Eight Knox College students recently participated in the 2014 Early Leaders case competition at Simon Graduate School of Business, with three of them contributing to the teams that won first, second, and third place.

Only 50 students from across the country were accepted for the November 7-8 competition, which is designed to simulate challenges faced by global leaders in the business world. Knox students have been involved with the event for several years, and this year's contingent of eight was the largest ever.

"The Simon case competition was a wonderful and rewarding experience for me," said Pragyaditya Mukerjee, a Knox junior majoring in economics. "After competing in it, I feel more confident and prepared for dealing with real-life business scenarios."

All students at the Early Leaders competition were assigned randomly to teams of four or five members. Each team analyzed the same case study, with team members collaborating on an action plan and formal presentation to judges.

"I enjoyed every single minute of the Simon school (event), and I never thought I was able to do the things I did during the competition," said Knox senior Jinjie "Matt" Song, who also is majoring in economics.

Knox maintains an educational relationship with the Simon Graduate School at the University of Rochester in New York, and Simon's M.B.A. program actively seeks students who have a strong background in the liberal arts. Through a direct admission agreement with the Simon school, select Knox students may secure admission to Simon's M.B.A. program at the end of their junior year.

Carissa Schoffner, a faculty member in Knox's Business and Management Program, accompanied the students on their trip, which was supported by Knox College and the University of Rochester.

The Knox group consisted of Pragyaditya Mukerjee, Jinjie "Matt" Song, Shelby Holdener, Sebastian Llavaneras, Srichandra Masabathula, Olaloye Oyedotun, Keegan Dohm, and Chanda Harrell.

Oyedotun was on the first-place team that was awarded $5,000, Dohm was on the second-place team that was awarded $3,000, and Harrell was on the third-place team that was awarded $2,000.

Knox was one of 14 educational institutions represented at this year's Early Leaders competition. Others included Ursinus College, the University of Rochester, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges.