Thirty-six students from two business learning communities at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln traveled to Chicago September 20-22 to hear from professionals working in the business field, learn about future career opportunities and have fun with students from other Nebraska learning communities. The group also visited popular Chicago attractions, creating memorable experiences with their classmates.
 
The learning communities “Business Leaders” and “Business Opportunities: Find Your Fit” allow College of Business students to explore their academic interests while taking classes and living in student housing with others who share their interests. They dive deeper into these interests during the “Big Trip to Chicago.”
 
“We take this trip each year so students can build connections with their peers, employers and university staff, as well as explore possible majors and future career options,” said Megan Friesen, assistant director of academic success and advising in the College of Business, who accompanied the students to Chicago. Ashley Wegener, program coordinator and academic advisor, joined the trip with students, faculty and staff in other learning communities at the university.
 
While in Chicago, the students toured the Federal Reserve Bank and mHUB, an innovation center focused on product development and manufacturing. They fit in plenty of time for fun as well, including the Second City Comedy Show, city tours themed with ghosts or gangsters, visits to Chinatown and Cloud Gate at Millennium Park. Topping off the experience, they viewed the city from the 94-story-high 360 Chicago observation deck.
 
Nick Earickson, freshman international business major from St. Louis, looked forward to visiting the Federal Reserve Bank because of his interest in government work and fiscal policy. He said a session led by the hiring manager opened his eyes about employment.
 
“Positions at the Fed are incredibly competitive, but if you work hard, and have a good résumé, there is a decent shot. The main thing I learned was if I want to work at the Fed or be an innovator at a place like mHUB, what I do now in college matters,” Earickson said.
 
Visiting employers highlighted the trip for Anna Stuckwisch, a freshman business administration major from Omaha, Nebraska. On her first visit to Chicago, she most enjoyed visiting the employers and taking advantage of the opportunities to see firsthand what their workplace is like.
 
“Being able to see the workplaces was a huge takeaway for me. I found that the right workplace is going to be a definite deciding factor for where I want to work. Overall, it was a great trip to not only experience the culture and sights of Chicago, but also a great way to learn about what companies are looking for in future employees. The trip helped me understand more about what I want to do with my life and which majors might be interesting to look at,” Stuckwisch said.
To learn more about the business learning communities, visit: https://business.unl.edu/blc. Published: October 15, 2018