According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women owned 19.9% of all firms in 2018. Although this number is small, the percentage has grown over the last few years and is expected to expand in the future which could benefit the industry. By further promoting women within the workplace, this can expand the diversity of gender within the business world and empower young women to do the same.
It is important to be a marketable candidate to increase your chances for internships, especially within the competitive job market. While education is significant, students today must take advantage of opportunities to learn new social skills and habits to be successful post-grad.
One great way to get involved includes the Women in Business club. This club introduces students to new tools for preparing one’s work and personal lives for success. Regardless of year, major or gender, the Women in Business club is open to all who wish to improve not only themselves, but their potential in the real world.
Professors Michele Ryan and Dr. Elizabeth Belgio created the club last semester with the goal to build students’ confidence through networking with professionals. In the club, students take on leadership roles that prepare them for future responsibilities in the work setting.
Shannon Martin, a senior business administration major and President of the Women in Business club, states that their main goal is to help students be successful on a professional and personal level.
Their official mission statement states: “The Women in Business club at Lewis University provides support, inclusion, and empowerment to our diverse undergraduate and graduate population. Through education and experience, we aim to prepare future business leaders to be successful both personally and professionally.”
Club members have the potential to build a strong professional network for their future within the business world. In the future, club members want to bring in alumni from the College of Business. They also want to practice job interviews, restructure resumes and how to design a professional email, along with so much more.
Each individual within the club has the ability to inspire students from any background to excel within their respective fields. The group is looking to improve their career opportunities to make sure the members can have the best success in the future.
While this is a club designed for helping women within the world of business, Martin states that the club is still open to all genders and any major.
Different events will be advertised through the club’s instagram page that you can contact and follow @lewisuwib. As of now, the first event planned is a professional headshot and a resume builder workshop on Sept. 27 from 12-1 p.m in St. Charles Borromeo 154 (SB 154). If you have more questions, reach out to Martin at shannonemartin@lewisu.edu.
Photo Credits: Olivia Brzek
