Business Student Life

We believe an outside certification plays an important role in helping you stand out, which is why we tie certification training into our curriculum. And, we have an excellent record for doing just that!

Our accounting students consistently rank among the nation’s best on the certified public accountant (CPA) exam, a test developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants that ensures students know the basics of accounting. Our accounting curriculum prepares them for this success. And, unlike graduates from other universities, most of our undergraduates take the exam before they graduate, ensuring they have the credential at the start of their business career. 

Do you have to be an accountant to earn a professional certification? No! Depending upon the program you choose, our curriculum can prepare you for gaining a professional credential either during your time at UNI or shortly after including:

• Certified Associate in Project Management
• Certified General Appraiser
• Certified Global Business Professional
• Certified Property Management
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
• Expanded Career Option for Secondary Teacher Licensure
• Microsoft Certification
• Six Sigma Green Belt

Our students begin developing their street smarts in the classroom by helping businesses solve problems in the form of live-client projects, making a positive impact on the local community in the process. But it also happens outside the classroom through a variety of real-world opportunities that are here for you, from preparing federal and state tax returns, serving on a board of directors, providing consulting services, or determining the value of a business, to name just a few. 

Academic competitions are another way to apply your business knowledge to solve problems, in this case competing head-to-head with other teams from schools located all over the country and around the globe. You test your knowledge and gain the skills, confidence and professional connections to get ahead.

And, don’t forget about honing your research skills to gain even stronger insight into business issues. The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) allows you to conduct and present research projects under faculty supervision, provides funding to support your time engaged in the research process, and, should your paper be accepted at a conference, provides the funding to support your travel to attend. Plus, having your name on published research is a great way to build up a resume. 

All of these engagements ensure your successful transition from student to business professional and, in the process, also help you develop your own professional distinction.

According to a 2016 survey by the QS Global Employer Survey Reporter, six out of 10 employers around the world say international experience is a bonus. More than 80 percent said they actively sought out candidates who had international experience. No matter how you cut it, any type of experience abroad can help.

In the last few years, we have gone from a student participation rate in international study programs of 1-in-19 to 1-in-4 — the highest participation rate among University of Northern Iowa colleges. We offer programs that help you stay on track for a timely graduation and thanks to the generous donations from friends and alumni of Wilson College of Business, we guarantee financial assistance for those international opportunities.