Chartered Institute of Marketing Launched Student Challenge
The 16th annual global competition tasks students with designing a circular brand in fashion, technology, or beauty.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Marketing
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The Chartered Institute of Marketing has launched its 2027 global student competition to provide participants with industry experience and boost employability. Teams are invited to develop marketing plans or strategies centered on circular branding.
Why it matters
This initiative helps bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, giving students a platform to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world marketing challenges. By focusing on circular economy principles, the competition aligns student training with current industrial shifts toward sustainability.
This marks the 16th annual edition of the competition, which saw teams from 13 countries participate in the previous year. Undergraduate and postgraduate entrants will be evaluated on marketing plans and strategies respectively.
The players
Chartered Institute of Marketing
This is a professional body for marketers that offers qualifications and industry standards for marketing professionals worldwide.
The details
Undergraduate and postgraduate teams must design a circular brand within the fashion, technology, or beauty sectors. Participants submit an initial proposal for shortlisting before developing a full presentation to be judged by industry experts during the virtual finals.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: Registration period closes.
November 2026: Participants submit initial proposals.
March 9-10, 2027: Live virtual undergraduate and postgraduate finals occur.
Market Landscape
The competition's focus on circular brand design follows the strategic shift toward sustainability outlined in the European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan. This initiative reflects a broader corporate trend as firms increasingly seek marketing talent capable of navigating sustainable product lifecycles.
Students looking to enter the workforce can use this competition to build a portfolio of work that demonstrates practical marketing strategy skills. The event serves as a high-visibility opportunity to receive feedback from professional industry experts.
The takeaway
Engaging in competitive extracurricular activities can significantly enhance a student's resume by demonstrating an ability to solve complex, real-world business problems. Participants should prioritize clear communication of their circular brand strategy to stand out to the judging panel.
What happens next
Registration for the competition remains open until October 26, 2026, followed by the proposal submission phase in November 2026 and the virtual finals scheduled for March 9-10, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in the industry by visiting the Marketing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FE News.
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