Professional Development
Professional Development
The iLEAD Professional Development Program (PDP) curriculum is required of all UIC Business students beginning their first year on campus. Transfer students also have a course specifically designed just for them. The required curriculum is enriched with opportunities that include mock interview practice, seminars, feedback reports and case competitions.
Using improvisational theatre techniques, UIC Business instructors engage students in a variety of experiential learning activities that train students to use their face, body, voice, and emotions to respond spontaneously to situations as they arise. Improvisation teaches poise, focus, and the ability to respond to the unexpected—critical management capabilities. Students practice elevator pitches, interviewing techniques and presentation skills, and learn how to work a room in networking events. Community service projects develop problem-solving and team-building skills while allowing students to strengthen their leadership abilities. Feedback reports, guest speaker events, and targeted workshops provide additional enrichment opportunities.
Required Courses
- First Year: Introduction to Professional Development
- Second Year: Business Professional Development II
- Third Year: Civic Engagement
- Transfer Students: Professional Presence
- Graduate Students: Improvisation and Leadership
Enrichment and Research
- Feedback reports tracking student progress
- Business boot camps
- Case competitions
- Faculty and Executive seminars
- Mock Interview practice with recruiters
- Internships focused on developing leadership skills