From Classroom to Corporate: UIC Business Students Visit Medline Headquarters
UIC Business students connected classroom learning to real-world experience during a Medline headquarters visit featuring executive speakers and alumni panels.
UIC Business and Medline Industries Strengthen Partnership Through Student Site Visit
UIC Business students gained hands-on exposure to the corporate environment during a recent visit to corporate partner Medline Industries’ headquarters in Northfield, Illinois. The visit provided an opportunity to engage with corporate leaders, explore career pathways, and gain insight into the operations of a leading healthcare company.
Students majoring in marketing and sales, finance, human resource management, accounting, and information and decision sciences participated in the full-day experience.
Behind the Scenes at Medline
The day began with a welcome from Medline’s human resources and recruitment team, followed by a guided tour of the organization’s headquarters. Participants were introduced to Medline’s collaborative culture through its modern training facilities and employee-centered amenities, including on-site dining, fitness spaces, and walking trails.
Lessons from the C-Suite
Building on this introduction, students heard from senior leadership about the company’s strategy, growth, and evolving business landscape. Christopher Shryock, Medline’s chief human resources officer, encouraged students to think broadly about their career potential and future opportunities. Mike Drazin, chief financial officer, shared Medline’s story, highlighting its continued expansion while offering a real-world perspective on how business strategy drives organizational success.
Bridging the Gap: Alumni Panel
One of the most impactful parts of the visit was a panel discussion featuring Medline professionals, including UIC Business alumni. Panelists shared candid advice on navigating the transition from college to career, emphasizing adaptability, continuous learning, and building professional networks. The session provided students with practical guidance and relatable perspectives from those who have successfully made that transition.
Networking and Career Discoveries
The visit concluded with breakout sessions and networking opportunities, allowing students to engage more deeply with professionals in their areas of interest. These conversations offered valuable insight into specific roles and career paths while reinforcing connections between students and industry practitioners.
Experiences like this reflect UIC Business’s commitment to preparing students for success through hands-on industry engagement. By connecting classroom learning with real-world insight, students gain the perspective and confidence needed to navigate their careers and make an immediate impact after graduation. We extend our sincere thanks to the Medline team for their continued partnership and investment in our students’ success.