OCMC

Ontario College Marketing Competition

At the 2024 Ontario Colleges' Marketing Competition (OCMC), hosted by St. Clair College in Windsor, I had the privilege of competing in the Entrepreneurship Case event. My partner and I were given just 30 minutes to analyze a complex business case and develop a professional, solution-driven slide deck tailored to the client's needs.

Jared Bickers (Left) Giovanna Freitas (Right)

In the months leading up to the event, my partner and I prepared and practiced mock cases weekly. This involved refining our problem-solving skills, improving our time management, and enhancing our ability to deliver clear, professional presentations under intense time constraints. With the guidance of coaches, we developed a systematic approach to tackling cases, ensuring our strategies were both innovative and realistic.

The competition was an invaluable experience that tested my ability to think critically and collaborate effectively in high-pressure scenarios. Beyond the competition, OCMC provided a unique platform to network with like-minded marketing professionals, learn from industry leaders, and build relationships with peers and mentors.

This experience underscored my strengths in strategic planning, analytical thinking, and adaptability. It also demonstrated my ability to deliver impactful marketing solutions quickly and effectively—a skill set I bring to every project I take on, ensuring value-driven results for clients and stakeholders.

Our deliverables within 30 minutes included the following components:

  • Problem Statement: A clear articulation of the core issue the business was facing, providing a solid foundation for our recommendations.

  • SWOT Analysis: A structured evaluation of the business’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

  • SMART Objectives: Strategic goals that were Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound to ensure actionable solutions.

  • Target Market Identification: Pinpointing the most relevant and profitable audiences for the business.

  • Three Strategic Alternatives: We presented three viable paths forward, carefully weighing their pros and cons.

  • Chosen Recommendation: Our recommendation was backed by research, creative thinking, and its potential for long-term success.

  • Implementation Plan: A detailed quarterly breakdown of actionable steps for Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, ensuring a phased and sustainable approach.

  • Budget Allocation: A meticulously crafted budget tied to the implementation plan, outlining the financial feasibility of each step.

  • Closing Summary: A concise yet impactful recap of our findings and recommendations to tie the presentation together.

Here are some examples of cases