By Kendall J. Hampton, OERD Graduate Research Assistant
In the ever-evolving landscape of business education, Northern Illinois University’s College of Business distinguishes itself with the innovative Business Passport program. This initiative goes beyond traditional classroom learning, providing students with real-world experiences that aim to broaden perspectives, enhance marketability, and foster personal growth.
Elizabeth Cruz, a graduate staff assistant in the Business Passport program, articulates the program’s core objective: “We want to have our business students gain experience outside of the classroom and go to events they might not attend without the Business Passport.” The program is structured around seven continents, each focusing on a distinct aspect of professional development:
- Professional Communications
- Ethics
- Experiential Learning
- Global
- Leadership
- Citizenship
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Experiential Learning, perhaps the most challenging continent, encourages students to seek internships or hands-on experiences. The program continuously evolves, introducing new events to offer students a diverse range of opportunities across all continents.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of the Business Passport program, exemplified by its partnership with various university centers and departments. Cruz shares an example from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion continent, where an event in collaboration with the Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality involved a panel discussion with women authors. Such collaborations not only enhance the student experience but also contribute to a more inclusive and diversified learning environment, an impact Cruz personally experienced by attending events she discovered through the Business Passport.
The program’s reach extends beyond the campus, fostering global awareness through partnerships with resource centers such as the Asian American Resource Center and the Latino Resource Center. Participation in events hosted by NIU’s cultural resource centers promotes inclusion and exposes students to a diverse calendar of events.
Business Students receive a tri-colored cord at graduation by completing five or more events or activities at each continent and earning the title of a Distinguished Business Scholar.
Highlighting the program’s significance, Cruz notes, “Every business student has to go through it because it is required for graduation.” While graduate students are exempt, the program remains accessible for those seeking additional experiences, even without receiving credit. Cruz actively organizes a weekly email highlighting upcoming events for business students. Faculty can submit their own events to Suitable, the platform that tracks Passport completion progress. Once approved, these events are sent to students, informing them which events fall under which continent.
To motivate participation, the Business Passport program offers various achievement levels, providing pins and cords based on accumulated points. This recognition serves as a tangible testament to a student’s commitment and involvement, adding value to their academic journey. Additionally, upon successful completion of the program, students receive a transcript notation.
Cruz emphasizes the program’s impact on community engagement and networking. By collaborating with different university divisions and encouraging attendance at diverse events, the program facilitates networking opportunities, contributing to a holistic educational experience.
In essence, NIU’s College of Business Business Passport program transcends conventional education. It offers a transformative journey that equips students with practical skills, global awareness, and a well-defined personal brand. Through partnerships, diverse events, and a commitment to experiential learning, the program prepares students not just for graduation but for success in the dynamic and interconnected world of business.
