From Frankfurt to Aarhus

In April 2026, a team from Frankfurt School (FS) Business Case Initiative travelled to Denmark to represent Frankfurt School of Finance & Management at the Aarhus Case Competition (ACC) 2026. Hosted by Aarhus University, the competition brought together 12 universities from across the world for a week of intensive case-solving, presentations, and international exchange.

As part of Frankfurt School team, alongside Julius Degenkolb, Sarah Schiffer, and Alexander Schulz, I had the opportunity to experience firsthand what it means to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges under significant time pressure. While competitions such as ACC are often associated with rankings and awards, the most valuable outcomes extend far beyond the competitive element.

A Week of Challenging Business Problems

The competition began with a welcome programme and the official division draw, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. From the outset, it was clear that ACC was more than a traditional academic competition. Students from different countries, cultures and academic backgrounds came together with a shared passion for solving complex business problems.

The first two competition days featured cases developed in collaboration with Accenture and Deloitte. Working against the clock, teams were tasked with analysing business challenges, developing strategic recommendations and presenting their solutions to professional juries. These cases required not only analytical thinking but also creativity, communication skills and the ability to make decisions with incomplete information.

The highlight of the week was the renowned 24-hour case challenge. Sponsored by Airtox, the case required teams to work continuously over an entire day to develop a comprehensive strategic solution. The experience tested our resilience, teamwork and ability to remain focused under pressure. It also highlighted the importance of clear communication and effective delegation in high-performance teams.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

One of the most valuable aspects of participating in ACC was the opportunity to apply concepts learned at Frankfurt School in a practical setting. Courses in strategy, finance, operations and leadership provided a strong foundation, but the competition demonstrated how these disciplines intersect in real business situations.

Unlike traditional academic assignments, case competitions require students to move quickly from analysis to implementation. There is little time to search for perfect answers. Instead, participants must identify key issues, prioritise information and communicate recommendations in a convincing and actionable way. These are precisely the skills that employers increasingly seek in graduates.

The experience also strengthened our confidence. Presenting to experienced judges and competing against highly talented students from leading universities challenged us to step outside our comfort zones and continuously improve our performance throughout the week.

The Value of International Exchange

Beyond the cases themselves, ACC created opportunities for meaningful international exchange. Throughout the week, participants shared perspectives on business, education and career aspirations. Informal conversations often proved just as insightful as the competition sessions.

A particular highlight was the opportunity to learn how students from different countries approach problem-solving. While teams frequently arrived at similar conclusions, the paths they took often differed significantly. Exposure to these diverse perspectives broadened our thinking and reinforced the importance of collaboration in an increasingly global business environment.

The social programme, including a boat tour through Aarhus, provided a welcome opportunity to build friendships and strengthen connections with participants from around the world. These relationships are likely to remain valuable long after the competition itself.

Why the FS Business Case Initiative Matters

Participating in ACC would not have been possible without the support of the FS Business Case Initiative. The initiative plays an important role in preparing students for international competitions by providing coaching, training and opportunities to develop case-solving skills throughout the year.

Experiences such as ACC demonstrate the value of experiential learning. Students can bridge the gap between theory and practice, develop professional skills and represent Frankfurt School on an international stage. At the same time, they gain insights that enrich their academic and professional development long after the competition has ended.

For us as participants, ACC 2026 was not simply a competition. It was an opportunity to grow as problem-solvers, communicators and team members while showcasing the talent and ambition of Frankfurt School students in a global environment.

We would like to thank Aarhus University for hosting an exceptional event, as well as our coaches, Prof. Jerry Guo and Cindy Lehmann, for their continuous support and guidance. We are equally grateful to Frankfurt School for enabling our participation and investing in initiatives that create meaningful learning opportunities beyond the classroom.