Succeeding at Gies for First-Generation and Immigrant Students
Succeeding at Gies College of Business for First-Generation and Immigrant Students
BY DARIUSZ SLOWIKOWSKI ’23 AND OMER ISRAEL ’24
Hello! Congratulations on choosing Gies College of Business! You have just joined an incredible College with outstanding programs, renowned faculty members, and an amazing student experience. During your time at Gies, you will grow as an individual and a professional in ways you could not imagine. We are happy to welcome you to our College, and hope that the following guide will serve as launchpad to your higher education experience. You’ll learn what you can expect during these few formative years and how to maximize your time at
Why We Wrote This Guide
Starting your university career can certainly be an incredibly emotional experience. Feelings of excitement about the endless possibilities of a new chapter are often paired with a strong sense of uneasiness and worry about the significance of the transition to higher education. These feelings are completely valid, and nearly everyone experiences them to some degree. For some students though, these emotions may be more visceral.
It was those feelings of uncertainty – and specifically the realization that not everyone was experiencing them as much as we were – that motivated us to create this guide. We are first-generation students and immigrants. We were the first in our families to venture into higher education and leave home for college. We felt the expectations to become the first white-collar professionals in our families, and these expectations can cause a lot of pressure.
We created this guide to help other first-generation and immigrant students get a foothold in an unfamiliar environment. Without family members or role models in the business world to guide you during your time in college, it can be difficult to know how to proceed as a freshman to maximize your experience here at Gies. We hope this guide can become that reference for you and that it will help you with something as simple as introducing terms that are common in the business professions.
CHOOSING YOUR MAJOR
When choosing your academic major, you have to consider several key factors. First, consider potential career opportunities stemming from your chosen major. Assessing the alignment of these professional roles with your personal interests is essential to ensure this degree is the one for you.
It is also important to examine the curriculum and class structure of each major. Certain programs, such as the Accountancy major, involve a stringent course framework with limited flexibility. In the Accountancy major, the predetermined sequence of classes leaves little room for electives, emphasizing a structured progression. On the other hand, majors like Information Systems have a more elective-centric approach. While certain classes are mandatory, the majority are elective, allowing students to choose classes that best fit their interests.
You could also consider pursuing a double major. Double majoring can be challenging as it naturally increases the amount of coursework required, but it also opens many doors to diverse career opportunities. Double majoring is very common in Gies College of Business, and if you can build a manageable schedule that allows you to graduate on time with two majors, the utility of doing so is certainly worth the additional effort if you want to make yourself more marketable to the business world.
It is important to note though that post-graduation success is not contingent upon pursuing a double major. Numerous graduates from the Gies College of Business have achieved remarkable success with a single major. The decision to double major should be accompanied by a thoughtful reflection of your personal goals, academic capabilities, and potential career advantages.
The following section outlines each major offered in the Gies College of Business for undergraduates. You can use these descriptions to generate your initial impressions of each major, but the best method to make an informed decision about your major involves speaking with trusted upperclassman, alumni, and campus resources.
The majors in Gies College of Business are:
• Accountancy
• Finance
• Information Systems
• Management
• Marketing
• Operations Management
• Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
• Supply Chain Management
• Accountancy + Data Science
• Business + Data Science
• Finance + Data Science
The following descriptions are certainly limited – it can be challenging to encapsulate an entire major’s ethos into a short synopsis – but they provide a glimpse into the majors and some potential employment opportunities.
Choose from 11 Majors
1. Accountancy
Description: Accountancy involves the systematic recording, analysis, and interpretation of financial information. It is the practice of maintaining and auditing financial records for businesses, organizations, or individuals.
Job Opportunities: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), auditor, forensic accountant, tax consultant, consulting in general, financial analyst.
2. Finance
Description: Finance is the study of managing money and investments. It encompasses areas such as corporate finance, investment banking, and financial planning.
Description: Information Systems is the study of designing, implementing, and managing computerbased information systems. It combines technology, business, and management principles.
Job Opportunities: IT consultant, systems analyst, database administrator, cybersecurity analyst, business intelligence analyst.
4. Management
Description: Management involves organizing and coordinating people, resources, and processes to achieve organizational goals. It encompasses leadership, decision-making, and strategic planning.
Job Opportunities: general manager, operations manager, human resources manager, project manager, management consultant.
5. Marketing
Description: Marketing focuses on promoting and selling products or services. It involves market research, advertising, brand management, and developing strategies to reach target audiences.
Job Opportunities: marketing manager, advertising executive, brand manager, market research analyst, digital marketing specialist.
6. Operations Management
Description: Operations Management is concerned with designing, controlling, and improving processes that deliver goods and services. It aims to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Job Opportunities: operations manager, supply chain manager, quality control manager, logistics coordinator, process improvement specialist.
7. Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
Description: This major involves developing and implementing strategies for organizational growth, fostering innovation, and understanding entrepreneurial principles.
Job Opportunities: strategy consultant, innovation manager, entrepreneur, business development manager, corporate strategist.
8. Supply Chain Management
Description: Supply Chain Management involves the coordination and optimization of the entire process of producing and delivering goods or services, from raw materials to the end consumer.
Description: This major combines the principles of accountancy with the application of data science techniques. It involves leveraging advanced analytics, statistical methods, and data visualization to enhance financial decision-making processes.
Job Opportunities: forensic data analyst, financial data scientist, auditor with data analytics specialization, risk management analyst, financial modeling specialist.
10. Business + Data Science
Description: this major combines broad-scale business with data science to prepare you for many careers that allow you to manage and interpret datasets, helping you make informed decisions to improve business. In this major, you choose from one of four specializations: Information Systems, International Business, Management, Operations Management
Job Opportunities: Sales forecasting, Systems analysis, Responsible spending and forecasting, Browser design and data analysis, Leading teams of data analysts, Data security, Sport data analytics
11. Finance + Data Science
Description: The fusion of finance and data science involves applying data-driven approaches to financial analysis, portfolio management, and risk assessment. It integrates quantitative methods and computational tools to optimize financial strategies.
Job Opportunities: quantitative analyst, financial data scientist, algorithmic trader, risk analyst, investment analyst with a focus on data analytics.
Ultimately, no matter which major you choose, there are countless roads to a successful career. Many roles in the professional world are beginning to remove major requirements or at least diversify them, so you should not feel your decision of major will box you in. Speaking of deciding your major, it is most common to declare your major during your sophomore year after you have taken a number of business core courses and have gotten a taste of what each field has to offer.
One final consideration worth mentioning is the ranking of our programs at Gies. Many majors are ranked very highly. Accountancy is ranked #2 in U.S. News & World Report, many other majors like ranked in the top 20.
THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE AND POPULAR CAREERS
For first-generation and immigrant students who grew up with little to no family members or role models in the professional world, the business world may seem foreign and unknowable. It is very common that students enter Gies College of Business without knowing what they want to do after graduation. But for those who come to college without even knowing what the postgraduation possibilities are, the journey to finding a career can seem especially overwhelming. In the previous section we listed some common job positions for each major. In this section, we dive deeper into the most common industries and fields that Gies students work in after graduation.
Professional Service Industry
Although professional services is a broad term that encapsulates many different fields including some outside of what is traditionally seen as business, it can be very roughly boiled down to describe the fields that provide some type of professional service to clients that are typically other companies. Jobs not in the professional services industry would be those that focus on creating an impact within a company, and not through providing services to an external client. Because this is a broad term it would be very difficult to describe every field underneath the umbrella of professional services, but the following focuses on three common areas that Gies students work after graduation.
Public Accounting
Public accounting refers independent accounting firms that provide accounting, tax, and auditing services to clients in various sectors, including businesses, individuals, and government entities. Public accounting is a large umbrella, and the services that firms in this industry provide are very diverse.
The two most well-known service lines in public accounting are audit & assurance and tax. The public accounting industry plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of financial information and supporting businesses in making informed decisions.
Audit & assurance refers to the examination and evaluation of companies’ financial information so that it is presented in a fair, accurate, and transparent manner. Auditors evaluate companies’ internal controls, which refer to the processes companies have in place to prevent errors and fraud. Auditors also test financial statement accounts such as revenue, cash, and inventory to ensure that they are properly stated. Audits are performed so that investors can trust the integrity of the financial information that companies release to the public. Every company listed on the stock market is required to have an annual audit. This means that audit services are always in need, and so a career in audit tends to be very stable and largely unaffected by economic downturns. This is a very accounting heavy role, as are most in public accounting.
Tax services are also heavily provided in the public accounting industry. Many people tend to think of tax preparers or filing tax forms when they think of tax. Tax services in public accounting, however, are far more interesting and diverse than filling out yearly tax returns. There are service lines dealing with complex international tax issues for multinational corporations, M&A Tax consequences of companies buying and selling each other, and many more intriguing areas. Public accounting also encapsulates many other services, including internal audit, IT audit, forensic accounting, financial due diligence, and valuation.
Within public accounting there are four large firms dubbed “The Big 4”: Deloitte, Ernst & Young, PwC, and KPMG. There are also many middle-market, boutique, and regional firms, including Grant Thornton, Plante Moran, BDO, Crowe, and many others.
Consulting
The consulting industry also encompasses a variety of different service offerings, but the ethos of consulting can be described as helping companies across all industries solve difficult problems, improve performance, and achieve their objectives. Consulting services can be very generalist or highly specified and technical. Management or strategy consulting is an example of this general form of consulting. Consulting firms providing management consulting will take on more ambiguous and diverse problems, confident that their methodologies and frameworks will enable their consultants to provide strong recommendations even on problems they do not have expertise in.
An increasingly popular form of consulting is technology consulting, which is in itself a very broad field, but includes such things as cloud migration, enterprise system implementation and integration, and other more technical arrangements. There is a myriad of other forms of consulting, including marketing, supply chain, financial, and HR consulting. Ultimately, consulting is a fast-paced and dynamic industry focused on solving complex problems and helping clients navigate difficult situations.
The consulting landscape is very diverse. The Big 4 public accounting firms mentioned earlier also provide numerous consulting services, including most of the technology consulting services that have recently become more prominent. They often house separate small consulting groups dedicated to management consulting, such as EY Parthenon at Ernest & Young or Strategy& at PwC.
“MBB” is an acronym used to describe three prominent strategy and management consulting firms: McKinsey and Co., Bain and Co., and Boston Consulting Group. These companies are well known for their high level of quality and prestige in the realm of strategy consulting. There are also numerous boutiques and smaller firms, including Oliver Wyman, A.T. Kearney, and Booz Allen Hamilton. Some firms may be known for working with a specific industry.
Investment Banking
Investment banking lies within the financial sector and provides services crucial to the functioning of the greater economy. Investment banks facilitate raising capital for large transactions, oversee the merger and acquisition (M&A) process, and provide a host of other finance-related services. The industry is fast-paced and requires very long hours, but it is also a prestigious and lucrative field with great exit opportunities for other desirable industries like private equity.
Very simply described, M&A refers to the process of companies combining with other companies. Many investment bankers, sometimes referred to as i-bankers, work in M&A and oversee the process of completing the merger or acquisition, often referred
to as a deal. Investment bankers will facilitate nearly every element of the deal from approaching potential buyers and connecting them with their client to due diligence and valuation. The long and fast-paced hours in M&A stem from the fact that investment bankers have such a crucial and involved role in the M&A process. It is important to note that M&A can also include divestitures, carve-outs, and other types of deals outside of simply acquisitions. As mentioned above there are other elements to the investment banking world – such as restructuring – where i-bankers will modify the structure of a company’s sources of financing to help it survive.
The investment banking industry has many players ranging in size and specialization. The term “Bulge Bracket” describes the largest banks, including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and J.P. Morgan among others. Because of their size, these banks can work on very large deals with the biggest corporations. Smaller banks that work on the lower or middle-market are referred to as boutiques. A few examples of boutique investment banks include Houlihan Lokey, Lincoln International, and Guggenheim Partners.
Industry Roles
With an understanding of the client-oriented professional services industry, we can move on to what is commonly referred to as industry in the business world. Industry may be what you imagine when you think of someone working in business at a large corporation. This loose and broad term refers to corporate jobs in which the work a person does is only for the benefit of the company they are employed by. Unlike the client-facing nature of professional
Dream Big!
services, industry roles do not deal with external clients. An industry role can be in any company from Delta Airlines to PepsiCo and in any area from accounting to strategy to supply chain. As long as the job does not involve external clients, it is colloquially referred to as an industry role.
Industry is commonly seen as an end goal for many individuals working in consulting and public accounting. Although it is hard to make a reliable generalization because of how broad the term is, industry roles are typically seen as far less fast-paced and demanding than professional services roles, which is why many professionals who work in a clientfacing capacity aspire to move to industry at some point in their career.
BUILDING YOUR RÉSUMÉ
The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of registered student organizations (RSOs) and Gies-based organizations that do a myriad of things on campus. It is very important to get involved in RSOs as it is a great opportunity for making new friends and connections and maximizing your time in college. Within Gies there are a variety of business-oriented student organizations that can help you learn more about different segments within business. We highly recommend joining at least one business organization because it is a great way to connect with potential classmates and peers and expand your Gies horizon. The big categories of business organizations within Gies include:
1. Business Fraternities
2. Consulting and Finance Organizations
3. Other Organizations
Business Fraternities
Business fraternities are co-ed social and professional fraternities. They tend to have three pillars centered around giving back to the community, helping their members become young professionals, and fostering a sense of interconnectedness among the members. They host events like visits from corporate sponsors, interview workshops, trash pick-up, and dinners for the fraternity. The rush process happens every semester and consists of two interviews and a social stage, where you interact with the members in a more casual setting. There are currently six on campus (listed below). All the business fraternities have very similar vibes, have similar events, and even have events together. The main difference between the business fraternities are the people. That is why we recommend that you talk to as many of the people in the business fraternities as possible to get a feel for who the members are.
• Alpha Kappa Psi (akpsi.org)
• Beta Alpha Psi (illinoisbap.org)
• Business Council (illinoisbusinesscouncil.com)
• Delta Sigma Pi (dspuiuc.org)
• Phi Gamma Nu (pgnuiuc.com)
• Phi Chi Theta (pct-illinois.com)
Consulting and Finance Organizations
There are many consulting and finance-oriented organizations within Gies that can provide valuable experience, regardless of whether you are set on pursuing a career in those fields.
Consulting organizations focus on solving problems for real clients. You join as a consultant, but there is a lot of upward mobility available to project or senior manager roles that can provide incredible experience and differentiate you in interviews. The consulting organizations at the University of Illinois are all very different, whether it is the type of clients or services they provide or the culture of the organization. The following is a non-exhaustive list of some of the most popular consulting organizations on campus:
• Cube Consulting
• EntreCORPS
• Illinois Business Consulting
• OTCR Consulting
• Student Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations (SCNO)
Finance organizations are more varied than the consulting organizations on campus because they focus on different areas of finance. Whether you want to work in M&A, asset management, or really any area of finance, you can find an organization that can help you achieve that goal. The following is a non-exhaustive list of some of the most popular finance organizations on campus:
• Hedge
• Investment Portfolio Organization
• Prime Mergers & Acquisitions
NETWORKING: Building Meaningful Connections for Professional Success
Non-Business Organizations
The University of Illinois offers a variety of RSOs, ranging from cultural organizations to organizations based on hobbies and interests. Campus maintains a list, which outlines every organization on our campus. Joining organizations is a great way to meet non-business students and expand your circle on campus. https:// studentengagement.illinois.edu/
Similarly, these organizations are a great way to meet more like-minded people, learn new skills, or pick up a new hobby. For example, Mi Pueblo is an RSO that provides all students the opportunity to get more experience speaking Spanish. You do not have to speak Spanish at all to go, and even if you don’t speak Spanish, it is a great place to meet new people.
We recommend that you try out organizations that interest you and look for their social media pages to learn more about who they are and what they do.
Participating in Case Competitions
In a case competition, individuals or teams are presented with a business scenario or problem and are tasked with developing a solution within a specified timeframe. These competitions are common in academic and professional settings and are designed to assess participants’ problem-solving, analytical, and presentation skills in a real-world context. Many companies have their own case competitions, such as PwC’s Challenge Case Study. These case competitions often provide participants with opportunities to network with professionals, recruiters, and other participants. This can be valuable for building connections in the business world. Beyond the competitive aspect, case competitions serve as valuable learning experiences. Participants gain practical insights into problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and industry-specific challenges.
Networking is a fundamental aspect of career development and professional growth in all industries. It involves building and cultivating relationships with individuals in your field or industry to exchange information, ideas, and support. Effective networking can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and contribute to long-term success. Below we give some insights on how to network successfully, covering what networking is; explaining what to do before, during, and after meetings; and providing some tips and tricks for better networking.
Understanding Networking
Networking is not just collecting business cards or making connections on LinkedIn. It is about establishing and nurturing genuine relationships that can benefit both parties throughout the life of the relationship. You may be asking yourself how networking with a manager at a consulting firm or any professional with years of experience could possibly benefit them as much as it helps you. Thankfully, the relationships you form while networking do not rely on immediate reciprocity, and many of them will not expect anything back at all.
Many professionals are altruistic and enjoy helping young students who are in the same position they were in once. This is especially true if you share some type of connection with them, such as the university they went to or the place they grew up. Gies College of Business has a truly extensive network of highly successful alumni who are often eager to help current Gies students. Likewise, do not be afraid to mention some personal information when networking. Many professionals are especially interested in mentoring first-generation college students and immigrants, so humbly expressing your background can be beneficial.
Below we give networking tips to use before, during, and after the interaction. It is important to note that networking can take many forms, whether it is an in-person event, a cold- email, or a coffee chat, these tips will still apply.
MAXIMIZING YOUR LINKEDIN
BEFORE THE MEETING
1. Define Your Purpose
Clarify your goals for the networking interaction. Are you seeking career advice, job opportunities, or industry insights? Knowing your objectives will guide your conversations.
2. Research
Investigate the background and interests of the individuals or groups you plan to connect with. This knowledge will help you initiate meaningful conversations.
3. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch
Craft a concise and compelling introduction that highlights your skills, experience, and aspirations. This will serve as an effective icebreaker.
DURING THE MEETING
1.Be Genuine and Approachable
Approach networking with authenticity. Be genuinely interested in others, listen actively, and express your thoughts sincerely.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Encourage conversation by asking questions that go beyond simple yes or no answers. This fosters deeper connections and demonstrates your genuine interest.
3. Share Your Story
Be prepared to discuss your professional journey and achievements. Share relevant experiences to create a more personal connection.
AFTER THE MEETING
1. Follow Up
Send a personalized thank-you email expressing your gratitude for the meeting. Mention specific points from your conversation to reinforce the connection.
2. Connect on LinkedIn
If not done during the meeting, connect on LinkedIn with a personalized message. This extends your professional network and provides a platform for ongoing engagement.
3. Maintain Regular Contact
Periodically reach out to your connections to share updates, relevant articles, or simply to check in. Consistent communication reinforces your network.
Tips and Tricks
1. Diversify Your Network
Connect with individuals from various backgrounds, industries, and career stages. A diverse network enhances your exposure to different perspectives.
2. Attend Networking Events
Attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars. These events provide excellent opportunities to meet professionals in your field.
3. Join Professional Groups
Participate in online and offline professional groups. Engaging with like- minded individuals can lead to valuable connections.
4. Be Mindful of Your Online Presence
Ensure your online profiles, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, are professional and up to date. Your digital presence is often the first impression you make.
5. Practice Gratitude
Express gratitude for the time and insights shared by your connections. A thankful attitude contributes to building strong, positive relationships.
6. Establish a Personal Connection
In the course of your research or during the networking interaction, try to establish a meaningful personal connection. Identifying shared hobbies or interests provides a foundation for a more personal and memorable connection. This approach enhances the likelihood of remaining prominently in their thoughts and further fortifies the professional relationship.
Effective networking is a continuous, purposeful effort. By approaching it with authenticity, curiosity, and a willingness to contribute, you can build a robust professional network that propels your career forward. Remember, the value of networking lies not only in what you can gain but also in what you can give to others.
LinkedIn is a social media platform for professionals that allows individuals to create profiles highlighting their education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. Unlike other social networks, LinkedIn is primarily used for professional networking, career development, and business-related activities.
Key Features
1. Profile Creation
Start by creating a profile with a professional photo, a headline that summarizes your professional identity, and a detailed summary of your skills and experiences.
2. Networking
Connect with colleagues, classmates, mentors, and professionals in your industry. These connections can provide insights, recommendations, and potential job opportunities.
3. Job Search
Use the platform to search for job opportunities. Many companies post job openings directly on LinkedIn, and you can apply through the platform. You can also follow companies to receive updates on their latest job postings.
4.Content Sharing
Share professional updates, articles, and insights relevant to your industry. This helps in showcasing your expertise and staying engaged with your network.
5. Recommendations
Request and provide recommendations. These are Explore job opportunities based on your skills and interests. Set up job alerts to receive notifications about new postings.
6. Groups
Join LinkedIn Groups related to your industry or interests. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your knowledge.
7. Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers courses on a wide range of topics.
It’s a valuable resource for professional development, allowing you to acquire new skills and knowledge.
How to Use LinkedIn
1. Complete Your Profile
Fill out all sections of your profile, including your education, work experience, and skills. A complete profile is more likely to attract attention. Add your personal touches so people know who you are!
2. Connect Strategically
Connect with people you know, but also strategically connect with professionals in your industry or companies you’re interested in. This will allow you to be exposed to more industry news and updates.
3. Engage with Content
Like, comment, and share relevant content. This helps you stay visible in your network and showcases your interests and expertise.
4. Customize Connection Requests
When sending connection requests, add a personalized message. This increases the likelihood of your request being accepted.
5. Use the Job Search Feature
Explore job opportunities based on your skills and interests. Set up job alerts to receive notifications about new postings.
6. Build a Professional Brand
Showcase your achievements, skills, and projects to build a strong professional brand. This can attract recruiters and potential collaborators.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building and nurturing professional relationships, advancing your career, and staying informed about industry trends. Regularly updating your profile and engaging with your network can lead to valuable opportunities and connections.
USEFUL RESOURCES FOR GIES UNDERGRADUATES
Believe in yourself! You’ll achieve great things, just like the students who came before you!
We wanted to conclude this guide with links that we think are helpful for your Gies experience.
1. Self-Service
https://apps.uillinois.edu/selfservice/
Self-Service serves as a portal for all University of Illinois–related things, including include tuition and financial aid, registering for classes, transcripts, grades, and more. We recommend you take time to familiarize yourself with all Self-Service has to offer, because you will definitely use it a lot.
2. Gies Groups
https://giesgroups.illinois.edu/home_login
On Gies Groups you can search for and sign up for all Gies events. Many times, there will be event in the Business Instructional Facility (BIF) or event for James Scholars. For many of these events you will have to sign up and check in using Gies Groups.
The Advising website has links to the Gies advisor page so you can find out who your Academic Advisor is, as well as a link to sign up to meet with the advisors. On the Advising website you will also find sample schedules, which might be helpful when starting at Gies.
Peer advisors are similar to the Academic Advisors, except peer advisors are students. Being students, peer advisors provide opinions and insight on the best classes and instructors, and can be a great resource for any quick questions.
DARS allows you to track what classes you still need to take for your major(s). DARS is incredibly useful when registering for classes and can help you plan your schedule ahead of time. Make sure that you always select the semester you started at the university (not just at Gies) for the catalog year, or you will not see the right requirements for you.
6. Course Explorer
https://courses.illinois.edu
Course Explorer lists all classes at the university –past semesters, the current semester, and future semesters. Some classes are only offered in the spring or in the fall, and some classes might be offered as winter or summer sessions as well. You can see what classes are offered in the current semester in case you want to change your classes or add a class to your schedule. And you can see classes when in future semesters so you can plan your schedule ahead of time. You can also search for classes and filter for things like a specific general education requirement, a specific part of the semester, or for classes that are online verses in-person.
7. Grade Disparity between Sections at UIUC https://waf.cs.illinois.edu/discovery/grade_disparity_between_sections_at_uiuc/
This website shows the GPA disparity for all classes at the university and breaks it down by teachers as well. This can be helpful when selecting which courses you want to take and with which instructors.
8. Student Success
Student Success is committed to the academic wellness of all Gies undergraduate students. Our team is made up of peer tutors, mentors, and Success Lab attendants ready to help with the academic, social, emotional, and financial needs of students. Stop by the Undergraduate Success Lab (1041 BIF) to find out how you can get plugged in with a community committed to enriching your experience at Gies.
9. Office of Career & Professional Development giesbusiness.illinois.edu/experience/career-professional-development
The Office of Career & Professional Development partners with you every step of the way on your career development journey, including exploration, personal branding, interview preparation, and providing employer and industry
