We’re spotlighting upcoming iGBA virtual gatherings, celebrating a sold-out iConverge, and inviting everyone to join our WhatsApp community to stay connected. Plus, get ready for our Winter Takeover. More details are coming soon! Discover all the ways to engage, network, and make the most of this October with iGBA.

Access and Community Open House (Virtual)

Monday, October 13 | 6:00 PM EDT & 5:00 PM CT

Would you like to learn more about the iGBA's Access and Community Committee? Join us on Monday, October 13th, at our first Access and Community Open House! This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions, explore resources, and learn more about our mission to ensure all Gies students feel Seen, Heard, and Valued !

Register Here:

https://illinois.zoom.us/meeting/register/h5XoFGdJRVWJh0Sze8mDig

iGBA Virtual Mixer

Sunday, October 19 | 11 AM CT

Join us for the iGBA Virtual Mixer - a fun and interactive networking event designed exclusively for iDegrees students! This is your chance to meet fellow classmates, share experiences, build connections, and expand your professional network.

Whether you’re looking to exchange career tips, find study buddies, or simply get to know the diverse iGBA community better, this event offers a relaxed environment to connect through small group breakout rooms. 

Zoom link for iGBA Virtual Mixer

Beyond the Profile: How to Build Your Brand and Network on LinkedIn

Wednesday, October 29 | 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM CT

Unlock the full potential of LinkedIn. In this session, you'll learn how to transform your profile into a dynamic personal brand that attracts opportunities. We'll cover practical strategies for engaging with your network and building meaningful connections that open doors.

Date:

29 October 2025

Time:

4 PM to 5 PM (CT)

Location:

Zoom (Online)

Session link & joining details:

Zoom link

Meeting ID: 829 5901 6496

Password: 440024

Event link on Handshake (if required):

live on Handshake

SAVE THE DATE for Winter Takeover 2026!

January 16-17, 2026 | Illinois vs. Minnesota 

Can you believe it’s already been a month since iConverge? If you’re still riding that orange-and-blue high, it’s time for round two - Winter Takeover 2026 is coming this January!

☃️ 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.

This year, the Fighting Illini men’s basketball team takes on the Minnesota Golden Gophers, and we’re taking over campus once again. Think warm Illini spirit and a weekend packed with connection, cheering, and school pride.

📅 Mark your calendars: Blue Members get first dibs on tickets

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!

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.

Want to join the conversation? Reach out to an iGBA Board members or idegreesgba@gmail.com to be added. 

iConverge Recap: Trolley Mixer & After Party

THANK YOU! This year’s event was a huge success with every ticket sold out and the  community showing up in full force. From riding the trolley through Champaign-Urbana’s top spots to dancing at The Canopy Club, attendees filled the events with energy, connection, and true  spirit. Thanks to everyone who made it unforgettable, here’s one of our favorite memories!

Chicago Fall Fest

We’re still smiling from iGBA’s Chicago Fall Fest  and it’s all thanks to you!

You brought the perfect mix of warmth and Illini spirit to the evening. 🍂✨

Events like this remind us why the iDegrees community is so special - filled with people who show up, connect, and make every gathering feel like home.

Shout out to turning an ordinary October night into a celebration of our Illini community. Happy Fall Break! 

Immersions - Spring and Summer 2026

We are excited to share the locations and key details for the Spring and Summer 2026 Immersions! Applications will open on  October 27 , but you can start reviewing options now. Gies is offering opportunities for the following dates and locations:

• March 11– 24, 2026 – virtual, South Korea

• May 16 – 23, 2026 – in-person, Germany 

• August 2 – 8, 2026 – in-person, South Africa

As an iDegree learner, you’ll participate in a case competition with a business from the host country, explore local business practices and culture, and connect with fellow iDegree learners from around the world. All iDegree learners in the iMSM, iMSA, and iMBA programs are eligible to participate in an immersion. However, if you graduate before the immersion begins, you cannot participate.

*iMBA Learners Only*  Completing an immersion can count as one of the two required specialization capstones for the iMBA. It cannot count for the program capstone, and only one immersion may count toward capstone credit.

Review the Spring and Summer 2026 Immersion document   for program fees, estimated single room rates, immersion itineraries and more details.

MBA Veterans Career Conference & Expo

Registration is now open for the 18th annual MBA Veterans Career Conference hosted by MBA Veterans. The Career Conference & Expo will be held in Atlanta, Georgia from October 9 - 10. A virtual career fair will be held on October 17. The career conference includes networking lunches, career panels, and opportunities to meet recruiters and connect with other veteran MBA students. Registration for the virtual career fair is free. This conference is open to those who have served as an officer, NCO, or enlisted member of the US or Non-US military service. To register and to learn more, visit the MBA Veterans website.

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.

Salt Lake City Meet Up

Tuesday, October 14 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm MT

Gies Business is looking forward to providing an opportunity for our iDegree learners, alumni, and immersion participants in the Salt Lake City area to gather for a meet up! Join Assistant Professor  Dawn Kink , Senior Lecturer  Ron Guymon , Senior Assistant Director of Operations Rachel Ward, and your fellow learners for an evening of networking and connecting. The event will take place at  Lake Effect  (155 W 200 S Salt Lake City, UT 84101). Please register by  Wednesday, October 8 . Light food and refreshments will be provided. We look forward to connecting with you!  Register for the Salt Lake City Meet Up