From case competitions to mentorship programs, LazSoc’s student‑driven initiatives are shaping Laurier’s next generation of business talent.
At Wilfrid Laurier University, the Lazaridis Students’ Society (LazSoc) stands as the driving force behind the business student experience, an organization that goes far beyond coordinating clubs to actively shaping the professional and social journeys of over 6,000 undergraduate students in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics.
At its core, LazSoc is guided by a clear mission: to “enrich the student experience beyond the classroom by offering opportunities that promote professional development, industry engagement, [and] leadership growth.” This mandate is reflected in everything the society does, from large-scale competitions to intimate networking events. Through student-led leadership across 24 affiliated clubs and associations, LazSoc has built an ecosystem where students are encouraged to explore their interests while developing the skills needed to thrive in competitive industries.
That ecosystem is constantly active. Throughout the year, LazSoc supports a wide range of programming, including workshops, speaker series, galas, and case competitions. These events are designed to build technical knowledge, as well as collaboration, confidence, and real-world problem-solving abilities. According to Executive Vice President and VP of Club Strategy Dominic Rocchetta, “LazSoc has been the most impactful and rewarding thing I’ve done here at Laurier,” adding that the organization’s clubs create “countless friendships, professional connections, co-ops, full time positions, and learning opportunities.”
Among the most defining aspects of LazSoc’s programming are its competitions, high-pressure, high-reward environments where students apply classroom concepts to real business challenges. This year, clubs across the LazSoc network delivered a diverse slate of competitions catering to different interests and skill levels.
One standout was Xlerate Lazaridis’ Xlerate Madness Pitch Tournament, held on March 22. Designed as a high-energy, March Madness-style bracket competition, the event saw teams compete head-to-head in fast-paced, DECA-style case challenges. Participants were pushed to think critically, collaborate efficiently, and deliver compelling pitches under pressure, making it an accessible yet intense introduction to case competitions for many students.
Similarly, ACE Laurier hosted multiple competitions that blended business strategy with real-world impact. On October 5, EmbrACE the Case challenged students to tackle sustainability-focused problems, encouraging teams to develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. Later in the semester, ACE partnered with LWIS for the Beauty Worth Investing Case Competition on November 9, sponsored by Sephora Canada. The competition invited participants to “invest in beauty, business, and themselves,” offering hands-on experience alongside industry professionals and tiered cash prizes of $750, $450, and $350. Events like this highlight how LazSoc clubs integrate industry partnerships into student learning, giving participants exposure to real companies and career pathways.
Beyond individual club initiatives, Laurier’s broader case competition culture continues to thrive through flagship teams like Laurier Case and the Laurier JDCC team. At this year’s Jeux du Commerce Central (JDCC), Laurier delivered an impressive performance across both academic and non-academic categories. The team secured first place in Accounting and Human Resources, second place finishes in Digital Strategy, Finance, and Business Strategy, and third place in Entrepreneurship. Outside the classroom, Laurier also excelled, earning first place in Charity Dollars, Sports, and Competition Video, along with third place in Charity Hours and the Social Media Challenge. These results reflect not only technical excellence but also the well-rounded development that LazSoc promotes.
While competitions are a major pillar, LazSoc’s impact extends equally into mentorship and community-building. A notable example is the AMP (Achieve Mentor Program), which became LazSoc-certified in May 2025. This certification marks a significant step in formalizing mentorship within the Lazaridis community, ensuring students have structured opportunities to connect with experienced peers for guidance on academics, careers, and personal growth.
For students looking to get involved, LazSoc offers multiple entry points. Its bi-weekly newsletter, MorningByte, keeps students informed about opportunities, while its active social media presence, particularly on Instagram, highlights events, hiring cycles, and club initiatives. Whether a student is interested in finance, consulting, marketing, entrepreneurship, or simply meeting like-minded peers, there is a space within LazSoc to explore and grow.
Lazsoc themselves have also hosted their own events, such as the Laz vs. Lang Basketball Game on March 24, further demonstrate the organization’s role in building school spirit and community beyond professional development.
To put simply, LazSoc continues to be the backbone of the Lazaridis experience, providing breadth to the academic side of business through real-world application, supporting a network of 24 clubs, and creating opportunities that range from mentorship to national-level competition, equipping students with the tools to succeed.
Contributed Photo/Lazaridis Students Society
