Academies & Centers

students studying in BIF atrium

Experiences that extend the boundaries of business knowledge

At Gies College of Business, our faculty and students think big by taking the latest trends and producing new ideas that redefine the business world.

Our Academies and Centers help deliver on this by leveraging a collaborative spirit between teacher and student. These entities include exciting opportunities within the entrepreneurial space, life-changing research hubs that explore issues across the globe, and professional development experiences that bolster student growth.

Read further to find the Academy or Center that best aligns with your interests.

AXIS Risk Management Academy

The Academy is open to students from across the University of Illinois campus, and it provides professional development resources and enhanced educational experiences to support their interest in risk management.

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Center for Business and Public Policy

The Center promotes rigorous research about how market forces and public policy shape one another and communicates these findings in the classroom and through public engagement activities. Faculty research analyzes programs and policies to advance discussion around regulatory framework, the tax system, and government spending.

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Center for Professional Responsibility in Business and Society

The Center leads the discussion about society’s expectations for professional responsibility at both the individual and organizational level. It promotes the development of responsible professional behavior in today’s students, enabling them to become effective leaders in competitive, challenging business environments. 

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Office of Risk Management and Insurance Research

The Office of Risk Management and Insurance Research (ORMIR) was established to design research on critical issues facing the industry and engage students seeking careers in risk management and insurance. Because insurance crosses many disciplines, ORMIR connects students across campus and partners with professionals to engage in students’ career exploration. 

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Origin Ventures Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership

The Academy offers entrepreneurial programs, services, and resources to faculty and students. Its cutting-edge, collaborative environment encourages and supports students’ entrepreneurial ambitions. The Academy’s activities include sponsored events in entrepreneurship, a lecture series, workshops, and more.

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Real Estate Finance Academy

The Real Estate Finance Academy is a five-semester pathway to prepare students for a career in commercial real estate finance. Graduates could expect to pursue entry-level jobs in commercial banking, investment banking, investment management, consulting, and more.

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Stanley C. Golder Academies

The Golder Academies prepare students for exciting and rewarding careers in investment banking, investment management, venture capital, private equity, and corporate finance. The Finance Academy, Investment Banking Academy, and Investment Management Academy offer enhanced academic experiences and opportunities designed students for career success.

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University of Illinois-Deloitte Foundation Center for Business Analytics

The Center develops leading-edge business analytics curriculum and resources to provide students with the data knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to become the most highly-trained business leaders of tomorrow. Faculty and fellows within the Center generate course material, case studies, and more business schools around the country can incorporate into their existing curriculum.

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Vernon K. Zimmerman Center for International Education and Research in Accounting

The Center serves students, faculty, and professionals through leadership and educational support in international accountancy and business research. It provides innovative learning experiences in all aspects of scholarship, including the creation, integration, and dissemination of accounting knowledge in the international domain.

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Women in Finance Academy

The Women in Finance Academy (WiF) offers additional programming outside the classroom that will help you explore potential career paths, build skills for success, and connect with other female students, alumni, and professionals in the field.

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