Judge Experiences

Oana, Judge 2023-2025

I strongly believe BNCOW offers students a great opportunity to prepare for and meet the requirements of the job market, as shaped by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Taking part in the negotiation competitions allows them to interact with company representatives and acquire first-hand information about the demands of potential employees and the dynamic of a hiring process. Moreover, online competitions enable students to use the Internet as a medium for formal communication, rather than for entertainment, shedding light on a different set of rules and a specific etiquette. Participants also practice formal communication and their business English, trying to convey an accurate message to an interviewer with different (native/non-native) English skills.

Taking part in both experiments, the international competition, conducted in the Romanian stages by a HR specialist (MuoviTech case study) & the Romanian experiment in December, conducted by the founder of the company (Kastel case study), allows me to stress out the benefits of each scenario:

• the CEO and founder perspective encompassed the mission, vision and objectives of the organization, connecting the interviews to the real job market and economic environment.

•  the HR specialist, being very experienced, was capable of better managing the relationship with the students, maintaining an even, constant approach to all candidates.

Both situations are part of a real recruitment process. Combining them provides the participant with a full experience.

BNCOW Negotiation Competitions also consist in a learning experience for judges by extending connections with all the other stakeholders involved. The variety of backgrounds, skills and styles of the participants shape the evaluation process, highlighting dimensions of a constantly evolving, multicultural landscape.

Cătălin, Judge and Jamboree Participant 2024

I participated in a very interesting activity, in which I noticed the students' enthusiasm for the practical approach to the negotiation process. I strongly believe that such activities successfully supplement the students' theoretical training and contribute to a better fit with the labour market after graduation. I consider that this type of activity can be successfully replicated in other universities and/or other learning contexts. Congratulations to the organizers!

Silvana, Judge and Jamboree Participant 2024

A wonderful event! Brief feedback: impeccable organisation, with clear instructions for both the judges and participants. The evaluation form was comprehensive and easy to complete, and the participants were extremely well-prepared. It was evident that they put their hearts into it and truly enjoyed taking part.

Evelyn, Judge and Jamboree Participant 2024

First of all, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to participate in this experience and to congratulate the organisers for this initiative. I must admit that it was my first time actively participating in an event of this kind, but I was pleasantly surprised both by the concept itself and by the professionalism demonstrated by the participating students.

Just as interview preparation is crucial (such as researching the company), it is also good to gather information about the next steps of an interview. Candidates can ask the recruiter when the next meeting will take place or approximately how long it will take to receive a response from the company. I noticed that this aspect was mentioned in the judges' questionnaire, but I believe that many candidates are hesitant about it. I personally understand the reluctance to ask too many or potentially inappropriate questions after an interview, but we should know that it is completely acceptable.

An activity of this type can be very useful for any student who is starting their career in the labour market or who, already active, wants to improve their negotiation and communication skills for job interviews. Personally, I took away several tips and ideas that I would apply myself in the future, including:

•   Preparing a short PowerPoint presentation or another visual method to present personal details, education, and professional experience. Even though I have worked for two corporations so far, I never considered preparing a visual aid for my interviews to support my speech. I believe we all appreciated this approach in today’s presentations.

•  Creating a deeper connection with the position one is applying for. Of course, it is important to present personal qualities, but ideally, we should highlight the characteristics and skills that specifically recommend us for that job.

• Preparing and acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses. We all have strengths and areas for improvement, and it is essential to maintain authenticity and honesty even here. I remember a university lecture with an HR manager who explained that most candidates list weaknesses such as “I work too hard,” “I get too involved,” or “I am a perfectionist.”

Liana, Judge 2024

Participating in the BNCOW Negotiation Competition was an intellectually stimulating and highly rewarding experience. I was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm, preparation, and professionalism demonstrated by the participants. Each student brought a unique perspective to the negotiation table, showcasing exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability. This diversity not only enriched the competition but also highlighted the depth of talent among the participants.

The event was impeccably organized, with clear guidelines and a well-structured format that ensured a smooth and efficient process. The evaluation form was thoughtfully designed, enabling the jury to assess each participant comprehensively and fairly. The professionalism and dedication of the organizers were evident throughout, creating an environment that was both supportive and inspiring.

One of the standout aspects of the competition was the emphasis on real-world negotiation scenarios and strategic communication. The participants showcased exceptional skills in structuring arguments, adapting to dynamic situations, and finding mutually beneficial solutions. These are cornerstone abilities in today’s competitive business environment, and I strongly believe that such events provide students with invaluable opportunities to refine their negotiation techniques and develop a professional mindset essential for success in the global marketplace. 

From a judge’s perspective, the competition provided invaluable insights. Observing the participants’ negotiation techniques, argument structuring, and adaptability under pressure was both enlightening and educational. Furthermore, collaborating with fellow judges, each bringing their own expertise and perspectives, added another layer of depth to the experience. The competition successfully mirrored the dynamics of a real-world multicultural and multidimensional professional environment.

This initiative serves as an exemplary model of non-formal education, seamlessly blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. It offers participants not only a platform to develop critical skills but also a glimpse into the complexities and nuances of real-life professional scenarios.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the organizers for their vision and execution. The competition was a testament to the transformative power of experiential learning. I look forward to future opportunities to contribute to such initiatives and to support the development of the next generation of skilled professionals.

Miriam, Judge 2024

It was a real pleasure to participate as a judge, and I thank you for this opportunity. I appreciated that the students performed very well in terms of public speaking in English. From my perspective, regarding the competition rules and organisation, I have nothing to add. Everything seemed to be in order!

Luiela, Judge 2025

I participated in this competition with great pleasure. It was my first activity of this kind—thank you for the invitation, it was an interesting experience. I had never witnessed a negotiation before, and its novelty, along with the way the process must be managed, was very instructive for me. Yes, I definitely want to participate in such competitions in the future.

Last but not least, congratulations on how you organised this event and for your professionalism. Well done!

 Iulian, Judge 2025

My participation as a judge member in the Local Negotiation Competition was an extremely valuable and motivating experience. I was impressed by the interest and level of preparation shown by the participants, as well as by the way some of them structured their arguments and applied various negotiation techniques. It was clear that young people are eager to get involved in meaningful projects, and within the BNCOW project, they truly understood the importance of effective communication and strategic thinking. 

From this experience, I learned that a well-organized competition, with a clear structure and well-defined objectives, can be a powerful tool for learning and evaluation. I also appreciated the collaboration within the jury, where each member contributed with professionalism and objectivity throughout the assessment process. 

Overall, this negotiation competition is an excellent example of good practice in non-formal education. I would participate again in similar activities, whether as a jury member or as a supporter of young people looking to develop essential skills such as communication, negotiation, and leadership. 

Mădălina, Judge 2025

It was an interesting experience, calmer than I expected. Everything was well-organised, with 20 minutes allocated for each player, and if someone was 5 minutes late, they couldn’t participate. I believe these organisational details were essential for a smoother activity.

First of all, I learned to be patient—three hours felt longer during the competition. But as a takeaway, I’ll remember the importance of introducing yourself properly, clearly, and confidently. Another thing I learned is the importance of asking questions to ensure the other person understands your message.

I liked it. I’d like to participate in this type of activity again. And next time, I’ll join as a player, just as I initially wanted.

Carmen Maria, Judge 2025

The negotiation competition was an interesting experience that gave me the opportunity to closely observe how a negotiation actually unfolds. Although I was already familiar with the process and had participated in negotiations before, it was the first time I had the chance to analyse other people’s performances.

I could see how differently each participant approached the negotiation, even though they all had the same scenario and stakes. Additionally, the role of judge came with extra responsibility, prompting me to pay even closer attention to the arguments presented. I noticed verbal and non-verbal details I hadn’t seen before, such as the use of standard phrases meant to make the speech more fluent or persuasive.

I liked that most participants structured their arguments logically, which helped me better understand the dynamics of an effective negotiation. By evaluating my peers’ performances, I identified both strengths I plan to incorporate into my own negotiation style and weaker aspects I’ll try to avoid in the future (such as exaggerations).

I hadn’t participated in such a contest before, but I’m glad I did now. It was a new experience from which I learned a lot. I’d love to take part in similar activities in the future and maybe even have the courage to compete as a player.

Evelyn, Judge 2025

Experience on the simulation game in the field of real estate negotiations

During my last year at university, I had the opportunity to participate in an extremely interesting simulation game organized online by the Faculty of Economics (FSEGA). The simulation game was aimed at economics students and served as a practical application of theoretical knowledge in the areas of negotiation, communication, and presentation.

The simulation focused on the real estate industry and aimed to place students in realistic negotiation situations. In their role as potential applicants or candidates, the participants had to play through various aspects of a real estate negotiation. The format was impressive both in terms of its depth of content and its professional execution. The event was moderated by Mr. Maximilian Braun, who led the discussions with a high level of expertise and ensured a clearly structured process.

The diversity of skills promoted during the simulation is particularly noteworthy. Students were able to demonstrate their skills in the structured presentation of concepts and in argumentative debate. In addition, communicative and social skills were trained—especially with regard to active listening, responding to different styles of argumentation, and interactive action within the team and with the “negotiation partner.” The ability to act in a solution-oriented manner in stressful situations and under time pressure was also tested.

From a didactic point of view, I consider the simulation game to be very successful. The connection between theoretical knowledge and practical application was established in a clear and motivating way. It was also clear that the students gained not only cognitive but also emotional and social learning experiences – an aspect that is often neglected in economics studies.

I would very much welcome the regular implementation of such formats. They offer students a valuable opportunity to prepare for real-life professional challenges and further develop their communication skills.

My special thanks go to Prof. Dabija, who made this educational experience possible and, through his support, created the framework for this practical learning unit.