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The purpose of the Latino Association for Business Students (LABS) is to provide a centralized unit where students can seek experienced academic consultation and career orientation. LABS represents and is the voice for Latino students within the College of Business. In LABS, latino business students can focus on their specific needs: corporate representation, development workshops, career conferences, and special events. It also provides members with benefits such as: networking potential, access to test/academic devices, inclusion in a resume book, and the opportunity to interact with other student organizations and faculty at the University of Illinois. Finally, LABS provides a support system for Latino students in the College of Business.
History
Augusto Ornelas, along with five other business undergraduate students, founded
LABS in the fall of 1994. The founders of LABS had a common vision: the
advancement of Latinos in the College of Commerce and the business community.
It was the founding members’ belief that by creating a centralized unit, greater
resources could be established for the advancement of minority students. LABS is
that vision and now serves as that centralized unit.
Victor Monroy, the president for the 1996 spring semester, took one of the first
steps in involving LABS in the College of Commerce and Business
Administration; currently the College of Business. With his initiative, LABS
became involved with the Commerce Placement Office (“CPO”). The CPO
provides our members with valuable resume writing workshops, mock interviews,
and career fairs. The CPO also provides LABS with a graduate board, Brett has
dedicated himself to expanding opportunities for LABS and its members.
LABS has evolved from an organization consisting of six members to an
organization with over thirty members and a graduate advisor. We have gradually
increased the services and resources provided to our student members. Currently,
we invite guest speakers who are able to share their experiences concerning the
recruiting and interviewing process. The speakers also provide advice on choosing
the right career and the right company. In addition to interacting with speakers,
LABS also attends career conferences in both the Urbana-Champaign area and the
Chicago-land area.
Goals
Provide Latino business students with an organization that can focus on their
specific needs through the following
- Corporate representation
- Development workshops
- Career conferences
- Special events
Provide members with the benefits inherent in LABS membership, some of
which include the following:
- Networking potential
- Access to test/academic advice
- Inclusion in resume book
- Development of long-lasting friendships with fellow members
Provide members with the opportunity to interact with other student
organizations and faculty at the University of Illinois
Maintain a support system for students within the College of Business
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