Bridging Classroom and Career: Leeds Launches Business Leader-in-Residence Program
Leeds is launching its Business Leader-in-Residence (BLIR) program on Oct. 8, a full day of exclusive student access to prominent visiting business leaders for career guidance, mentorship and networking.
Jennifer Bone, associate dean for Undergraduate Programs, Craig and Cynthia Smith Faculty Scholar, and teaching professor of business communication, shared insights about the new program and how it will help prepare students for lifelong career success.
What was the impetus to create the new Business Leader-in-Residence program, and who is it for?
The Business Leader-in-Residence (BLIR) program was created to provide Leeds students with direct access to seasoned industry professionals who can offer guidance at every stage of their academic and professional journey. The program is designed for all Leeds students:
- First-year students exploring areas of emphasis and considering career paths.
- Sophomores and juniors preparing for internships and seeking advice on how to best position themselves for the job search.
- Seniors transitioning into the workforce and looking for strategies to launch their careers.
- Graduate students interested in developing skills to pivot into new roles, functions or industries.
This year, Leeds is piloting a smaller BLIR event focused on sophomores, seniors and graduate students, with plans to expand the program in future years to cover 13鈥15 industry tracks.
What businesses will participate, and why are they involved?
For this year鈥檚 pilot, we are bringing in 14 leaders representing a wide range of industries, including accounting, finance, consulting, business analytics and marketing. Confirmed organizations include:
- Liberty Media
- Disney
- RSM
- KPMG
- Korn Ferry
- Pivotal Consulting
- Boulder Associates
- Anthem Branding
- JumpCloud
- Cain Travel
- Allora
- Bow River Capital
- Birds Eye Advisory
These companies are involved because they value investing in the next generation of business leaders and are interested in working specifically with Leeds students. Many of these leaders are also in the Leeds Professional Mentorship Program. They are eager to share their expertise, mentor students, and help bridge the gap between the classroom and professional practice.
鈥淭he Business Leader-in-Residence program helps students graduate not just with a degree, but with the confidence, skills and networks necessary to thrive.鈥
Jennifer Bone, associate dean for Undergraduate Programs
How is this program a gateway to career opportunities and career readiness for students?
The BLIR program is designed to connect students directly with leaders across diverse industries, providing personalized insights into career pathways, required skills and emerging trends. Through one-on-one and small group interactions, students will gain a clearer understanding of career options and receive guidance on aligning their interests with opportunities. Students will also build professional readiness by learning what employers look for in internships and early career hires, while developing mentorship and networks that extend beyond the classroom. By embedding these connections early and often, BLIR helps students graduate not just with a degree, but with the confidence, skills and networks necessary to thrive.
How does the BLIR fit into Leeds鈥 Strategic Plan?
This program directly supports our Strategic Initiative called the 鈥淟eeds Edge: Lifelong Career Success & Connections.鈥 It advances the school鈥檚 commitment to equipping students with lifelong career readiness skills while cultivating strong connections with industry leaders.
By scaling the program to eventually encompass 13鈥15 industry tracks, Leeds will be creating a program that ensures every student can access high-impact mentorship and guidance as part of their educational experience.