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After 10 years in the workforce, Usman Mahammad returned to higher education with a clear objective: gain the skills and confidence to lead larger, more complex projects. At �ؾ���, he found that path not only through his Master of Business Analytics coursework, but through the �ؾ��� Incubator Schaumburg Enterprises (RISE) internship, shaping his experience in real time.

RISE is �ؾ���’s campus-based internship and entrepreneurship program in Schaumburg that connects students with startups, small businesses and community partners. It provides hands-on experience, allowing students to apply classroom learning to real-world projects while supporting business growth.

Usman entered the program with substantial industry experience, including roles at Accenture and in digital marketing. Even so, he saw a ceiling in his career growth. “Even if you have the experience, you're not able to handle the bigger projects [without an advanced degree.] I want to grow and be able to take on the development and the analytics of a big project,” he says. RISE has become central to that growth, giving Usman a direct outlet to apply what he is learning in class. “If you're learning in classes, you need a platform to implement it,” he explains. “That’s the main thing I like about RISE.”

In many ways, his graduate experience is defined by this constant interplay between classroom learning and hands on practice. �ؾ���’s faculty help build the analytical foundation, while RISE reinforces it through real client work. “The faculty at �ؾ��� are amazing,” Usman says. “When I send an email, I get a response, I can clarify, even some of the professors scheduled a Zoom call.” He adds, “They make sure each and every student understand the concept,” an approach that has allowed him to confidently bring those concepts into his internship work. 

One of those faculty members, Assistant Teaching Professor of Business Analytics Dr. Tsun Chow, was especially impactful along Usman’s �ؾ��� journey. According to Usman, Dr. Chow was one of those professors who made themselves available for instruction outside of the classroom. Dr. Chow also invited Usman to work with him as a collaborator on a data-driven project that provided the graduate student with informative hands-on experience. Dr. Chow says, “Usman’s drive extended into academic discovery. He was one of the key student participants in my research project exploring the use of AI as an educational tutor. I am proud to share that the findings of this study—which Usman helped bring to life—were recently presented at the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Computer, Data Sciences and Applications (ACDSA 2026).”

This experience was vital to Usman’s overall �ؾ��� experience, saying, “He’s a great lecturer and mentor. I’ve connected with all my faculty members, but Dr. Chow is my favorite.” Dr. Chow also enjoyed working with Usman saying, “Whether we were meeting face-to-face or interacting online, Usman was always eager to participate and contribute meaningfully to classroom discussions—so much so that his peers frequently turned to him for guidance.” He continues, “Beyond his technical aptitude, I thoroughly enjoyed mentoring Usman, though we did have one recurring debate: his obsession with his grades. I often reminded him that while a strong GPA is important, it isn't the sole engine of career success. I advised him to actively network, encouraging him to build relationships with faculty across �ؾ��� and connect with staff in the Dean's Office to uncover hidden career leads and opportunities. Taking that advice to heart, it came as no surprise to me when he emerged as a star intern in the RISE program.”

At �ؾ��� Schaumburg, Usman’s experience continued to be a welcoming one. “It’s like this second home for me,” he says. “I’m taking a class in Chicago, I’m working in Schaumburg, so it’s two different parallel things.” Within that environment, he sees RISE as more than an internship. “The Schaumburg campus, through RISE, is a hub for startups entrepreneurs,” he says, describing a space where business ideas and student talent intersect. Through the RISE program, local businesses are not only paired with interns, but are given access to University resources, including 3D printers, office spaces, recording equipment and studio space. 

That environment is shaped in part by program director Brian Margulis, who Usman credits as a key influence on his experience. “He’s an amazing professor,” Usman says. “He’s an amazing mentor too,” Usman adds.

As an international student, Usman acknowledges that his journey has not been easy. “It’s very hard. You are new in the country,” he says. Yet strong University support has made that transition less stressful. According to Usman, the faculty and staff have been especially welcoming, while supporting international students by helping them secure housing and providing resources to student organizations. “�ؾ��� is providing very good support. You have support from the professors too,” he notes.

"�ؾ��� offers many organizations and opportunities that support students. I encourage all students, especially international students, to get involved and take advantage of these platforms. Participating in student organizations helps you build valuable leadership and teamwork experience, develop new skills and strengthen your résumé while making meaningful connections on campus."

For Usman, the connection between his degree and RISE is inseparable. Each strengthens the other, creating a complete educational experience. “Being a �ؾ��� student means I’m ready with my master’s. The RISE internship makes me ready for the workforce,” he says. Together, they are transforming a decade of experience into a future defined by leadership, innovation, and impact.