An Insight into the Real World: UIC Business Scholars Program

In 2012, the University of Illinois at Chicago founded its first Business Scholars Program, a subsection of the Honors College aimed at mentoring diligent undergraduate students of the College of Business.The objectives of the Program include aiding the scholars in gaining experience and networking connections needed to succeed in their respective fields of interest.

The 2018 President of the Collegiate Association of Business Scholars and Honors College student Ehlimana Gutošić provides an insider’s perspective on what it is like to be a part of such a supportive program, full of like-minded students with similar dreams of success. Gutošić is a third year undergraduate double majoring in Accounting and Information & Decision Sciences. She mentions that some of the best aspects of the program are the individualistic support, opportunities, and guidance given from faculty, UIC alumni, and fellow peers. Grouped into different “families” of similar majors and ambitions, students attend get togethers with their faculty mentor to discuss their progress in school and in finding internships. These events build long-lasting connections and networking opportunities within the groups.

A particular highlight to the program is the Speaker Series events hosted at UIC. These events invite UIC alumni, who are already professionals in their respective field, to return and talk with the students about their own journey to success. Some prior guest speakers were from companies such as Motorola, Ulta Beauty, BMO Harris Bank, UPS, and McDonald’s. The Speaker Series has even brought in guests outside of the business field, like one of the judges from the circuit court of Cook County and owners of up-and-starter companies, demonstrating the limitless careers one can obtain with a degree from the College of Business.

Gutošić shares her own experience of being a first-generation college student and how participating in this program has been the “best decision she’s ever made.” Gutošić says that she has grown in self-confidence with the overwhelming support of the program. Gutošić had to learn to get out of her comfort zone and break the idea that asking for help equates to incapability. Gutošić advises business students to take more initiative in having a presence on campus. With many organizations and career fairs held on campus, and some recruiters even venturing to Douglass Hall to hire students, presence is key in finding opportunities specifically catered to undergraduate students.

With the connections and skills she has acquired through her involvement with the program, Gutošić plans to intern at a mid-sized firm as well as a big-four accounting firm: Michaelsilver and PWC, respectively. After graduation, Gutošić plans to prepare for the Certified Public Accountant exam (CPA), which will certify her as an accountant, providing her with more opportunity to work as an accountant in different fields. As proof of the effectiveness of the Business Scholars Program, Gutošić is just one of many students who are already making waves in today’s business world.