Alumnus José Santillán Shares Career Insights at UIC Business Lunch and Learn
UIC Business students gathered for a small-group Lunch and Learn exploring career growth, mentorship, and opportunities in financial services.
Alumni Lunch and Learn with José L. Santillán, CFA
UIC Business students recently met with alumnus José L. Santillán, CFA, during a Lunch and Learn on career growth, mentorship, and navigating the financial services industry. Santillán (BS Accounting ’80) has served on the University of Illinois Foundation Board of Directors since 2010.
The event brought together students from the newly launched UIC Transfer Business Fellows program, along with UIC Business Scholars and finance majors, for a conversation with the alumnus.
Students appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and hear firsthand insights from an experienced industry professional.
Danielle Stovall, a third-year finance and information and decision sciences major, reflected on Santillán’s message:
“José’s story stood out to me because of his honesty about coming from a blue-collar family and being a person of color. I appreciated his point about sometimes being seen as different when you walk into a room and having to create your own lane while still meeting expectations. I also liked that he values helping the people he hires grow both personally and professionally.”
The session was part of a new Alumni Lunch and Learn initiative launched by Rita Bieliauskas, assistant dean of the UIC Business Career Center, to expand opportunities for students to connect with alumni professionals. The small-group format allows students to interact with alumni in a more personal setting. While this gathering served as the first event, the program aims to host similar luncheons monthly, with invitations expanding to students across different business majors.
During the discussion, Santillán reflected on his professional journey, speaking candidly about navigating challenges early in his career and turning them into opportunities for growth and success. He encouraged students to remain adaptable, seek mentorship, and stay open to new opportunities as they begin building their professional paths.
The event gave students a chance to gain practical insights into the financial services industry and connect with an alumnus who once sat in the same classrooms. Events like these strengthen connections between UIC Business students and alumni while providing guidance for the next generation of business leaders.