"Wiem na bank – Indeks na WZiE" - Photo Report from the 12th Edition of the Competition | Faculty of Management and Economics at the Gdańsk University of Technology

The competition "Wiem na bank – Indeks na WZiE" is organized by the Faculty of Management and Economics at the Gdansk University of Technology in cooperation with its strategic partner, the II High School with Bilingual Departments named after Kazimierz Jagiellończyk in Elbląg. Its main goal is to increase economic knowledge and its application in daily life by familiarizing students with topics related to monetary and fiscal policies, business management, and knowledge of financial institutions and services.

The final of the competition took place on April 13-14, 2023. The finalists prepared a description of a business project and presented it to an independent committee composed of:

Chairperson: Dr. Eng. Ewa Mazurek-Krasodomska - Vice-Dean for Student Affairs at the Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdansk University of Technology. Member: Kamil Iwankiewicz - Director of the Regional Branch in Olsztyn, National Bank of Poland. Member: Marcin Mielewczyk - Corporate Customer Advisors Team Manager, ING Bank Śląski S.A.

The winners of the 12th edition of the competition are:

1. Rozalia Piotrowska from the II High School with Bilingual Departments named after Kazimierz Jagiellończyk in Elbląg.
2. Natalia Walendzik from the School of Economic and General Education - Flag of Poland Technical High School in Elbląg.

The committee also awarded third place to:

Maria Mitlewska from Technical High School No. 3 in Malbork, as well as distinctions for high scores to:

Ewa Marczyńska from the School Complex for Post-Secondary Education in Sierakowice, Małgorzata Kobus from Technical High School No. 3 in Malbork, Diana Cichosz from the School Complex for Post-Secondary Education in Sierakowice. Two participants with the highest scores in the competition were awarded the title of "Laureate," which is valid for two years and allows for preferential admission to studies conducted at the Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdansk University of Technology.

What prompted you to participate in the competition?

• "I was encouraged to participate in the competition by my principal, Agnieszka Antoniuk-Rumak. It was she who inspired me to take an interest in economics and always encouraged me to participate in various lectures and competitions. Taking part in the 'Wiem na Bank - Indeks na WZiE' competition was truly an incredible experience but also a huge challenge. The project itself required a lot of work, knowledge, and creativity to create a business plan. I followed my passion, which is horse riding, so my business was related to that. Presenting my project live to the academic panel and receiving feedback was a valuable experience.

There was a truly exceptional atmosphere at the Faculty of Management and Economics. The lecturers were very open and friendly. Was it worth it? Absolutely! Just participating in the competition and having the opportunity to present oneself to experts in the business field is a reason in itself. Winning the main prize and receiving the index at such a renowned university is a unique feeling. Receiving this award gave me a lot of confidence and, above all, peace of mind before the high school leaving exam because I already have a secured place at the Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdansk University of Technology. I recommend everyone to give it a try. Take advantage of this opportunity, which is the 'Wiem na Bank - Indeks na WZiE' competition," says the winner, Rozalia Piotrowska.

• "I did not expect to advance to the second stage, and taking a place on the podium was the biggest surprise. I felt both stress and excitement while working on the project. The most important stage was coming up with a business plan idea; time was limited, and I was worried that I wouldn't have enough time to come up with a business concept until the very end. Creating and immersing myself in the whole project was surreal at times. It is an unusual version of the competition, but I think this format is definitely more engaging. The presentation itself was the stage I cared about the most. During those 15 minutes, I wanted to present a concept that I believed in and a project that, in my opinion, had potential. The whole competition was stressful at times, but it allowed me to develop my ideas and approach the task creatively. I never thought I would become a laureate and take such an honorable second place, so when the results were announced, I was both surprised and happy. It wouldn't have been possible without the help of Mrs. Teresa Pietrulewicz, who supervised my work, and without the understanding of the School and the Teachers, thanks to which I could fully focus on the project. In conclusion, if I had to start again, I would do it. It is an unforgettable experience, and if someone feels capable and wants to share their idea, I think they should give it a try," declares the second laureate, Natalia Walendzik.

How did the co-organizers evaluate the competition?

• "The 'Wiem na bank – Indeks na WZiE' competition, as our child, is maturing and developing. I am proud that in this year's edition, my student won the highest prize - the ZIE index. I would like to thank Dean Małgorzata Gawrycka for the cooperation, for another edition of our competition, for all the help and tremendous kindness of all the staff involved in conducting the competition," says Agnieszka Rumak, Director of the II High School with Bilingual Departments named after Kazimierz Jagiellończyk in Elbląg.

The interest and attendance indicate that the competition is an important and ambitious challenge for all students, especially those interested in the broad field of socio-economic reality, banking, and entrepreneurship.

Material prizes funded by the organizer and sponsors were provided for all winners of the 12th edition of the competition.

The event was under the honorary patronage of:

• Prof. Krzysztof Wilde, Rector of the Gdansk University of Technology
• Mieczysław Struk, Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship
• Gustaw Marek Brzezin, Marshal of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship
• Witold Wróblewski, Mayor of Elbląg
• ING Bank Śląski S.A.

The event was covered by media patronage from:

• Radio Gdańsk
• Express Biznesu