Employer Challenges (Employer Toolkit)

“We [at Meijer] want to prepare and recruit the best talent to lead the industry in the future. This is a unique program to expose students to a real-life opportunity in presenting a big idea to a leadership team...further preparing them for their careers, hopefully, careers at Meijer!” - Meijer Campus Recruiter 

"Looking back on my freshman year, the Employer Challenge was a great introduction to the business and consulting space. I was never one to jump into competitions or public speaking events in high school, so I was a bit nervous coming into the challenge, but the feedback we received from the Meijer team really grew my confidence and visual/verbal presentation skills. A lot of my peer mentees have asked me about ways to learn more about business beyond the usual coursework and clubs, and I always end up recommending the employer challenges to them.” 
 -UM Student participant, Meijer Employer Challenge


The UCC Employer Challenge is an innovative case study program designed to connect your company with our talented students. This 1-2 week program offers a unique opportunity for you to engage with potential future employees, enhance your brand presence on campus, and discover top talent through hands-on, real-world problem-solving.

Why Participate in Employer Challenges?

  • Elevate Your Brand Awareness

By participating in Employer Challenges, your company will gain significant visibility among the student body. Your brand will be featured prominently throughout the program marketing and promotion along with UCC Social Media. This exposure helps position your company as a leader and an attractive employer in the eyes of our talented students.

  • Build a Strong Talent Pipeline

Employer Challenges provide a direct pathway to identify and nurture future interns and employees. You’ll have the opportunity to see students in action, assess their skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities in real-time.

  • Engage with Students in a Meaningful Way

Employer Challenges offer a dynamic and interactive way to connect with students. By presenting real-world business problems, you’ll witness firsthand how students tackle complex issues, work collaboratively, and bring fresh perspectives to the table. This engagement is invaluable for both students and employers, fostering a deeper connection and mutual understanding.

  • Showcase Your Company’s Innovation and Leadership

Participating in Employer Challenges highlights your company’s commitment to innovation and leadership. It demonstrates that you value creative thinking and problem-solving, qualities that are highly prized in today’s competitive job market. This positioning can make your company more attractive to top-tier talent who are seeking employers that prioritize growth and innovation.

  • Benefit from Fresh Perspectives and Ideas

Students bring a wealth of new ideas and perspectives that can provide valuable insights into your business challenges. By involving them in these challenges, you not only contribute to their professional growth but also gain innovative solutions that can be applied within your organization.

Questions? Please email your industry contact