Challenge Background 

If you're up for a challenge and want to put yourself ahead in your career, take on this challenge.

Now in its third year, the Chartered Accountants Student Challenge invites students to solve a real-life business problem facing a not-for-profit organisation.

This is designed to give you a taste of the varied and interesting issues you will likely encounter in the business world, as well as the opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause.

This year we would like you to examine a real-life business challenge facing The Smith Family. Entries will be judged on how effectively students solve the Challenge on three main criteria - technical knowledge, innovation and presentation.

This year there will be two different Challenges - one designed for first year students, and the other for second, third and fourth year students.

You can tackle the task solo or form a team. Either way simply participating in these Challenges adds practical experience to your CV - and it's all up from there.

Winners will enjoy money-can't-buy power lunches with potential employers, travel vouchers and may even jet off on an all expenses paid trip to London.

Challenge Question 

This year's Challenge questions will be released on Saturday, 1 May 2010.

Teams 

Students can take the Challenge as individuals or with a partner. There is a maximum of two members per team. Teams will have approximately four months to submit their solutions. When making a submission, students can choose from a range of formats including video, PowerPoint presentation, Word or Excel documents.

Prizes 

First Year Challenge:

State winners will be invited to attend a Power Lunch in their capital city with some of Australia's most sought-after employers. Their submission will also be considered for the title of National First Year Challenge winner.

Each member of the National winning team will receive a $2,000 STA travel voucher.

Student Challenge:

State winners will be invited to attend a Power Lunch in their capital city with some of Australia's most sought-after employers. Their submission will also be considered for the title of National Student Challenge winner.

Each member of the National winning team will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to London where they will spend a week with a high profile Chartered Accountant working in the sports, entertainment and finance industries.

Key Dates (Sydney time)