Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students demonstrated excellence in human resources strategy and leadership at the 2026 SHRM California Student Case Competition & Conference, earning first and second place in undergraduate and graduate divisions, respectively. The annual event, held April 17–18 at San Diego State University, brought together top student teams from across California to analyze complex business challenges and present solutions to industry professionals.
This year’s competition, themed “Coast to Career: Launching the Next Generation of HR Leaders,” emphasized critical thinking, strategic planning, and professional communication, skills essential for success in today’s evolving workplace. Participating teams were given one week to develop a comprehensive case analysis, culminating in a 15-minute presentation and a question-and-answer session with a panel of HR executives and managers.
Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ sent five teams to the competition—three undergraduate and two graduate—more than any other participating university. Among them, the undergraduate team of Lauren Saldana (MHR ’26) (team captain), Arvin Aure (MHR ’26), Esvin Ojeda (MHR ’27), Charlie Rosales (MHR ’26), Jessica Tran (MHR ’26), and Katelyn Triance (MHR ’26) earned first place for their standout performance. In the graduate division, Jake Edison (MSHRL ’27) (team captain), Joseph Escandon (MSHRL ’27), Jasmine Rivas (MSHRL ’27), and Yvonne Yang (MSHRL ’27) secured second place, further underscoring the strength of the university’s HR program.
The competition challenged students to step into the role of HR advisors, tackling real-world organizational issues that required both technical knowledge and ethical decision-making. For many participants, the experience provided an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a high-stakes, professional environment. Students engaged deeply with topics such as employment law, workforce strategy, and organizational leadership, while also refining their ability to collaborate and communicate effectively under pressure.
“This experience pushed me to apply everything I've been learning about HR in a real, high-stakes environment, analyzing complex employment law, ethical governance, and workforce strategy under pressure,” said Esvin Ojeda (MHR ’27), vice president of Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s PIHRA chapter. “It reinforced why I'm so passionate about this field and the impact HR professionals can have when it matters most.” PIHRA President and team captain Lauren Saldana (MHR ’26) concurred, “We truly enjoyed connecting with other students and HR professionals, and it made the experience even more meaningful.”
Beyond the competition itself, the conference offered valuable networking opportunities with professional organizations, including the Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA) and SHRM-affiliated chapters. These connections allow students to engage directly with industry leaders, gain insight into career pathways, and build relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
The strong showing reflects the continued impact of Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s Professionals in Human Resources Association (CPP PIHRA), a student organization dedicated to preparing future HR leaders through hands-on learning and professional development. Founded in 1994, the organization provides students with opportunities to deepen their understanding of human resource management while connecting with the broader HR community.
As the demand for skilled HR professionals continues to grow, experiences like the SHRM Case Competition play a critical role in preparing students to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. For Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s participants, the competition not only showcased their capabilities, but also reinforced their readiness to lead with confidence, strategy, and a people-centered approach.
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