The National Geotechnical Engineering Competition for College Students aims to foster innovative thinking, enhance professional knowledge acquisition, develop hands-on skills, and strengthen teamwork capabilities. This paper analyzes the preparatory process for the fourth edition of the competition, beginning with task interpretation and identification of critical success factors. Through laboratory testing, we determine material properties and mechanical parameters. An initial design solution is developed by integrating theoretical calculations with software simulations, which is subsequently optimized through field testing. We summarize key lessons learned and successful strategies, providing valuable references for students interested in geotechnical engineering and academic competitions.