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Enter KPMG′s International Competition by this coming Sunday

Experience this year′s KPMG International Case Competition in São Paulo, Brazil, 01-04 April 2014.

This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. KPMG’s International Case Competition is a chance to experience the fast-paced world of casework, meet new people and travel to places you may never have been before. If you get to the top of your national case competition, you’ll find yourself on your way to São Paulo, Brazil, on an all-expenses-paid trip to the International Final. There, you’ll have the chance to network with your peers from around the world as you compete for the global title.

Our International Case Competition gives you and three teammates the chance to work on tough business problems. For each business problem you are presented with, you will be given three hours to solve a challenge that mirrors the sort of work our teams do here at KPMG. It’ll be a test of your ability to work with real problems and come up with interesting solutions. It’s also a unique platform to showcase agile thinking and prove that you’re ready to embark on a successful career.

Last year’s event in Madrid was an incredible experience for all participants. Click here to watch a video and find out more.

What’s in it for you?

Embark on a continuous journey of learning and self-improvement. Gain firsthand experience of the type of work our member firms undertake, while receiving valuable coaching from industry experts and KPMG leaders.
Stand out from your peers and gain real industry experience by participating in the KPMG International Case Competition. You′ll be able to take your potential to the next level in so many ways:

• Gain exposure to KPMG member firms’ leaders and professionals from across our global network
• Get a unique learning experience by hearing from industry experts
• Acquire a better understanding of KPMG′s culture and what it can offer you
• Meet people from other cultures and make global connections
• Get real insight into how a global organisation operates
• Test yourself and increase your confidence
• Get real-world experience and build your business skills
• Add a differentiator to your CV

And of course, you also have the chance to receive an all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the International Final in São Paulo, Brazil. There, not only will you participate in a lively competition, you′ll also get to explore this magnificent city and enjoy social events with your peers. Feel challenged, inspired and accomplished by attending the 2014 KPMG International Case Competition.

How it works

The challenge we’ll give you will be based on a realistic business scenario and will represent the kind of challenges our firm tackles on behalf of clients. We’ll give each team a detailed case study to consider – and then it’s up to you. For each round of the competition you and your three teammates will be given three hours to:

• Carefully review the dossier you’ve been given
• Identify the key business issues
• Analyse, consider and develop a compelling set of recommendations
• Prepare an interesting presentation that will impress the judges

When you emerge from your team headquarters, you’ll present your ideas to a panel of experienced KPMG professionals. They’ll listen to your presentation in just the way they would listen to a presentation from colleagues; and they’ll expect you to deliver on that level, too. They will ask you some challenging questions, and you’ll be ready to answer them.

Do well, advance through the next rounds of competition and you could even make it to São Paulo!

How to apply

You don’t need to be studying a particular subject to take part, but you do have to have:

• An interest in business
• Strong leadership and task management skills
• Composure under pressure
• The ability to absorb a range of information quickly, think through ideas and present solutions

Most of all, you must be prepared to challenge your own thinking and to encourage others to be their best. It takes flexibility and teamwork to come up with business solutions that are truly innovative and refreshing.

Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 15th December 2013

To enter the competition visit KPMG′s website - http://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/kpmg-international-case-competition#.UqYBzPS-18E

What is a case study?

Case studies are regularly used as part of MBA programmes at leading business schools. They often involve up to 30 pages of business facts, sales figures and balance sheets – all based on a real business and their real problems.

Case studies provide a great way to understand and engage with business issues in a realistic setting. Teams will have to analyse and make sense of the data, and then make big decisions based upon their findings.

Teams should expect challenging cases on a variety of topics. KPMG provides many professional services to our clients, and the cases analysed at the International Case Competition reflect this. Cases may vary from a highly technical finance case, to a very broad and consultative marketing case. At international level, teams should be ready for anything.

What other countries are competing?

The KPMG International Case Competition is run globally. In 2013, 24 countries participated at the International Final held in Madrid. Confirmed teams for 2014 include:

• Australia
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile (new!)
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• France
• Germany
• India
• Ireland
• Luxembourg
• Norway
• Romania and Moldova (new!)
• Poland
• Russia & CIS
• Slovakia
• South Africa
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• UAE
• UK
• US
• Venezuela (new!)

Do I have to be a student to participate?

Yes, only active students currently studying at a UK university can participate in KPMG′s International Case Competition. Your intended degree and field of study can vary, and we encourage students from all disciplines to participate.