Alumni News Vol. 1, Issue 6 Building Networks We recently learned that Rob Peterson’s submission to the Mid- American Innovation in Education Competition, “Building Student Networks with LinkedIn: The Potential for Alumni Connections, Internships, and Jobs,” won first place. Congratulations, Rob! Upcoming Events January 19, 2013 Dean’s Circle Basketball Game May 3, 2013 COB Alumni Luncheon Rob presented his winning project at the 2012 Mid-American Business Deans Association annual conference in Chicago in October. We are very proud to have the 2012 winning innovation in education project from NIU! December 2012 May 16, 2013 Accountancy Alumni Reception Dean Schoenbachler and Dr. Peterson Building Student Networks with LinkedIn: The Potential for Connections, Internships, and Jobs Contributor: Dr. Robert Peterson Networking is a chance to interact with people, build friendships or business partners, identify opportunities, and create value. Technology has made this process easier since individuals can readily contact others who were previously unknown. In the professional world, LinkedIn has become Dr. Robert Peterson the standard way to build virtual and personal networks. One innovative class exercise had students building profiles, garnering connections, joining groups, posting comments, and obtaining and writing letters of recommendations. The results were overwhelmingly positive with students exceeding the required mandates but, more importantly, they learned how to use networking tools to improve their knowledge, access to experts, and secured job offers based on their LinkedIn profile and presence. Connect with us on LinkedIn Networking by Water June 13, 2013 Management & Marketing Alumni Event – Kane County Cougars game June 13, 2013 Rockford Golf Outing January 2014 AASCB Visit to campus For details and to register Call for Alumni Awards Each year the College of Business recognizes outstanding alumni achievements. Recipients are selected on outstanding professional and personal successes, as well as involvement in civic, cultural, or charitable activities. Do you know someone who should be recognized or nominated? The brisk weather and windy conditions in the city didn’t deter OM&IS alumni, guests and faculty that ventured out on Friday, October 5th for an architectural boat tour, followed by networking at Houlihan’s. The group learned the history of the Chicago River, appreciated the architecture adjacent to it, and treasured the city’s history after the Great Fire. The tour took place atop Chicago’s First Lady Cruise line. It was informative, entertaining and interactive. Nominate the outstanding College of Business alumnus now. Read more Your Feedback is Important An Era of Tax Uncertainty Contributor: Dr. Kate Mantzke “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” — Benjamin Franklin, 1789 View College of Business Dean’s Circle Members We look forward to hearing from you. If you have ideas about improving this newsletter or would like to share your thoughts, please contact us. We’d also like to be updated on your career or personal moves. While Franklin’s observation about death and taxes is as true today as it was in 1789, there is significant tax uncertainty as 2012 comes to a close. Many ‘temporary’ U.S. tax rules that have been in force in recent years are about to expire. A few of the more significant rule changes are summarized here. Send to a friend! Golden Can Winner Congratulations to the Department of Management who won the Golden Can Award with 24 boxes. This year, we collected 94.5 boxes which will be donated to Northern Illinois Food Bank. We appreciate everyone’s contributions and would like to recognize the MBA Department for getting the Fast-Trak students involved in a friendly competition amongst themselves which reaped 12 boxes. Also, many of our student organizations helped in contributing this year. Our thanks go out to them as well. Perhaps next year we can hit a goal of 100 boxes to be donated! Follow us on