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BI Case Alumni

Kristian Hafsbo

Interview with Kristian Hafsbo

Picture and personalia

 

  • Born: 1998
  • Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration

"I was told during my first year, that business was all about finding a problem and providing a solution. And that is exactly what you would be doing in a case competition. "

When were you an active case student at BI and at which campus?
My second and third year at BI – campus Trondheim (Fall 2018–Spring 2020).

Why did you decide to join BI’s case activities?
I found it helpful to challenge myself in the field of public speaking and problem-solving. I am glad I used the time during my education to learn this so that I have already experience in these areas when I join the work force in business.  

What was the name of your case team and how did you find your teammates?
Actually, both years with different team members, we chose the first letter of our name and put consulting at the end. INCK Consulting was the name of the last group. 

Did you have a specific role on your team?
You could say I took the role as the “funny guy”. I realised that to come up with ideas it was best to brainstorm and think aloud and I told my group about all the craziest solutions I could think of. During presentations I was usually the opener and closer. I was also the one working on graphs and numbers.

Which case competitions did you take part in?
I participated in BINCC 2019 (Bergen) and BINCC 2020 (Trondheim), and IE BBA Business Challenge 2020. I also took part in BIICC Open 2020 and became a finalist.  

What is your best memory from your case journey at BI?
My best memories were when we had worked 24 hours during a case solving competition in Madrid and we were so tired, but when presentation time arrived, we stood together and gave each other energy by telling jokes and believing we could do it. And we did, placed as runners-up, lost against a great team from Rotterdam.  

What are your top three takeaways from case training and competitions?
That the level is high among the students, but the learning-curve is steep. All the competitors want you to do great, and if you see something that is great during others’ presentations, you are free to steal the methods. I felt that this experience was an advantage in my second case competition.   
Having a professor to mentor you before and after the case competitions, make you learn so much more. I have been in case competitions organised by others, but I think that BI’s way of doing it is great on every field.

What skills did you learn from participating in case which were relevant to your development/career and how?
Networking, communication in teams, creative and critical thinking.  

Do you have any advice to students who are curious about case?
At a business education you want to learn as much business-related knowledge as possible. I was told during my first year, that business was all about finding a problem and providing a solution. And that is exactly what you would be doing in a case competition.