Business Leadership

Intentional actions allow you to be a better leader and help others reach their potential. Explore you mission and purpose, learn inclusive leadership skills and master communication strategies. By applying frameworks from leadership experts, you'll learn proven strategies to build high-trust teams and navigate challenging conversations.

Thursday, Feb. 27
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
BSBUS-0600-510, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Effective marketing raises awareness for your organization, promotes your mission and connects you with constituents, funders, and other stakeholders. In this hands-on workshop, you will create a communications plan for your organization that covers audiences, messaging, channels, vehicles, timing and measurable outcomes for ROI. Learn to engage and inspire with marketing and branding techniques used by Fortune 500 companies to strengthen your key messaging. Includes breakout sessions to enrich your current communications and develop your plan.

Tuesday, April 22
6 to 9 p.m.
BSPSI-0220-001, $79
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Digital Confidence Training provides basic computer and technology skills. Training in several Microsoft programs will be provided including Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and Adobe. This course will increase your technology skills if you are new to technology or if you have taken a break from the workforce and wish to refresh your office technology skills as you prepare to return to the workforce.

Monday & Tuesday, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
PROED-0007-303, $249

In this series of workshops, participants will learn the 4 Cs of Communication to better improve their skills in the workplace and in life. The classes will be interactive and engaging, providing valuable opportunities to practice the learned principles. This series is ideal for current professionals desiring to sharpen their skills as well as individuals set to enter the workforce. looking ahead to entering the workforce.

Enroll in courses a la carte, or enroll in the series and save 10%

At Work with Words Four-Course Series

Wednesday, Feb. 12, March 12, and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and Thursday,  May 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
BSBUS-0600-200, $499
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Clear and Confident Communication

Focus on Self - Get out of your own head! In this workshop, participants will learn why we don’t appear more confident when communicating and what we can do about it. Content will include how to be clear, honest, and direct with your communication – saying what you mean in the way you intend it - without being offensive or confrontational, learning more about gender differences related to confidence, and how to determine the best channel choice for different messages. This interactive workshop will include in-class role playing and other opportunities to put learned skills into practice.

Wednesday, Feb. 12
8:30 a.m. to noon
BSBUS-0600-210, $129

Connection through Communication

Focus on the Interpersonal - With this insightful and practical workshop, participants will discover what it takes to build healthy communication between individuals. Participants will learn how we can successfully interact with others, address conflict, and have difficult conversations, while continuing to foster honesty and open communication. Workshop material will cover topics such as dealing with difficult people, effective listening, and motivating others, and will include in-class exercises and role playing to practice the concepts.

Wednesday, March 12
8:30 a.m. to noon
BSBUS-0600-220, $129

Visual Communication

Focus on Visual Aids to Complement Verbal Message - This interactive workshop focuses on the need for visual aids, different types of visual aids and tips for preparing and presenting visual aids. Upon completion of the training, participants will have a base knowledge on how to create and present visual aids to enhance their presentation and avoid the dreaded Death by PowerPoint. 

Wednesday, April 9
8:30 a.m. to noon
BSBUS-0600-230, $129

Captivating Communication

Focus on Large Groups / Public Speaking - Public speaking is not just the #1 fear people have; it’s also the #1 skill employers are looking for in new hires. For many, the fear of inadequacy with public speaking is difficult to conquer. This highly practical workshop will provide strategies to conquer that fear and achieve captivating communication in a large group setting. Participants will learn how to craft their message and design what they want to say, then learn how to say it in an engaging way with dynamic delivery. All these skills will be brought together in guided practical application, with participants writing and delivering a public presentation.

Wednesday, May 7
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
BSBUS-0600-240, $179

Learn the importance of planning and prioritizing your goals and tasks. Identify the best practices of successful time management, including how to establish and protect boundaries, and effectively use practical tools like calendars or to-do lists. You will complete a self evaluation exercise to understand how you spend your time. Leave the workshop with practical, action steps to becoming more productive in your personal and professional life.

Wednesday, Feb. 5
9 a.m. to noon
BSBUS-0600-250, $79
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Explore effective tools and methodologies for performance management, talent development, and effective principles for improving retention and employee engagement. This is an excellent course for supervisors, managers, and those interested in the human resources (HR) field. The focus areas are the HR generalist role, retention, engagement, and employee relations. 

Wednesday, Feb. 26
6 to 9 p.m.
BSBUS-0600-450, $79
On campus in Glen Ellyn

This course helps new supervisors understand their roles as they transition from individual contributor to supervisor. Assess your current skills and further develop competencies that bring out the best in the staff members you manage. Examine varying leadership styles, the legal aspects of supervising, the art of delegating and many other people-management strategies that will help you succeed at this critical level in your professional journey. 

Wednesday, Feb. 26
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BSBUS-0600-050, $249
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Selling today is all about partnering to create value for the buyer. Join us to learn the critical skills set of face-to-face selling to a potential client. This interactive and empowering workshop equips you to become a more results-oriented sales professional.

Wednesday, Feb. 12
9 a.m. to noon
BSBUS-0600-120
$129, Naperville Center

Unlock the keys to success in the modern business landscape with this intensive half-day workshop. In today's dynamic and competitive business environment, possessing strong business sense is paramount for professionals at all levels. Develop the essential knowledge, skills, and mindset to thrive in the complex world of business.   

Wednesday, March 12
9 a.m. to noon
BSBUS-0600-470, $99
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Managing performance of team members can be one of the most challenging responsibilities of a supervisor; and it can also be one of the most rewarding. This course provides a template for your performance management process beginning with the establishment of goals, encouragement through feedback, and managing performance gaps.

Wednesday, March 26
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BSBUS-0600-140, $249
On campus in Glen Ellyn

The pandemic has accelerated the surge of the entrepreneurial spirit in Gen X, Y and Z. American adults of all ages are seeking flexibility, autonomy and satisfaction by starting their own ventures. This workshop supports the entrepreneur in understanding how to navigate the process of starting a business, from the dream phase to implementation and scale-up.

Discover which business model is best for you, learn how to write a workable business plan and develop a strategy for marketing and sales. Leave the workshop enlightened and aware of the challenges and joys an entrepreneur encounters in daily business operations.

Thursday, March 6 and March 20
6 to 9 p.m.
BSBUS-0600-270, $149
Naperville Center (NC)

Are you curious about AI but don't know where to start? Do you want to learn how AI can help you with everyday business tasks like writing emails or managing projects? If you want to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-changing world of business, looking for innovative ways to streamline your work flow and improve your productivity, this course is for you! In this class, you'll learn how to use ChatGPT to tackle everyday business challenges like writing documents, planning initiatives, and analyzing data. You'll learn what prompts are and how to go beyond just the basics and get customized results that are focused on your specific needs.

Bring your laptop! Our course is designed to be hands-on, so you'll be able to use ChatGPT right away and start seeing the benefits in your work.

If you're looking to get beyond the hype of AI and learn practical ways to leverage it to improve your efficiency and productivity, this course will introduce you to the tools you need to succeed. Register today to unlock the power of AI and take your day-to-day work to the next level. 

Spring 2025

Spring 2025

Spring 2025