First-Year Experience

Every incoming first-year business student is part of a unique student cohort. Within your cohort you will take many of the foundation courses that are part of the required first-and second-year UIC Business curriculum. These cohorts are strategically designed to deliver the key combination of hard and soft skills you will need to be successful in the workplace.

Starting from day one on campus, a success team composed of peers, faculty mentors, career coaches, and academic advisers will work closely with you to help achieve your academic and professional goals.

In Their Own Words Heading link

Angie Mavronicles, Marketing Major ('25)

“I loved BA101 because it helped me learn about the different types of majors UIC has to offer. My favorite part was getting to learn more about internships and how to get them later on because they show how it will be beneficial for my future!”

Angie Mavronicles  |  Marketing Major ('25)

Upcoming Events Heading link

Oct 9 2024

Day of Dialogue: Mental Health Awareness Month

Wednesday, 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Student Center East, Room 301
Oct 9 2024

UIC Business Graduate Programs Webinar

Wednesday, 5:30 pm–6:30 pm
Online
Oct 24 2024

UIC Business Graduate Program Webinar

Thursday, 12:00 pm–1:00 pm
Online
Nov 6 2024

UIC Business Graduate Programs Webinar

Wednesday, 12:00 pm–1:00 pm
Online
Nov 6 2024

Industry Spotlight: Business Analytics

Wednesday, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Student Center East, 3rd Floor–Cardinal Room
Nov 12 2024

Industry Spotlight: The Benefits of the MBA Degree for Upward Mobility

Tuesday, 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Student Center East, 3rd Floor–Cardinal Room
Nov 18 2024

Scholarship Workshop​

Monday, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
Douglass Hall Room 220

Building Community Heading link

Every incoming first year business student is part of a unique student cohort.

Beyond the classroom, the UIC Business cohort program supports your social, emotional, professional and academic growth through unique features such as Cohort Captain peer mentors and professional mentorship.

Cohort Schedule

In the fall semester, you will take your BA 101 course with your cohort. It is very important that you not make any changes to your registration in the fall as it will affect your cohort assignment, which is structured to provide you with a well-rounded experience.

* Denotes Cohort Courses
 FreshmanSophomore 
FallBA 1001ACTG 211*3
BA 101*0FIN 300*3
COMM 100/General Education Requirement3/4BA 2003
ENGL 1603MKTG 3603
MATH5IDS 2704
ECON 1203
TOTAL HOURS15/16TOTAL HOURS16
SpringACTG 210*3MGMT 340*3
COMM 100/General Education Requirement3/4IDS 2004
ENGL 1613BA 2201
MATH5Major Courses/Electives9
TOTAL HOURS15/16TOTAL HOURS16

“My favorite UIC Business class so far is FIN 416, Options and Derivatives. Learning the fundamental dynamics of buying and selling futures, swaps, and options alongside hedging strategies is fascinating, as this opens the door for more skillful investment management strategies.”

Simas Zavistauskas  |  Finance Major, Business Analytics Minor ('23)

Meet Your Cohort Captain Heading link

Kenneth Jones Jr. IDS major ('23)

“This summer I will intern at JP Morgan Chase as a Corporate Analyst in Tampa, Florida. I am excited to gain hands-on experience in an analysts role in banking. Ask me about pairing technology with business!”

Kenneth Jones Jr.   |  IDS Major ('23)

“I wanted to be a Cohort Captain because I love helping people navigate through their college lives. I love the idea of mentoring and being a positive role model for younger students. I remember being a confused freshman and wishing I had a Cohort Captain to help me go through college, so I’m happy to pay it forward!”

Neeraja Kunte  |  Marketing, Intl Business and Finance ('22)

Meet Your Cohort Captain Heading link

Krystal Aranda

“My favorite UIC Business class so far has been FIN 302 with Ozgur Arslan-Ayaydin. It was so fun learning about the different types of financial tools there are available to investors and the strategies in which we can use them. Ask me about resume building!”

Krystal Aranda  |  Finance, Business Analytics & MIS ('23)