Driven by ambition and academic excellence, four students from the EDHEC Online Master of Science in Corporate Finance recently took part in the world-renowned Harvard Global Case Competition (GCCH) 2025. Joining some of the brightest student teams from leading universities across the globe, they put their financial expertise to the test in a highly competitive, real-world setting, and earned recognition among the top 20 teams out of more than 300 worldwide.
A Globally Recognised Finance Challenge
The Global Case Competition at Harvard is recognised as one of the most prestigious finance-focused competitions worldwide. Organised by the IFSA Network and the Harvard GSAS Business Club, this student-led event attracts over 1000 teams and more than 4000 students each year. Participants are invited to solve a complex finance case inspired by real investment banking and private equity scenarios.
Over the course of three weeks, teams prepare a pitch book, conduct in-depth industry, company and financial analyses, and propose strategic recommendations. The competition offers much more than a case-solving exercise: it is also an opportunity to develop advanced analytical and presentation skills, while building a global network through workshops, online panels, and an in-person weekend at Harvard University.
EDHEC Students Among Top Performers at Harvard Competition
Four EDHEC MSc in Corporate Finance students: Leona Schäfer, Joan Khng, Alexander Thomas, and Ivan Sachau, took part in the competition. They collaborated across three continents and time zones. Together, they analysed a potential acquisition case and proposed a strategic recommendation. The experience pushed them to apply key concepts from the Master of Science program while working under pressure and across cultures.
Applying Strategy to a World-Class Brand
As part of the challenge, the team worked on a case involving Ferrari, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury car brands. Their MSc at EDHEC provided a strong foundation to tackle this project, with courses such as M&A and valuation proving directly relevant to this case.
Analysing a potential acquisition scenario, they explored Ferrari’s positioning, strategic priorities, and long-term market outlook. The case demanded a solid understanding of brand value, financial feasibility, and strategic alignment, offering a unique opportunity to apply what they had learned at EDHEC to a globally recognised business context.
Demonstrating Excellence on a Global Stage
Their hard work paid off: the EDHEC participants were ranked among the top 20 out of more than 300 teams worldwide. This recognition highlights both the quality of their work and the strength of EDHEC’s academic preparation.
For the EDHEC participants, the competition was more than just a test of knowledge; it was a meaningful global learning experience that allowed them to apply academic concepts in a real-world setting. Their MSc in Corporate Finance provided a strong foundation in both technical and strategic skills.
As Ivan Sachau explained: “The competition blended finance, teamwork, and strategic thinking. It reflected exactly what the MSc program trains us for.”
This success was also a testament to the power of teamwork and collaboration: “Ranking in the top 20 among more than 300 teams was an incredible shared success,” said Alexander Thomas.
Leona Schafer also reflected on this experience and the value of the EDHEC curriculum, sharing: “The Harvard Case Competition allowed me to put the financial and strategic knowledge from my MSc in Corporate Finance at EDHEC into practice — especially when it came to valuation, due diligence, and M&A strategy. It was rewarding to see how relevant our coursework is to real-world business challenges.”
Their reflections reinforce the program’s strong emphasis on learning-by-doing and the value of bridging academic knowledge with professional realities.
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Networking Beyond Barries
The in-person weekend at Harvard offered a unique chance to meet fellow participants, attend lectures by industry experts, and reflect on future career paths. “The in-person event in Boston was a highlight. I met peers from across the world, each bringing unique perspectives to the table.” Ivan added.
From Global Collaboration to Real-World Impact
The competition was also a true exercise in international collaboration. With team members based in Europe, Asia, and Australia, coordinating work across time zones required strong organisation, adaptability, and clear communication, all skills reinforced during their MSc experience at EDHEC. As Leona Schafer expressed, “Collaborating with a diverse team under time pressure felt like a natural extension of my master’s experience.”
The in-person weekend at Harvard added a memorable dimension to the experience. From a guided campus tour to high-level workshops, students engaged with thought leaders on topics such as leadership, value creation, and M&A strategy. The event concluded with a gala evening at The Newbury Boston, offering participants the chance to connect with peers from top business schools around the world, making the experience not only intellectually enriching, but personally inspiring as well.
Achieving Greater Heights with EDHEC’s Online MSc Corporate Finance
Their success reflects the strength of EDHEC’s academic preparation in Corporate Finance, as well as the commitment and perseverance of the students. Competing against top-tier global institutions, they demonstrated both technical expertise and the ability to apply knowledge to complex, real-world scenarios.
As they await the next steps in their careers, their journey at GCCH 2025 already stands as an inspiring example of ambition, teamwork and global-mindedness, values deeply embedded in the EDHEC learning experience.
