Hybrid MBA Case Competition 2026 - Esade Pre-selection bei Roland Berger

Roland Berger, founded in 1967, is the world's only leading management consultancy with European origins and German roots. We support major international industrial and service companies as well as public institutions in all aspects of corporate management - from strategic alignment to the introduction of new business processes and organizational structures. From the very beginning we have worked in different languages and cultures. We value different perspectives and approaches and rely on the diversity of our employees. We seek and encourage authentic personalities with an entrepreneurial spirit. If you like to take the initiative and make a difference as part of a team, you've come to the right place.

With more than 50 offices across the globe and a track record of more than 50 years, Roland Berger is a leading management consulting firm with successful operations in all major international markets. Our key values, entrepreneurship, excellence, and empathy are firmly rooted in our culture. We deeply value unique and diverse personalities and strongly encourage entrepreneurial spirit and novel ideas.

After celebrating the fantastic 30th anniversary of the Roland Berger – IESE International MBA Case Competition this spring, we’re excited to continue this long-standing tradition - and we would be delighted to have Esade on board again for the upcoming edition in 2026.

As every year, we are pleased to invite Esade to participate in this prestigious global event, co-hosted annually by Roland Berger and IESE Business School in Barcelona since 1995. Over the years, the competition has united leading MBA programs from Europe, Asia, and the United States, and has grown into one of the most prominent events of its kind.

The event gives first-year MBA students a unique opportunity to solve a real-world business challenge, showcase their strategic thinking, and present their solutions to a panel of distinguished business leaders. Throughout the competition, teams receive guidance and feedback from experienced Roland Berger consultants, supporting their analysis and sharpening their presentations.

Beyond the case itself, the competition offers participants several chances to network - both with fellow students from leading global MBA programs and with Roland Berger professionals from various international offices. Additionally, participants will enjoy the atmosphere of Barcelona with traditional dinners and time set aside for sightseeing with us.

🏆 To add to all the excitement, there will be a money prize of €4,000  for the winning team (€1,000 per team member) and €1,000 for the runner-up team (250€ per team member)!

1. Assemble Your Dream Team: We invite you to form a diverse team of four (4) first-year MBA students - ideally representing at least three nationalities, as well as a variety of languages and genders. Diversity is key!
    
2. Apply Individually: Each team member must apply to this event posting individually by Sunday, November 2. Please complete all required fields, upload your CV, and provide your team’s name on the second page of the application (after clicking “Next”) so we can properly allocate you to your team.
    
3. Submit Team Introduction Videos: Please also submit a brief team introduction via our ONLINE VIDEO TOOL (click to log in) by Sunday, November 3. One team member will need to register to access the tool and your team will be asked three questions. Your team will have one minute and unlimited attempts to answer each question.
    
4. Internal Presentations: The top teams, chosen based on the CVs and team videos, will be announced by Friday, November 7. On Monday, November 10, these teams will receive a Roland Berger case to work on and must submit their solutions by Sunday, November 30. Each team will then present their case solution in front of a Roland Berger jury during the internal pre-selection round at Esade on TUESDAY or THURSDAY, December 2 OR 4.
    
5. Announcement of the Esade Winning Team: Directly after the on-campus team presentations, the jury will select the final team that will represent Esade at the MBA Case Competition in March 2026 in Barcelona and will announce it during the networking reception!

🗓 Event Schedule (details tbc)

Thursday, March 5, 2026

• Arrival in Barcelona
• Welcome session, case introduction & rules
• Networking & traditional dinner

Friday, March 6, 2026

• Case work
• Coaching & case expert sessions
• Relaxed joint dinner

Saturday, March 7, 2026

• Final presentations to jury
• Winner announcement
• Closing networking event

Sunday, March 8, 2026

• Individual departures