Compete. Apply. Lead.
Business is competitive by nature. At Zimpleman College of Business, students move beyond theory and into practical, high-impact competition environments where they tackle real-world challenges, manage actual assets, and present their ideas to industry leaders. Through case competitions, investment challenges, and entrepreneurship showcases, you’ll enhance your analytical skills, strengthen teamwork abilities, and build the confidence to thrive under pressure — all before graduation.
Case & Strategy Competitions
Collaborate alongside students from Creighton University to tackle a marketing challenge posed by a national company. You will create a comprehensive strategy and deliver recommendations to business leaders, all while gaining valuable experience in client-focused problem solving and delivering executive-level presentations.
Past firms that have participated in the Murphy Cup:
- Casey's
- Kiewit Corporation
- Nike
- Meredith
- Quantum Workplace
- Scooter's Coffee
- Solheim Cup
- Union Pacific & Loup Logistics
- UnitedHealth Group
- Yahoo!
Disruption Days brings the campus community together which emphasizes innovation and careers in insurance. During this exciting event, students analyze emerging trends shaping the industry, develop strategic presentations, and compete for cash prizes. Students strengthen their business insights while engaging with industry leaders who are making a real impact in the field.
Students are invited to real-world insurance challenges related to the industry’s changing workforce and talent requirements. Teams of 2 to 4 students examine industry data and create a strategic case study on how insurers can attract and keep the next generation of talent. The experience strengthens analytical and presentation skills while connecting you directly to one of the nation’s leading insurance markets.
Investment & Finance Competitions
The Krause Challenge Fund is an exciting annual investment competition among four Iowa universities—Drake University, Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa—providing Zimpleman students with hands-on portfolio management experience. The fund is managed by senior finance majors in Finance 190 (Equity, Valuation, and Analysis) where students perform research, assess securities and make real investment choices, all while competing in a dynamic environment.
Krause Challenge Fund Investment Advisory Board
- Karey Anderson, CFA: Portfolio manager, EMC Insurance Companies
- Phil Nordhus, CFA: Portfolio manager (Small-cap), Principal Global Investors
- Jim Thompson, CFA: Owner & chief investment officer, Value Wealth Management
Zimpleman's Krause Challenge Fund Performance
The annual Principal Case Competition invites students from Zimpleman College of Business to apply what they have learned in the classroom to a real-world business case. Participants analyze complex issues and craft strategic recommendations for a panel of industry judges, all while honing their analytical thinking and communication skills.
Entrepreneurship Competition
The Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition invites Iowa college students to transform their creative ideas into viable startup businesses. Participants develop Business Model Canvas, financial projects, and put together an executive summary before they the stage to pitch live in Des Moines. Finalists present to a panel of judges for the opportunity to earn one of the three $5,000 seed grants. This experience exposes students to real world venture development, financial planning, and investor-level presentation.
Take the next step
Come see Zimpleman in action. Schedule a campus visit and see where your business career begins.