Student Professional Development Program – iLEAD

The Institute of Leadership Excellence and Development (iLEAD) develops the in‑demand professional and leadership skills that set UIC Business students apart.

iLEAD prepares UIC Business students for workplace success through an innovative professional development program that goes beyond the traditional classroom. Using improvisational techniques and experiential learning, faculty guide students in building essential soft skills—including teamwork, problem‑solving, decision‑making, and relationship‑building. The program’s hands‑on approach is strengthened through experiential coursework, internships, mentoring, advising, and community engagement.

Key Competencies for Successful Careers

The iLEAD Professional Development Program at UIC Business builds real‑world strengths in Communication, Personal Growth, Teamwork, and Professional Presence—helping students interview confidently, succeed quickly, and earn early-career advancement.

  • Communication • Verbal communication • Written communication • Presentations

  • Personal Growth • Learning • Self-awareness • Self-development • Giving/receiving feedback • Ethics

  • Teamwork • Collaboration • Value diversity • Plan, organize, prioritize • Manage conflict • Influence others

  • Professional Presence • Relationships • Initiative • Confidence • Motivation

In Their Own Words

Karina Gandhi, BS '20

As a UIC alumna working at a Fortune 25 company, I can firmly say that soft skills matter as much as the technical skills. By incorporating the PDP program into their curriculum, UIC has proven that they understand the evolving needs of students who are embarking on their professional journeys.

Karina Gandhi  |  BS '20

Improvisational Theatre and Experiential Learning Activities

Improvisational Theatre and Experiential Learning Activities

Using improvisational theatre techniques, UIC Business instructors engage students in a variety of experiential learning activities that train students to use their face, body, voice, and emotions to respond spontaneously to situations as they arise. Improvisation teaches poise, focus, and the ability to respond to the unexpected—critical management capabilities. Students practice elevator pitches, interviewing techniques and presentation skills, and learn how to work a room in networking events. Community service projects develop problem-solving and team-building skills while allowing students to strengthen their leadership abilities. Feedback reports, guest speaker events, and targeted workshops provide additional enrichment opportunities.

iLEAD Professional Development Program Curriculum

The iLEAD PDP curriculum is required of all UIC Business students beginning their first year on campus. Transfer students also have a course specifically designed just for them. The required curriculum is enriched with opportunities that include mock interview practice, seminars, feedback reports and case competitions.

Required Courses

  • First Year: Introduction to Professional Development
  • Second Year: Business Professional Development II
  • Third Year: Civic Engagement
  • Transfer Students: Professional Presence
  • Graduate Students: Improvisation and Leadership

Enrichment and Research

  • Feedback reports tracking student progress
  • Business boot camps
  • Case competitions
  • Faculty and Executive seminars
  • Mock Interview practice with recruiters
  • Internships focused on developing leadership skills

Program Faculty

Michael Popowits, Founding Director of Student Professional Development Program

Michael Popowits

We would like to recognize the visionary leadership of Michael Popowits as the founding director of the Student Professional Development Program – iLEAD. We thank him for his many contributions and wish him well in his retirement.

More Information

For questions and to learn more, contact Diana Soriano, Director of Student Professional Development Program – iLEAD, at UIC Business.