Frequently Asked Questions
What is Women in Business?
Women In Business is a student group that aims to build confidence, community, and empowerment in our 45 members. In order to do so, we put on 14 workshops (2 per month) throughout the year, on a wide variety of personal and professional development topics. We put on these events in hopes of equipping our members with all of the skills they need to reach their highest potential in the workforce. In addition to skill development, Women In Business also places a high focus on simply building community. Throughout the year, in the workshops, as well as outside of the workshops, members are able to connect and foster incredible relationships with one another, building their own network of powerful women and allies: an asset equally, if not more important, than all of the skills they build. Overall, Women In Business is a safe space, open to all who wish to better themselves and those around them, both personally and professionally.
Is it just for women?
No. Despite the name, Women in Business, it is open to anyone from all faculties. WIB is a space for underrepresented people interested in business to build a network of support and have access to resources for professional and personal development. We welcome all UofA students of any gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, socio-economic background interested in professional development!
What is a WIB member?
WIB has a unique student group structure with an executive team along with 45 member positions. The 45 members are part of the biweekly workshops, and receive training on professional skills like salary negotiation, resume building, interview preparation, pitch development, and more. These 45 members build a strong network internally to support one another professionally and personally. Together, they also work on brainstorming and building the Community Initiative (by volunteering 20 hours).
Separate from members, the executive works on creating these experiences for the members by planning all the meetings and arranging the speakers. Each executive role is unique and this year, the executive is composed of the Co-Chairs, VP Events, VP External, VP Internal, VP Marketing, VP Finance, VP Charity, Events Director, External Director, Social Media Director and Blog Writer.
The general public is also invited to select WIB events, such as our open workshops that are specifically advertised on WIB’s marketing channels.
What is the Member Initiative?
The Member Initiative is a member-led project that provides a platform for members to utilize the skills they learn through Women In Business workshops. Through planning and implementing this event, members have the opportunity to apply these skills to real-life scenarios. WIB members will have the chance to practice important sponsorship acquisition, event-planning, budgeting, and marketing skills while spreading WIB values to the community around them.
In previous years, the Women In Business 2021/22 members created a Not-For-Profit fair for the University of Alberta community. This event brought awareness to the numerous Not-For-Profit organizations that co-exist in our community while teaching young women within Women In Business the valuable skills behind event planning and networking.
The members chose which Not-For-Profits to showcase, thus, the event was uniquely crafted to suit our members' vision. WIB seeks to be the bridge that connects young female students with the ability to explore what careers and personal ventures they can build using their degree.
Currently, the 2024/25 members are required to complete 20 volunteer hours throughout the school year.
What time are the workshops?
The biweekly workshops are mandatory for all executive and WIB members. There are two workshops every month, and, in the 2024-2025 academic year, these meetings were on every other Thursday from 6-8pm.
Does it cost money?
Absolutely not! We are committed to consolidating and providing resources to everyone that is looking to improve their professional skills. Accessibility is important to WIB and there are no costs for the executive, membership, or the public attending our Workshops. Our executive works hard for corporate sponsorship and grants to keep all of our activities free for you!
What are some of the workshops WIB hosts?
We focus on professional development through building up confidence and tangible skills. This year, we had a range of workshops led by career professionals in business such as public speaking, personal branding, financial literacy, interview prep and many more. We also host more informal workshops for members like a LinkedIn prep workshop, unconventional career talks, developing EQ (emotional quotient), and more!
Check out our workshops for a full list of our formal corporate-led workshops!
What do you look for in members?
Although there is an application process to join WIB, we are not looking for the most technically qualified or best resume. We want enthusiastic, curious, and dedicated individuals to be on our team and the purpose of the written application and interviews is to pick 45 individuals that are excited to gain new skills and enhance the experience of the other members as well. The application process is not meant to be stressful so please reach out to any members of the executive for any questions or concerns!