Creating Meaningful Connections in Chicago
As part of our ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for students, I recently had the privilege to join fellow leaders from the WGU School of Business and the WGU Midwest Region in Chicago for several days of collaboration and connection with local business leaders.
This visit was one stop on the School of Business’s roadshow — our nationwide effort to build partnerships and cultivate relationships that shape the future of work. At each stop, we’ve met with influential leaders who share a common purpose: aligning higher education with the rapidly changing demands of today’s workforce. These conversations help ensure WGU School of Business students learn at the speed of business and gain the future-focused skills they need to lead and thrive.
Listening to Chicago’s Business Community
In partnership with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and leaders from diverse industries and government agencies, we hosted a series of roundtable discussions to better understand the workforce and community needs specific to Chicago.
Two key themes emerged from these conversations:
- Graduates must enter the workforce with real-world experience, not just a degree.
- Professional skills are just as essential as technical expertise.
The Power of Real-World Experience
Today’s employers expect new graduates to contribute from Day One. That’s why the School of Business places an increased emphasis on hands-on learning experiences, such as internships and apprenticeships. This year alone, the School of Business expects 10–15% more students to participate in internships compared to last year — a number that continues to grow as partnerships expand.
Illinois State Rep. Justin Slaughter; Sandra Sjoberg, vice president, WGU School of Business; Cameron Hardamon, Chief Impact Officer, Hope Chicago; Stephanie Johnson, Parent Program Manager, Hope Chicago; Mitsu Frazier, senior vice president and executive dean, WGU School of Business; Casey Clark, vice president, WGU School of Business; and Joshua Sine, vice president, WGU School of Business.
The goal is simple: every student should graduate with meaningful, résumé-worthy experience. Academic knowledge provides the foundation, but applied learning ensures that graduates are ready to make an immediate impact in the workforce.
The Importance of Professional Skills
Beyond technical know-how, employers repeatedly emphasized the importance of professional durable skills — time management, self-motivation, effective communication and the ability to navigate ambiguity. These transferable skills are critical across industries and often make the difference between a capable employee and a standout professional.
At the School of Business, these capabilities are intentionally woven into the curriculum, equipping graduates not only with technical expertise but also with the interpersonal and organizational skills that drive long-term success.
Strengthening Partnerships to Bridge Opportunity
While in Chicago, we also met with trusted employers and education partners, including Allstate, the College of DuPage, Northern Trust, T-Mobile, Walgreens and Zurich North America. These organizations are working to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity — creating pathways for their workforce to thrive. Their collaborations with WGU underscore the power of partnerships to strengthen both businesses and communities across Illinois and beyond.
Building Connections That Matter
The Chicago visit was more than a stop on the roadshow; it was a meaningful opportunity to listen, learn and collaborate. The insights gained will continue to guide the efforts of the School of Business to connect education and employment, so that students are not only earning degrees but also building careers with purpose and impact.
