The digital format has definitely changed the way the organising committee works. Communication, trust and dependency are key points in all teams, but they are inevitably crucial when you throw zoom-calls into the mix. It is not always easy, especially when you do not get to meet the people you work parallel with. Nonetheless, the admiration for each other and the appreciation of everyone's work does not go unnoticed. We have therefore done a round of "pass it on" to get to know each other and spread some compliments. Welcome to the ACC Organising Committee 2021!
Emma Halkjær
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
25 years old, Cand. IT - 10th semester, IT & Digitalisation
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
Engaging with like-minded students in creating an extraordinary event, contributing to the legacy of Aarhus Case Competition. Seeing our premium partners and colleagues thrive in using our chosen virtual platform for the first time. Such a relief for my team and I to finally see all of our hard work come into play!
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
Rethinking how ACC can transform into a virtual format while still remaining true to its identity and purpose. Ambitions and hard work can move mountains. Not even a pandemic can change that.
Pass it on to who and why?
Not only does Morten have great hair. He also ensured that the whole committee is well-dressed and nice looking. An accomplishment in itself! He recruits top-tier judges as easily as picking his nose. Well done Head of BR!
Morten Agnholt Andersen
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
25 years old, Cand.merc.IT - 8th semester, Head of Business Relations
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
Getting to work with my bright fellow students who can challenge my perception of the tasks in front of us. The few times we got to see each other physically and to see my fellow BR-members go above and beyond for our premium partners in a time of great uncertainty
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
The ever-changing nature of this year's ACC, which due to COVID-19 has required lots of iterative thinking and has turned many processes upside down. You can only plan for so much in a project. In the end, what you are evaluted on, is your ability to cope and deal with the unexpected.
Pass it on to who and why?
Mathias has been a precious gift to the BR team with his engagement and positive attitude. He is always ready to help out and has a strong "can do" attitude which I have valued highly.
Mathias Rysholt Jensen
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
24 years old, BSc. Erhvervsøkonomi, Business Relations
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
Meet some new and inspiring students, and get them to learn. They are all very dedicated, to run this cool event, in the best possible way. Furthermore I really enjoy meeting some interesting people beside the ACC committee. To me, our Kickoff event was a great memory. It gave us the opportunity to make a cool outside event, and show the city that ACC is ready to receive the students in week 15.
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
The biggest challenge so far, has off course been to make the best possible event, with this pandemic running around the world. This means that you have to rethink the event, and make some new initiatives. All the new friendships is definitely something I will take with me. Furthermore, I think that I have learned a lot by working with the external partners.
Pass it on to who and why?
Mads (Studs) is a person with both feet on the ground. Every time I meet him, he is always ready for a small talk, and always with a smile.
Mads Studsgaard Jensen
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
25 years old, cand.oecon Economics and Management, Case Writer
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
The people. It is always a pleasure to work and interact with such a great team, where everyone shares the same vision, and is dedicated to create the best ACC-experience despite this year's extra challenges. I have a lot of great memories, but my greatest memory is definitely the cabin trip. It was such a fun weekend, where we got to meet everyone from the committee, and I could not imagine this year being the same without it.
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
One of the best things about being part of the ACC committee is the social experiences and new friendships. Unfortunately, due to the current situation with COVID, the social interaction has been severely limited. During my ACC tenure, I have often had to leave my comfort zone. This has helped me to become much more comfortable in professional settings, and it has definitely improved my skillset.
Pass it on to who and why?
Anna always has a smile on her face, and it is always fun to be around her. She also makes for a great partner in beer pong, although mostly for mental support - she will not hit a cup!
Anna Daugbjerg Jakobsen
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
25 years old, cand.merc Strategic communication, Event Coordinator
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
I love to be a part of a committee and a great team, where we in collaboration are creating something big and great. It is educational to be surrounded by so many young people, who are so skilled and motivated. It really inspires me and makes me want to work harder and longer all of the time. Filming the promo-video in the beginning. That was a really great experience for me because we were working together with PR Marketing, and they just blew my mind. They were all so skilled and professional from the beginning, and they had a vision and they executed it. So cool!! Thank you for that :)
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
Definitely that everything is online and the entire event is being created and built up virtually. It is difficult and confusing sometimes to communicate with the other teams, because it is online, and then it is just sad that we are not seeing each other. Because every person in this committee is truly incredible and sweet. All the inspiration and motivation the other members of this committee has given me. Everyone's so focused and passionate about what they do, and really puts a pride in their work. That has given me a whole new level of "blod på tanden" :) I will also take with me all the beneficial practical knowledge it has given me, it is nice to be a part of something bigger, and it has taught me a lot to work with all the teams, managing and helping each other. This experience has given me more confidence and a new admiration for other people and how awesome it is to create something together.
Pass it on to who and why?
Karoline is the most structured and hardworking person i know. She always seems to know everything, and even though it is not her task or area of expertise, then she is on top of it, and can always provide you with an answer or solution. She gets her things done always, and is never lacking behind and she still manages to find time to help others. And as a bonus, she is super sweet which is nice.
Karoline Emilie Kirkegaard Therkildsen
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
24 years old, Cand.merc Marketing, 8th semester, PR & Marketing
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
Experiencing the whole PRM team coming together to contribute in solving a challenge or creating great content for ACC - but also working with so many excellent minds across all teams. The Kick-off event! Driving around with two of my great colleagues while also seeing some of the people in the committee that I do not get to see all of the time.
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
Not seeing the whole team (in real life) since December has been a challenge when working on so many different projects. I will definitely always remember how much you can achieve and develop (professionally and personally) by bringing together so many different competencies and personalities.
Pass it on to who and why?
I do not know what ACC 2021 would do without Kristian. He is a graphical genius! He has always got my back when I need help with graphical work - also when it is last minute.
Kristian Højland
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
25 years old, BSc. Erhvervsøkonomi, PR & Marketing
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
The thing I enjoy the most of all is definitely the people. Being surrounded by motivated and ambitious people makes the work totally worthwhile, and seeing the events take shape is something very special. I have a lot of great memories with ACC like our kick-off event, our wine-tasting, creating the Case Solving Booklet, collaborating with the other teams and establishing an improved visual identity for ACC going forward with my fellow PR & Marketing team members
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
The biggest challenge so far, besides the pandemic, has probably been the ACC Case Solving Booklet - a project that i have been working on with the case writing team. The project has been quite big in scope compared to other graphics projects i’ve done previously, but I think it has turned out very well and I'm excited for people to see it. All the friendships and the fact that you can achieve so much when a group of passionate people are focused on a shared vision.
Pass it on to who and why?
I want to pass this on to Donald, because he is an absolute professional when it comes to anything ACC related, but more importantly, he is top-class teammate when it comes to both beer-pong and music-quizzes.
Donald Karstensen
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
26 years old, BSc. Erhvervsøkonomi, Case Writer
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
The great challenge to create one of the biggest case competitions in the Nordics. And of course, the opportunity to work with like minded students and inspirational partners Skipping food and drinking I-Am-Vodka on the rocks with my team after a 12-hour long CSB editing session. Also, doing a live FB interview with Mikkel Pedersen, HR Senior Consultant at Lidl Denmark, at Lidl's office in Tranbjerg.
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
Social cohesion during a global pandemic. Long-lasting friendships and an "anything-is-possible" attitude
Pass it on to who and why?
He is perhaps one of the most dedicated people I have ever met. Without him Aarhus Case Competition would not have been the same.
Valdemar Otto Sloth
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
22 years old, BSc. Economics & Business Administration, Head of Case Writer
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
Collaborating with great and motivated people both internally and externally in ACC is a true pleasure. There is indeed a monumental power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals. Creating a brand new Case Solving Booklet in collaboration with the greatest and most dedicated people.
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
Transforming ACC to an online event during a pandemic. A great learning for me as well as the entire committee is the fact that it is only after you have stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.
Pass it on to who and why?
Alberte - She is always well prepared and professional in the way she conducts her work.
Alberte Sehested Dyrgaard
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
24, Cand.ling.merc. International Business Communication, Head of PR & Marketing
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
Being part of the ACC committee, I really enjoy working closely together with the rest of the committee members – both within and across the teams which are composed of students from different study programmes. This brings a diversity of perspectives which challenges and inspires my thoughts. A great memory for me is being part of the team that digitally transformed Aarhus Case Competition, an organisation that has existed for 10 years, into a whole new format, namely a virtual event that accommodates the contemporary societal demands while still offering everything we stand for.
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
The biggest challenge so far - which to me was also my most important task - was to ensure motivation within my team during months of lockdown where we were not able to meet in person. Motivation is essential for the work we do and to make it as much of a joy as possible to be part of the ACC committee. For me, there are two major things I will take with me.
The first thing is the friendships that have emerged from working closely together with the rest of the organising committee towards making ACC 2021 a success.
The second is the learnings acquired from being part of the PR & Marketing team, especially regarding collaboration and planning.
Pass it on to who and why?
Joining the committee without knowing any of the other members beforehand, Kaja was so welcoming and kind from the very first day and she has been so very since.
Kaja Berfjord
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
23 years old, cand.merc. Marketing, Recruitment & Nordic Relations
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
Meeting and collaborating with ambitious and motivated people! Also experience how we as a group work together and seeing how our efforts and hard work are put into action. Filming a video for ACC Advanced to introduce them to Aarhus, since they don’t have the possibility to come and see "smilets by" for themselves!
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
Not having the opportunity to meet physically, I was also a part of the committee last year and I really miss the social part because it really is something special in ACC! I have learned a lot about teamwork, how important it is that we cooperate, communicate and trust each other! Also how much you learn both professionally and personally with being a part of the committee is definitely something i will take with me
Pass it on to who and why?
Kristine - She is always positive and sees solutions instead of problems, and she is always there if you want to have a talk!
Kirstine Næss
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
24 years old, cand.merc. Information Management, IT & Digitalisation
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
I enjoy the very special bond that we develop with each other in the committee, and the great balance of developing professionally, but also personally. The friendships and experiences that I have made throughout my ACC time, and the feeling of succeeding with something in union, especially stand out for me. The cabin trip that we were able to arrange early last autumn was so special this year. We had already had half a year of restricted social interactions, and I remember thinking that weekends like that will feel more special when we can return to normal life. The committee is really top notch this year, amazing people all around!
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
The biggest challenge this year has - maybe not surprisingly - been hosting ACC in the midst of a pandemic. However, I am very proud of the dedication from my fellow ACCers, and our agility. ACC will be totally reinvented this year, and I believe that this is very healthy for us. Maybe some digital aspects will stay in the following years as well? I will take the great friendships, and an appreciation of true teamwork.
Pass it on to who and why?
Andreas is amazing to have on our team in stressful situations. He keeps his cool, and focuses on fixing the problem and making the most of the situation. Also, his kind and quick witted nature is really appreciated!
Andreas Bächler
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
25 years old, ITKO, IT & Digitalisation
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
Being a part of a great team, where we can always share our thoughts and concerns about the IT aspects, and come up with great solutions together. Finding and agreeing on the case and event platform
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
The challenges in the coordination of 'who is saying something now' in Zoom meetings. Some great tools and techniques in how to organize and structure a project with so many people.
Pass it on to who and why?
Jonas - He's got a sharp mind and is really good with the more technical stuff.
Jonas Rebsdorf Nilsson
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
26 years old, cand.merc. Information Management, IT & Digitalisation
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
Solving new and unfamiliar challenges with people you haven't worked with before. Especially the feeling you get when all of the pieces fit together at the end and you feel like you have created something that is valued by partners and contestants. The pre-event. Seeing something that you have worked hard on for weeks and where several things can go wrong, actually work as intended, and where you get a lot of credit from partners and contestants was amazing. Even though it was very stressful, the feeling of accomplishment afterwards was worth it all.
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
Rethinking ACC and trying to bring the format into a digital setting. Teamwork is key! Being able to communicate, coordinate and trust the people is extremely important when it comes to realizing a project like this. If you do not work together, the final output will not be a cohesive and complete result. And then of course all of the memories and friendships.
Pass it on to who and why?
Magnus is your PR/M swiss knife! He is extremely talented within several areas and with his “can do” mentality he is the guy you go to if you need anything fixed, may it be programming, visuals or numbers. All of this combined with him being a very friendly and funny, Magnus is the guy that you want on your team!
Magnus A. Damiri
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
22 years old, BSc. Economics and Business Administration, PR & Marketing
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
The thing I enjoy most about ACC is the fact that we have a shared responsibility and your pears have trust in you. At ACC, we are friends, not colleagues. My greatest ACC memory was just at the end of the Pre-event. The satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment made all the hard work worth it!
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
One of my biggest challenges has been to integrate the updated website and to help at the pre-event. These projects require a lot of flexibility and adaptability, which was challenging but also quite exciting. I have definitely learned many things that I will take with me, e.g. working with external partners. And of course the camaraderie as well
Pass it on to who and why?
I truly admire Mia for doing such a great job with limited resources. She always has a great story, and the party always starts when she arrives. There is never a dull moment while being at her company.
Mia Mondrup Hjuleraa
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
24 years old, BSc. Marketing and Management Communication, Recruitment and Nordic Relations.
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
The best thing of being a part of the committee is the social networking with the other members and working together with brilliant and motivated people. Furthermore, the skills and competences you receive by working hands-on provides more practical experience. Filming the welcome video for ACC Advanced around in Aarhus to introduce them to our city. We were chasing the best spots in Aarhus in our blazers even though it was 2 degrees. Luckily we had a lot of fun with the takes and re-takes
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
The digital aspect of this years case competition and how everything should come together when not having experienced it before. Also, being a part of last years committee where we had much more physical interaction is a challenge this year due to Covid-19. Being ready to constantly develop a new solution to problems and be creative and also how to collaborate with different people and being provided with tools to do so. The social part is also something I will take with me with long-lasting friendships.
Pass it on to who and why?
Johanne - Always in a great mood and spreads good energy
Johanne Hartmann
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
24 years old, BSc Economics and Business Administration, Event Coordinator
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?
To be part of something bigger. All teams collaborate and work together to form all aspects of an extremely well executed event from the beginning to end. This process is highly appreciated and motivating to be a part of. Seeing how our first event, Kick-Off was executed. It was great to see how all our planning finally came into play.
The biggest challenge so far? And something you will take with you?
The current situation. Covid-19 has made it difficult because we haven't been able to meet other komitee members physically. Since we are dealing with problems that haven't been faced in ACC before, it would have been great brainstorming ideas with other komitee members from different teams. Some great tools and skills, that will be a beneficial factor onwards. I have learned that with great teamwork, anything is possible and all new challenges can be solved. Most of all I think this experience has given me confidence, having confidence in the people I work with, confidence that if all hands are on deck anything is possible and confident in moving out of your comfort zone can be beneficial both on the academic and personal level.
Pass it on to who and why?
Kasper is an energy bomb. He brings a lot of joy to a stressful meeting. He has the ability to keep a calm mind when waves are high. He is very resourceful and comes with solutions when needed.
Kasper Lund
Age, what you study and your role in the committee:
25 years old, BSc. Economics & Business Administration, Event Coordinator
What you enjoy most in the ACC committee? A great memory?