Gies Business Experience
At Gies College of Business, your journey inside and outside the classroom fits together seamlessly to prepare you for what’s next. We call it the Gies Business Experience, and we break it down into three principles.
Purpose
You explore what motivates you, reflect on your values and goals, and gain the confidence to chart your own path.
Edge
You develop the skills, mindset, and experiences needed to gain a competitive edge and create value in a rapidly evolving business world. Along the way, you create your own story about what you know and what you’ve accomplished – and you learn to share it in a compelling way.
Community
You belong to a supportive, inclusive community where you are seen, heard, and valued, and where you build lasting relationships.
Building skills for your future
As part of the Gies Business Experience, you build key competencies to help you thrive in the workplace. We’ve identified these competencies with the help of current employers.
You’ll develop them through your coursework, team projects, internships, and other campus experiences. Learning to recognize and explain them will help you succeed in your future career.
Problem-solving
Define problems, explore and evaluate solutions, and implement effective outcomes.
Critical thinking
Analyze information, evaluate different perspectives, explain reasoning, and make informed decisions.
Technology and digital fluency
Use digital tools (including emerging technology like AI) to analyze, communicate, collaborate, and improve decision-making.Teamwork
Collaborate with others, contribute your strengths, manage conflict, and work toward shared goals.Leadership
Take initiative, motivate others, and contribute to team success – even without a formal leadership role.Communication
Clearly express ideas through written, verbal, and digital formats for different audiences.Equity and Inclusion
Respect and engage diverse perspectives, challenge bias, and help create inclusive environments where everyone can contribute.Career and personal development
Reflect on your strengths and interests, explore career paths, build relationships, and articulate your skills.Ethics and integrity
Make responsible decisions, consider multiple perspectives, and act with honesty and accountability.How to use the competencies
As you move through courses and experiences, you’ll build these competencies in many different ways. To help you recognize and explain your skills, use the 3C Model
What did you do?
Example: Led a team project, analyzed data, and presented a recommendation.
What skills did you develop?
Example: Teamwork, communication, problem-solving
How would you explain this experience to an employer?
Example: Describe the situation, your role, and the impact of your work.
Why it matters
Employers hire students who can demonstrate these skills. Understanding your competencies helps you:
- Tell stronger stories in interviews.
- Write more effective résumés.
- Choose experiences that build valuable skills.
- Grow intentionally during your time at Gies Business.
Your next step
As you complete projects, internships, or leadership experiences, ask yourself: “Which competency did I develop the most in this experience?”
Then, practice sharing that story. These stories will become your competitive advantage in the job market.