Online degree candidates can solve real-life problems

Online degree candidates can solve real-life problems

Individuals who enroll in campus-based or online schools may have the opportunity to improve the environment through business planning contests, such as the Sustainability Case Competition that was recently held at Washington University in St. Louis.

School officials called upon students at the college's Olin Business School to solve parking problems on the school's urban campus.

More than 100 students on 30 teams ranging from the undergraduate to executive MBA levels entered the original competition, through which the top four finalists were selected. These competitors went head-to-head in the final round of the contest, which required them to present their proposals to a panel of judges.

The winning team developed a plan to entice students in university housing to use public transportation and bicycle paths instead of their own vehicles. To achieve this goal, the team suggested improving these services and pathways, which would offer prospective passengers and bikers an incentive to use these alternatives.

A $5,000 cash prize was awarded to the winning team, which also received the opportunity to present their plan to school administrators.

Individuals who choose to attend online colleges may find similar opportunities to improve their school's policies.