Who We Are

Business Council was created in 1973 as an organization dedicated to serving The Gies College of Business. Today, Business Council remains a large organization made up of undergraduate students from all majors and diverse backgrounds with an interest in business.

Business Council helps its members achieve their goals and build a lifetime network of some of the most accomplished, driven students on the University of Illinois campus. This is accomplished through events planned and executed by our Leadership Team and centered around our three fundamental organizational pillars: Professional, Service, and Social.

President’s Welcome

SUkanya Sundaresan

As an out-of-state student, I spent my first semester trying to adjust to life in Illinois, in search of a community and support system similar to the one I had left at home. So, one cold January morning the following semester, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and attend Business Council’s Info Night. With my little professional experience, I had no idea what to expect as I walked into Foellinger Auditorium.

To my delight, I applied and was accepted into Business Council in the Spring of 2022. Joining BC has impacted my life in many ways, and has given me a true home away from home.

During my New Member Semester, I was pushed to grow both personally and professionally. I utilized my alumni & senior mentors, new member parents, and upperclassmen to navigate my career & get more involved on campus. As a now upperclassman, I am fortunate to have given back as Professional Development chair, a leader, and a mentor to the council. Business Council encourages members to participate in the ecosystem of friendship, leadership, and mentorship that enhances both yourself and those around you. 

Our three pillars; Professional, Service, and Social provide members of BC with well-rounded and memorable college experiences. Some of my favorite memories include volunteering at the Cunningham Children’s Home to create Halloween decorations, creating and leading a personal branding workshop, and kayaking for the first time on the waters of Kickapoo at our fall retreat with all of my best friends. Every day of the week you can find events on our calendar that will teach you something new, push you to enhance your skills, and create core memories of your time in college with your BC family.

Joining BC means joining a community of people who are committed to supporting, challenging, and celebrating you through every moment. At Info Night during my freshman year, I was awestruck by the energy and passion that radiated from each member. This has continued throughout every semester of BC, and I know without a doubt that joining was one of the best decisions of my life. 

There are no words to truly describe my love for these people and this organization, so I encourage you to experience this firsthand by attending our recruitment events to truly see why BC means so much to all of our members. 

Please feel free to email me or any other member of the executive board if you have any questions about our recruitment process or Business Council in general. Good luck to you, and we hope to see you soon!

Best,

Sukanya Sundaresan

president@illinoisbusinesscouncil.com