Global Utah Weekly

(PROVO, UTAH) – Non-native Spanish and Portuguese speakers from 11 schools around the nation gathered at Brigham Young University to participate in the nation’s only business language case competition, now in its third year. The competition highlights language and cultural skills in an effort to prepare students for international business experience. In the Spanish portion of the Nov. 13 competition, Utah State University won first place, followed by Indiana University and the University of Washington. In the Portuguese portion, teams from Brigham Young University took first and second place, with Brigham Young University-Idaho placing third. For this year’s case, teams presented an international business strategy for Walmart. The teams, which consisted of three students each, were required to present entirely in Spanish or Portuguese and were judged on language ability, depth of analysis and effective delivery.

“With many companies becoming more and more global, I’m sure my language skills will give me a competitive advantage for job opportunities,” says Nicolas Perfetti, a junior majoring in public policy analysis and economics who was part of Indiana University’s winning team.

Perfetti’s teammate Alan Hearth, a senior majoring in finance and international business, agrees. “I think language skills are great for expanding human communication,” says Hearth. “Nothing builds trust and brings down barriers like showing that you’ve taken the time to learn another person’s language.” Since 2002, the Whitmore Global Management Center has made strides in global business research, education and outreach. The center, which is affiliated with BYU’s Marriott School of Management, provides resources, training and professional development for students, faculty and the business community.