MS HRM Students Place Second at Purdue University Case Competition

Mays Business School’s Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MS HRM) students demonstrated excellence, placing second at the prestigious Purdue HR Case Competition, held at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

The winning team from second to left to right: Sarah Rains, Jayce Anderson, Logan Rosenberg, Malee Crumrine, Amanda Schmiediche

Students Malee Crumrine ’24, Amanda Schmiediche ’24, Jayce Anderson ’24, Logan Rosenberg ’24, and Sarah Rains ’24 were tasked with addressing a complex HR challenge for power company Eaton: increase 401(k) and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) utilization among their hourly workforce. The team’s solution showcased a depth of knowledge, creativity, and teamwork fostered by the MS HRM program at Mays Business School.

“We chose to focus on a gamification approach that made the solution engaging, practical, interactive, and easily implementable,” said Rains. “The invaluable experience reinforced our teamwork and problem-solving skills, and I’m proud that we upheld our program’s reputation for excellence. Texas A&M is always a team to watch in this competition.”

Competing against top HR programs from across the nation, the team had only one week to prepare their case and deliver a 20-minute presentation to a panel of industry leaders. Despite the intense pressure, the Mays team excelled in blending theoretical knowledge with real-world insights from their internships, demonstrating a well-rounded, strategic approach to HR challenges.

“The MS HRM program’s robust curriculum and emphasis on experiential learning were key to our success,” said Crumrine. “We were able to think strategically, collaborate under pressure, and apply the skills we’ve learned to solve a meaningful, real-world case. Earning second place and being recognized as Top Presenter was incredibly rewarding.”

The team’s success in the competitive environment is a testament to the MS HRM program’s focus on developing business leaders who are prepared to address the evolving challenges in the HR field. Mays students are consistently top finishers in this competition. Graduate teams took first place in 2023 and 2022 and second place in 2021.

“We are incredibly proud of our students,” said Rochelle Read, MS HRM program manager. “Their performance in this competition reflects the high standards of our MS HRM program, which is designed to equip students with both the strategic thinking and practical HR skills needed to succeed in today’s business world. It’s thrilling to see our students continue to shine on the national stage.”

As the team prepares to graduate in December, they are already looking ahead to exciting career opportunities. They each say they will take the lessons they’ve learned and the experience gained from the competition into their future HR roles, where they are set to make a meaningful impact at companies such as ConocoPhillips, Honeywell, RTX, Sendero, and Swire Coca-Cola.

For Sarah Rains, the experience was a pivotal moment in her journey. “It was a powerful reminder of how well the Texas A&M MS HRM program equips us to tackle complex HR issues with confidence and creativity,” she said. “We walked away more capable and more confident in our ability to solve the challenges that lie ahead in our careers.”