What’s better than getting to know the most driven and passionate women at the business school? I have an answer for you: absolutely nothing!
Joining Women in Business (WIB) is one of the best decisions I could have made when coming to Purdue. I was actively involved in several activities throughout high school, and I knew I wanted to be just as involved at Purdue. Not only that, but I could see value in meeting other women in the business school who were just as passionate about their professional growth as I am. Women in Business has provided me with a network of strong, confident women and presented opportunities for me to grow personally and professionally.
Women in Business is a student-run organization advised by professor Cara Putman that meets weekly on Wednesdays. Our meetings take three forms: Professional Development meetings where we hear from company representatives or participate in workshops, Membership Development meetings where we get to know fellow WIB members personally through fun activities, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion meetings where we interact with the Purdue cultural centers and learn more about how to be involved with these groups on campus. No matter what type of meeting we host each week, I enjoy engaging with other WIB members as we work together and help each other grow professionally.
I don’t think most people recognize the unique opportunities Women in Business has to offer. Outside of getting to know fellow, driven women, WIB offers unique and engaging professional development opportunities. During many of our Professional Development meetings, we connect with company representatives. We get face-to-face time with recruiters for some of the top companies in the country. We learn about their internship opportunities and receive practical advice on how to stand out in the application/interview process. In addition, the community in WIB is super supportive. We highlight the success of our members. I love that we always cheer each other on and celebrate each other’s personal and professional wins!
This past school year, I had the opportunity to serve as the Vice President of Conference for Speaker Relations on the executive board for Women in Business. Alongside my co-vice president, Delaney Bray, I planned the 13th Annual Monarch Leadership Conference. My main responsibility was to recruit speakers for the event and help them develop the content they shared. It was so rewarding to see my work come together during this event. I am thankful for the opportunity to network with the speakers, get to know them, and listen to their professional development advice. Starting this fall, I am the Vice President of Professional Development. In this role, I will lead my branch as we plan all the professional meetings and events for Women in Business.
Women in Business has been so influential in helping me to find community within the business school. This group of driven, bright, motivated women encourage me each day and help me grow into the best business leader I can be. As I said before: What could be better than this?
