Students talking on a Redbird Career event

Business Bird Ready

A professional development program for College of Business students

Busness Bird Ready Logo

The Business Bird Ready app (Suitable in the app stores) enhances student participation in co-curricular activities and promotes personal development and marketable skills. This platform enables each student to choose opportunities in keeping up with their personal and academic path.

With a focus on competencies selected by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), students are able to track their development as they participate in high-impact activities, attend events, complete activities, and earn badges.

Activities may include attending a university lecture, participating in College of Business activities, studying abroad, or reporting leadership positions. The platform is designed to scaffold engagement so that students explore and grow throughout their time here in the College of Business. Because we maintain proprietary control over content, we can add/delete tasks, activities and events over time.

The program goals include:

Career Preparation

Prepare students for the workforce by providing opportunities to connect with industry professionals, participate in internships, and build a professional portfolio through verified activities and badges.

Enhance Student Engagement

Increase student involvement in campus life by offering a wide range of co-curricular activities that complement academic learning.

Develop Key Skills

Help students acquire and improve essential skills such as leadership, communication, and critical thinking. All skills that are critical for academic success and long-term career readiness.

Career Exploration & Pathway Discovery

Support students in exploring interests, discovering strengths, and identifying potential career paths through intentional involvement and reflection.

What’s In It for Students?

Employers look for more than just a GPA. While academic performance matters, organizations want to understand who you are, what you’ve done, and how you’ve applied your skills beyond the classroom. Business Bird Ready helps you turn involvement into evidence.

Through engagement in co-curricular experiences, you can achieve:

Real World Experience Build a strong record of real world experiences employers value
Verified Skill Badges Earn verified badges that can be put directly on LinkedIn
Resume Readiness Translate activities into meaningful resume content to help stand out
Demonstrated Competencies Show employers how you’ve developed skills like leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking
Professional Networking Network with peers, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals
Campus Connection Stay informed and engaged with current events, opportunities, and activities happening across campus

Your activity record within the platform creates a clear story of growth over time. These experiences can be used to strengthen your resume, enhance your LinkedIn profile, and be shared with prospective employers. Business Bird Ready helps you stand out beyond your GPA and document your academic journey.

For questions about the Business Bird Ready, please contact us at BusinessBirdReady@IllinoisState.edu

Stand Out From The Crowd

Career and Self-Development
Communication
Critical Thinking
Equity and Inclusion
Leadership
Professionalism
Teamwork
Technology

FAQ

Is this Business Bird Ready Program Required?

No, is not required by the College of Business. The program is a way for students to set themselves apart by becoming active on campus, and to show that they have an interest in personal development.

What activities are included in the Business Bird Ready?

We offer a number of "ala carte" badging options in Business Bird Ready. Activities are created that support the badge. The badges we offer will vary from year to year, as new badges are always being created. Activities may include videos, in-person events, educational material, interactions, and written reflections.

What if a student doesn't complete all of the badges?

That's the best part of this program! While on occasion a badge may be required for a particular course, students will have the opportunity to choose which badges make the most sense for their career develpment growth.

What is Suitable?

Suitable is a online software platform that the Business Bird Ready uses to help you navigate through the Business Bird Ready. Suitable organizes the activities involved in Business Bird Ready. Download the Suitable App for iOS (Apple) and Android

Can students participate if they do not want to complete all of the badges?

Of course you can! Students are encouraged to participate in as many badging opportunities as they’d like, keeping in mind that badges required for classes must be completd.

What experiences, events, and activities count for credit?

If you have any questions about events or activities, please contact us at RedbirdCareerPortfolio@IllinoisState.edu.

Is this available to transfer students or students who change their major?

Yes, Business Bird Ready is available to transfer students or students who change their major.