Eight University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business students in the newly expanded Integrity in Business Leadership (IBL) Program spent spring break in Atlanta meeting with executives, touring major employers and exploring leadership in action during the program’s first professional immersion trip.
Integrity in Business Leadership introduces business students to leadership through ethical decision-making, mentorship and hands-on learning with employers and community partners. Students take classes together, connect with business professionals and participate in consulting projects and case competitions while building a close-knit community of peers. Originally designed for first-year students, the program expanded this fall to include a second year focused on career development.
“We saw a gap where students had strong connections after their first year of college through the IBL program but needed more structured support to translate that into internships and career opportunities. The Atlanta trip was designed as one way to provide that support for second-year IBL students,” said Jess Fernau, assistant director of experiential learning.
The students traveled to Atlanta with Fernau and Brett Neely, assistant professor of management, for a four-day program of employer visits, leadership discussions and cultural exploration.
“The spring break excursion takes everything students have been working on — networking, professionalism and career exploration — and puts it into action,” Fernau said. “Experiences like this accelerate their career readiness and help them see how leadership and integrity show up in real organizations.”
Highlights of the trip included a visit with Morgan Shaw Parker, '99, president and CEO of the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA and her business leadership team. Parker, a Nebraska Business alum, spoke with students about values-driven leadership, community impact and navigating a career in professional sports.
Students also met with Kathy Waller, former chief financial officer at The Coca-Cola Company, at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to discuss leadership, workplace culture and career growth. The group also toured Delta Air Lines' headquarters, where SVP of Customer Service Richard Cox provided a behind-the-scenes look at airline operations and customer service strategy.
“This opportunity takes you out of classes and into the world. It opens up networking opportunities and shows you jobs and paths you didn’t even know existed,” said Yara Omar, sophomore management major from Omaha, Nebraska. "They shared real stories and advice about leadership, and they really stand on sticking with your values and leading with them."
The business leaders shared how networking helped advance their careers.
"It was exciting to see Nebraska alumni in Atlanta and hear their stories about getting the courage to venture out, network and go for it," said Taina Davis, sophomore marketing major from Columbus, Nebraska.
Fernau said Atlanta was selected for the first professional immersion experience because of its business ecosystem and strong Nebraska alumni presence.
“It offers Fortune 500 companies, startups, sports organizations and logistics operations all in one city. Janet Barnard ('81, executive mentor with the Exco Group) serves on Dean Kathy Farrell's advisory board and heard how we were expanding IBL with this experience. She helped us coordinate these conversations. We're lucky to have alumni like her and donors who open doors for students," he said.
Donor support from the Noordhoek family and Nelnet made the trip possible financially.
"This experience simply would not have happened without their support. Their investment in the Integrity in Business Leadership program directly supports success access, programming, travel and making opportunities like this available to IBL students," said Fernau. "The students gained so much from the trip and are grateful for their support."
Students who participated included:
- Kouther Al-Ghanemi, accounting and management major from Lincoln, Nebraska
- Taina Davis, marketing major from Columbus, Nebraska
- Brooklyn Lul, finance major from Lexington, Nebraska
- Brianna Alvarado Munoz, accounting and finance major from Grand Island, Nebraska
- Yara Omar, management major from Omaha, Nebraska
- Nishi Singh, business analytics major from Omaha, Nebraska
- Mason Tyerman, marketing major from Imperial, Nebraska
- Riley Ultican, marketing major from Omaha, Nebraska
