Happy New Year! Exciting opportunities and highlights await the iGBA community. This month, we’re sharing all the details about our upcoming Winter Takeover event, 2025 international meetups, and providing program updates.  Discover all the ways to engage, network, and make the most of this month with iGBA.

Winter Takeover 2026!

January 16-17, 2026 | Illinois vs. Minnesota 

☃️ Now in its 5th year, Winter Takeover has become the mid-year tradition for iGBA and iDegrees students - equal parts reunion, networking, and basketball. It might be cold outside, but it’s electric inside - and that’s Winter Takeover. The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team takes on the Minnesota Golden Gophers, and we’re taking over campus once again.

📅 Last Day to Register is January 8th at Midnight (CT)! 

🔹Blue Members get first dibs on tickets and a special discount.

🎟️  Grab your ticket today! 

Bundle up, bring your best orange and blue gear, and get ready to cheer loud - because Winter Takeover is where the Illini heat up the winter!

Modern Networking Skills for a Virtual World

Saturday, Jan 17 2026, 11 AM CT

The Professional Development Committee is thrilled to host Nathan Gold , founder of The Demo Coach , for an exclusive session: Modern Networking for a Virtual World.

Is your virtual presence working for you? They say "it's not what you know, but who you know." In 2026, it's actually about how you connect.

Whether you're looking to sharpen your virtual presence, build more authentic relationships online, or master the art of the "digital handshake," this is a session you won't want to miss.

Check out this quick teaser from Nathan on what to expect: ▶️ https://vimeo.com/1152013680/7aa3f8b5e0?embed_email_provider=gmail

Event Details

• Saturday, Jan 17 2026, 11 AM CT

• Zoom: (Registration Required) - https://illinois.zoom.us/meeting/register/mev0d-8aTlaTl9I7KjkyqA . Please note: Registration is mandatory to receive the meeting link and calendar invite.

We look forward to seeing you there and leveling up our networking skills together!

International Chapter Highlights

Thank you for all who attended our in-person year-end party in Seoul! The iGBA International Chapter is excited to host more offline meetups around the world in 2026!

The International Chapter Secret Santa Reveal Party brought together members from Nigeria, Uganda, Canada, South Korea, Peru, Japan, Denmark, India, and the U.S. in one virtual session. Thank you for your thoughtful engagement during the holiday season. We appreciate everyone who took part whether your gift arrived early, late, or is still on its way.

Professional Development

We had such a great time meeting new and familiar faces at our virtual networking event last month! Upon popular demand, we can’t wait to host another event very soon! 

📢 Upcoming events!

Ally Tip of the Month

Drop-In Session

Curious about how to better support the people you work with, live with, and learn alongside?

Join the iGBA Access and Community team for a monthly Ally Tip Drop-In . This is an open, welcoming space to ask questions, share perspectives, and build practical tools that help create environments where everyone feels Seen, Heard, and Valued .

What to Expect

• A safe, judgment-free space for conversation
• Practical allyship tips you can use right away
• Open dialogue and shared learning
• Come and go as your schedule allows

No preparation required. Just bring curiosity and a willingness to learn.

First Drop-In Session

📅 January 8, 2026
⏰ 7:00 – 8:00 PM ET
📍 Zoom
🔗 Link to follow

Who Should Attend?

Anyone interested in building stronger, more inclusive communities across work, school, and everyday life. Allies at every stage are welcome.

Introducing the Project, Program & Product Management (P3M) Subcommittee!  🌟

We’re thrilled to launch iGBA’s newest Professional Development initiative:

Project, Program & Product Management (P3M) Subcommittee !

This new group will unite students and alumni passionate about leading projects, managing programs, and driving product innovation across industries. Whether you’re exploring Agile methodologies, pursuing professional certifications, or eager to connect with peers who thrive on delivering impact - this community is your hub!

First meeting: January 2026

Coming soon: Roundtables, speaker sessions, and study cohorts

📩 Ready to get involved?
Join our LinkedIn community here

iGBA WhatsApp Community

🎉  We have  launched our official iGBA WhatsApp group! This space is for us to  connect and celebrate our Illini network. We discuss upcoming events like Winter Takeover, regional meetups, virtual seminars, and interest groups. Whether you want to network, make new friends, or simply keep up with everything happening in iGBA, there’s a place for everyone.

Ways to join the conversation: 

• Become a blue member and request to join on our website !

• Reach out to  the Executive team

• Already a GBA member? Email idegreesgba@gmail.com

Calling All Gies & Illinois Alumni: Help Shape the Student Experience

The Magelli Office of Experiential Learning is now sourcing Spring 2026 projects, and we’d love your help. Each year, Gies students work with organizations to address real business challenges and apply their classroom knowledge to create a tangible impact.

As an alum, you know the value of hands-on experience. Whether you’re a business owner, team leader, or connected with an organization that could benefit from fresh insights, this is a powerful way to give back—by providing students with the opportunity to learn through doing.

Know someone who could benefit? Share this opportunity or submit a project today: Magelli Project Submission Link

Let’s keep the Illinois spirit strong—and make a difference for students and businesses alike.

Spring Virtual Career Fairs

Spring Semester is starting soon and University virtual career fairs are approaching.  If you are planning to attend, this article offers some helpful tips and tricks for success. It is important to have a holistic approach to your career search and Gies Online Programs offers resources to diversify your career strategy, including:

• Handshake - Explore job postings and connect directly with employers

• Big Interview - Practice mock interviews for a hands-on learning experience  

• VMock - Get help editing your resume to highlight your skills

🎉 Student-led Events!

We are continuing to highlight events organized by iDegrees student and alumni. These events are not affiliated or sponsored by the GBA, Gies College of Business, or the University of Illinois.

Check out our alumni hosted holiday parties from 2025!

Holiday Social hosted by Lisa Ephraim & Thao Nguyen

The Unofficial Gies Fam: 5th Annual Pre Thanksgiving Social hosted by Kevin Davis

Are you an iDegrees student or alum hosting an upcoming event in your region? Reach out to us  ( igba-group@office365.illinois.edu )   to be featured in our next newsletter!