Trott Emerging Business Leaders is a one-year immersive program for first-year students who are ambitious about launching careers in business. Students benefit from personalized career advising, professional development workshops, and a funded internship in the summer after their first year. TEBL’s curriculum helps develop business professionals who are equipped to lead and disrupt current and emerging industries. The program is funded by a generous gift from Trott Family Philanthropies and BDT & MSD Partners.
In addition to expert support from program staff, all Trott Emerging Business Leaders will receive an upperclass student mentor. Students will have opportunities to meet with their mentor throughout the program to informally discuss career planning, networking internships, and more.
The program invites applications from incoming students from middle and low-income families, first-generation students, students from rural areas, and students of all backgrounds who are engaged in Black/African American or Hispanic/Latinx communities.
For any questions, please contact Jackson Lehmar at jlehmar@uchicago.edu.
An Immersive Curriculum
Trott Emerging Business Leaders complete a series of skill building workshops and professional learning opportunities designed for their seamless transition into their summer internship experiences and future careers. This immersive curriculum helps students deepen their industry knowledge, develop strong technical skills, and learn key “soft skills” for succeeding in the workplace.
Sample workshops and professional experiences that students may experience during their year in the program include:
- Applied Behavioral Science and Economics
- Banking 101
- Career Exploration Week
- Career Treks
- Corporate Communications and Professional Etiquette
- Data Analysis
- Developing Your Personal Brand
- Introduction to Excel
- Introduction to Investing and Project Finance
- Entrepreneurship and Technology
- Networking Strategies
How to Apply
Applications will open for the Class of 2028 later this year.
Thank You to the Trott Emerging Business Leaders Committee!
We're deeply grateful to the experts serving on the Trott Emerging Business Leaders Committee.
Janice Farrar
Senior Associate Director of Employer Relations, Chicago Booth School of Business
Victor Lima
Senior Instructional Professor of Economics
Alejandro Rodriguez
Analyst, BDT & MSD Partners
Questions?
For more information about the program, please contact Jackson Lehmar at jlehmar@uchicago.edu.
Previous Participants
Chisom, Class of 2025
"The program allowed me to witness what it meant to be a successful scholar, philanthropist, and future world leader. With the program's help, I was able to hear important stories from people in various fields, partake in events such as blackcomputeHER which allowed me to further understand the importance of inclusion, and have access to useful mentors that are always willing to chat and offer helpful advice. As a result, I have turned most of my intimidation into excitement, and am looking forward to seeing my progression throughout the rest of my career."
Polly, Class of 2025
"Throughout my first year at UChicago, I am incredibly grateful to have had so many opportunities to explore my interests, including through this program. Thinking about potential future careers has always been slightly overwhelming for me, especially with pressures to find the perfect career. Through the program, I've been able to learn from and network with professionals from all industries. Coming from a largely STEM-oriented community in high school, this exposure has truly opened my eyes to the plethora of available options, most notably in business and the social sciences. As I continue to explore my passions and gain working experience, I am confident that the workshops, networking opportunities, and like-minded community that I have gained will be invaluable to my growth, both academically and professionally.”
Chimaobi, Class of 2025
“The program has had a tremendous impact on my professional development this year. From the experiences I have gained in workshops to the people I have learned from through events I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the program. The constant support I have received from my career advisor has been indispensable in the journey to my first internship as a college student. Funds made available to me by Trott have also given me freedom within my chosen internship. Overall, I am happy to be involved in the program and look forward to future quarters.”