiential learning in action is case competitions.  

Students tackle complex problems under tight deadlines, making sense of messy data, negotiating strategy as a team and making tough decisions with incomplete information. Along the way, they learn to think critically, collaborate under pressure and adapt fast 鈥� skills employers say are increasingly hard to teach on the job.  

Then comes the moment of truth: pitching their strategy to judges who challenge their assumptions. It鈥檚 here that students learn how to communicate with precision, defend their ideas and, when necessary, pivot on the spot. The experience is intense by design. But it鈥檚 also transformative.  

Just ask fifth-year Haskayne student, Yalena Sermeno. She was first introduced to the world of case competitions four years ago 鈥� and has been hooked ever since. Originally competing as a challenge and business strategy delegate and later serving as vice-president, synergy for Team Haskayne JDC West, she now leads as co-captain 鈥� guiding her team to success while mentoring the next generation of competitors.

鈥淎t the time, I was looking for a sense of community, mentorship and something that would truly challenge me, and JDC West became all of that and more,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hat initial nudge completely changed the course of my university experience and opened doors I never would have imagined. It has been one of the most defining parts of my time at Haskayne.鈥� 

She adds, 鈥淏eing co-captain has pushed me to lead with empathy and accountability. Having been in the competitor鈥檚 seat, I know the stress and self-doubt students face, so I strive to be the kind of leader who listens first, supports consistently and gives feedback rooted in care and growth. These experiences have shown me that leadership isn鈥檛 about being the loudest voice in the room, but about creating an environment where others can shine.鈥� 

One million reasons to invest in experiential learning 

Two 荔枝视频-based real estate leaders who understand the importance of being nimble, thinking strategically and adapting to industry鈥檚 ebbs and flows are Peter and Justin Mayerchak. Partners at Colliers 荔枝视频 and co-founders of the , Peter and Justin have helped many of 荔枝视频鈥檚 most prominent leaders solve complicated real estate challenges. Over the past two decades, they鈥檝e guided clients through economic swings, remote work trends and a rapidly evolving marketplace. Their takeaway: long-term success isn鈥檛 about avoiding change; it鈥檚 about being prepared for it.  

That mindset inspired their generous $1 million investment in experiential learning at Haskayne, establishing The Mayerchak Career Readiness Fund.  

In their view, today鈥檚 students won鈥檛 succeed on textbook knowledge alone. They need the chance to test ideas, fail fast, collaborate across disciplines and build the kind of strategic resilience that defines modern business leadership. Case competitions, they say, are one of the best training grounds to build that mentality. 

鈥溊笾κ悠碘�檚 future will be built by people who can think critically, collaborate effectively and solve problems we haven鈥檛 even seen yet,鈥� says Peter Mayerchak. 鈥淭hat kind of thinking doesn鈥檛 happen by memorizing theory 鈥� it comes from experience.鈥�  

Their gift will expand access to case competitions and other experiential learning opportunities at Haskayne, ensuring more students, regardless of financial barriers, can test their skills on the national and global stage.  

Justin agrees. 鈥淚n real estate, and in any industry, you鈥檙e constantly making decisions with incomplete information,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 had the privilege of participating in case competitions like JDC West during my undergraduate degree and it had a profound impact on my learning. Case competitions teach students how to think on their feet, work through ambiguity and still deliver a solution they can stand behind. That鈥檚 what builds real confidence.鈥� 

For both donors, access is key. 鈥淭alent is everywhere, but opportunity isn鈥檛,鈥� Peter adds. 鈥淚f we can remove barriers and open doors to these experiences, we鈥檙e building a stronger business community for everyone.鈥� 

Accelerating future-focused learning  

The Mayerchaks鈥� donation comes at a pivotal time for the business school, with Haskayne recently highlighting future-focused learning and engagement as one of its key priorities in its .  

鈥淓xperiential learning has long been part of our identity at Haskayne,鈥� says Haskayne Dean Gina Grandy. 鈥淭his generous gift from Peter and Justin Mayerchak accelerates our vision of giving every Haskayne student the opportunity to engage in meaningful and transformative learning experiences. These opportunities are often turning points in a student鈥檚 journey 鈥� they build skills, shape career direction and open doors students may never have imagined. They give our graduates a true competitive advantage.鈥� 

Beyond case competitions, the investment will expand access to professional development and career experiences, particularly for students interested in commercial real estate. Beginning this fall, students will take part in Dale Carnegie leadership training, followed by a pilot leadership lab for MBA students in January 2026. The gift will also support the Real Estate Career Symposium, where students can network with industry professionals and gain insights into career paths. Delivered in collaboration with the , the and Haskayne鈥檚 Career Services team, these initiatives will help students across business disciplines develop the leadership, strategic thinking and relationship-building skills needed to thrive in today鈥檚 economy.  

鈥淚nvesting in experiential learning is investing in capable, confident leaders,鈥� says Yalena. 鈥淭hese opportunities give students the chance to prove what they can do, not just list skills on a resume. They provide space to fail safely, learn deeply and discover potential.鈥� 

She adds, 鈥淐ase competitions have shaped my career more than any other experience in university. Each case introduced me to new industries, new challenges and new possibilities. They taught me not to box myself into one field, but to stay curious and adaptable, all while helping me find clarity in what I value most 鈥� collaboration, creativity and impact. They鈥檝e also given me the confidence to pursue roles that challenge me to keep learning, which is something I鈥檒l carry throughout my professional life.鈥� 

Yalena鈥檚 journey proves that when students are given the chance to test their potential, they don鈥檛 just rise to the challenge 鈥� they redefine what鈥檚 possible. Thanks to donors like Peter and Justin Mayerchak, that potential now has room to grow.