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Business Plus: A Gateway to Professional Growth
Forging New Paths in Business Learning
In recent times, the Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis has introduced an innovative program known as Business Plus. This initiative offers undergraduates invaluable insights and exposure to real-world professional environments, even as they pursue their education. This ambitious scheme builds a bridge between academia and the professional landscape by allowing students to gain hands-on experience.
A Look at Internships with Elanco
Victoria Delgado, a standout member of the first cohort, is currently making waves in the business world. As an intern with the talent acquisition team at Elanco, she is actively involved in enhancing the company’s mastery of international talent recruitment. Her role not only allows her to engage with Elanco’s headquarters internationally but also helps her align her career goals with her academic pursuits. A first-generation college student, Victoria grasped the opportunity to join Business Plus eagerly. With a triple major in finance, business management, and international studies, the program seemed tailor-made for her ambitions.
Collaboration at the Core of Business Plus
Another student thriving under the Business Plus initiative is Anna Almeciga. With a background in farming and cattle, Anna’s marketing internship involves translating scientific data on cattle medications for consumer comprehension. Such unique opportunities exemplify how Business Plus bridges academia and professional application.
Andres Cervantes Cervera, another marketing intern, had initially explored automotive repair before venturing into business logistics. For Andres, this internship offers an early foray into the business world, allowing him to connect theory with practice.
Opening Doors to Future Careers
Beyond Elanco, Indianapolis-based KSM has also partnered with Business Plus. As one of America’s prominent accounting firms, KSM offers students similar immersion experiences. Dillon Waggoner, associate director of Business Plus, highlights the importance of early student engagement. He considers the program an opportunity to foster future leaders, and this collaboration between school and industry ensures a constant nurturing of talent.
Enriching Student Experience
Furthermore, the Kelley School provides supplementary support to enhance student placements. Workshops, professional development seminars, and career coaching sessions play crucial roles in preparing students for these valuable experiences. Amberly Lopez, director of global student programs at Elanco, praises the structured pre-selection by IU, which aligns student and company expectations seamlessly.
Broadening Horizons: A Vision for Growth
Not content with existing numbers, Barb Cutillo, a director at the Kelley School, aims to expand the Business Plus partnerships. With a strategic focus on retaining local talent post-graduation, Cutillo envisions increasing opportunities for students to integrate classroom learning with career aspirations. The I-Core Partnership is another notable program that connects students with local businesses. Such initiatives not only enrich student experiences but also promise tangible benefits for the broader Indiana community.
In conclusion, the Business Plus program does more than merely equip students with experience; it gives them a sneak peek into their future career paths, ensuring they’re well-prepared to become leaders of tomorrow.



