Teams present innovative business solutions in the finale

The Islamic University of Technology Career and Business Society (IUT CBS), in collaboration with The Attention Network, brought INTERN offline for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the annual business case competition's journey. Previously hosted online, the INTERN 2024 Grand Finale took place at The Attention Network's community studio recently showcasing the brightest talents from the first-year students of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT). This year's competition, aimed at developing future corporate leaders, followed a new, dynamic format that blended both online and offline experiences.

The journey began with the first and second rounds of the competition being held online, where numerous teams participated with remarkable ideas. After these successful rounds, five teams were selected to compete in the much-anticipated grand finale. The top five finalists -- Team Dherosh, Team Let That Slide In, Team Wannabe Corporates, Team Fuchka, and Team Coffee Addicts -- brought their most innovative solutions for the final showdown. Each team worked tirelessly to present their strategies to the judges, impressing everyone with their unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches.

The final round focused on the soft drink and beverage industry, where the participants were tasked with creating a product line for a hypothetical company called ReFresh. Teams had to innovate a new product, develop a comprehensive marketing plan, and present their ideas. The challenge was designed to test both their creativity and practical business acumen.

Earlier, on August 30, a focus group discussion (FGD) was held at The Attention Network, centred around the same case. In this engaging session, participants were asked to focus specifically on branding strategies for ReFresh. The FGD provided an interactive platform for participants to brainstorm ideas and refine their branding approaches. Some teams performed exceptionally well, standing out for their innovative thinking and strategic approach. The session added significant value by allowing participants to gain real-time feedback and adjust their strategies accordingly before the final round.

The grand finale of INTERN 2024 was nothing short of a spectacular event. The finalists presented their case solutions to a prestigious judging panel consisting of Raisa Fariha, product manager of ICT at Grameenphone, and Aseer Nehalul Islam, digital product and growth manager at Banglalink Digital. Their invaluable expertise guided the participants through this intense competition. Under the scrutiny of these seasoned corporate leaders, the participants displayed a level of maturity and professionalism that left the judges thoroughly impressed.

After an intense round of presentations and thoughtful feedback from the judges, Team Let That Slide In emerged as the deserving champions of The Attention Network Presents INTERN 2024. Their solution stood out for its creativity and thoroughness, securing them the top spot. Team Coffee Addicts and Team Wannabe Corporates followed closely, claiming the first and second runner-up positions, respectively.

In addition to the competition, the event also featured a highly engaging panel discussion where the judges, along with Tanveer Fahad Haq, co-founder and CEO of The Attention Network, shared their insights on a wide array of topics. The panel covered discussions on personal branding, navigating the corporate journey, and insights into the startup industry. This open dialogue provided the participants and the audience with an invaluable learning experience, offering a glimpse into the minds of industry leaders.

Reflecting on the event, Aseer Nehalul Islam praised the organisation and the quality of the participants, stating, "Everything about the event today was fantastic, from the organisation to the quality of the participants. The participants seemed very well-groomed, and it felt like they had received strong mentorship or similar guidance. Their maturity really stood out, which is crucial. As we continue to welcome newer participants with more mature thoughts and ideas, it will have a lasting positive impact. Overall, I absolutely loved the event. A big thanks to the organisers for making it so flawless and thinking of every detail. I'm confident you'll continue doing an amazing job moving forward."

Raisa Fariha echoed this sentiment, commending the event for its flawless execution. She said, "My experience today was nothing short of amazing! The event was exceptionally well-organised, with everything running smoothly. The intervals were timed perfectly, allowing for meaningful interactions with participants and fellow attendees. The participants had ample opportunity to network and learn, making this a truly enriching experience for all involved. Overall, this event stands as a shining example of how a business competition should be conducted."

Tanveer Fahad Haq, who was present throughout the entire event, added a heartfelt reflection on INTERN 2024, stating, "IUTCBS is an exemplary university student club that knows how to dream big and put in the work that the dream requires. INTERN was not just a regular business case competition. It broke limits and showed the community that student competitions can be much more engaging and should allow beautiful, long-term relationships to be born across students, mentors, sponsors, and the general audience alike. INTERN was not just a case competition. It was more."

Additionally, Dr Khondokar Habibul Kabir, professor of the EEE Department at the Islamic University of Technology and moderator of the IUT Career and Business Society, reflected on the competition. He shared, "I have been the moderator of IUT CBS since its inception, and I have witnessed many successful events organised by members of this society. Among these, INTERN has been one of the largest events organised for IUT novices for a long time. For many students, this competition serves as their first apprenticeship before they evolve into professionals. This year's event has redefined its boundaries, and I am pleased with every student who hosted it and those who competed. Each section of INTERN 2024's round generated new innovative ideas, and the offline segment is providing this event with a new perspective. Once again, I have a deep appreciation for my students who set this new stage, elevating this society to a new level of prominence."

The tremendous effort from the IUT Career and Business Society made INTERN 2024 a resounding success and set a new benchmark for future competitions. Their dedication, attention to detail, and seamless coordination ensured that the event not only met but exceeded expectations.

With this year's competition, INTERN has once again proven its capacity to foster not only business acumen but also critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills among participants. By blending online and offline elements, the event offered first-year students an authentic introduction to the corporate world, inspiring them to push boundaries and dream big.

As INTERN 2024 draws to a close, IUT CBS remains committed to providing platforms that equip future leaders with the necessary tools to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape. The event's success, driven by outstanding presentations, expert guidance, and meaningful interactions, leaves a lasting impression on participants and attendees alike.

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