Welcome to IBC!
Have you ever wanted to start your own business? Would it be cool to be a CEO or chief executive? Just how good are your teamwork and management skills?
BYU-Idaho students have the unique opportunity to dive into all of this while still in school.
You’ve probably seen IBC booths around on campus selling a variety of products! You may have purchased from them, avoided them (we see you), or been best friends with their CEO!
FAQ's
Do students actually come up with this on their own?
Yes, they do! Everything you see, from banners to outfits to products is generated by the team.
Is IBC a lot of work?
Absolutely, but that’s why you have a team. Team leaders delegate individual roles so you only have one specific area of responsibility.
Is IBC fun?
Do Idahoans grow potatoes? Yes, it’s a lot of fun! The style of IBC is completely different from classroom learning – this is hands on.
What happens in IBC?
Here’s a short breakdown: students spend two weeks considering ideas, one week for the IBC retreat and decision making, one week to prep for opening, then nine weeks of operating taking three-week turns in each department (finance, operations, and marketing).
Will I be a company leader?
Yes! Every team member takes a turn during the semester to fill a top leadership role (CEO, CMO, CFO, HR).
What if I’m not a business major?
Not a problem. We have students from all kinds of majors take IBC. Whether you’re studying graphic design or construction management, you won’t get practical business skills like this anywhere else.
Why take IBC?
Land Jobs
Your startup will look great on a resume, provide stories you can tell in interviews, and give perspective.
Explore Careers
Your hands-on experience may lead you to change your major, choose a new focus, or find your passion.
Build Skills
Your leadership role and team experience can define your future career direction and style.
As a 9-credit program, IBC technically includes three separate classes (BUS 300, BUS 302 & MKT 301). When you register through the BYU-Idaho website, it will show and require you to register for the three separate courses at the same time. Don’t worry! It’s all just IBC.
The registration times listed are a little confusing! Yeah, we know. Count on about six hours each day from 8am-2pm (this may vary significantly based on your company’s decisions). You’ll usually have company meetings from 8-10am, then companies often choose to operate their booth from 11am-2pm.
You may want to limit some of your other commitments (classes & jobs) while in IBC. Students who have taken the course often recommend taking only one easier three-credit course and/or an online course. We understand many of you need to be at 12 credits to be considered a full-time student.
If your commitments would prevent you from attending the three-day IBC retreat (during week 3 of the semester), working during your company’s regular hours, or attending morning class times, you should consider taking IBC another time.
You will receive emails from the IBC director near the start of the semester informing you of your classroom location and company members. PLEASE check your emails! When you arrive that morning, you’ll get to meet your team and faculty member (we call them your Sensei).
No. IBC is taken for college credit.
There’s no requirement to take IBC at a specific time, but we highly recommend taking IBC early in your university experience – Sophomore or early Junior year. Students who take IBC earlier get valuable perspective that provides context for future classes and many students even choose to change their majors based on learnings from their IBC experience.
For the sake of culture and learning purposes, we try to place you in companies where you likely don’t know anyone. Learning to work with a group of strangers is an important element of IBC, and bringing some prior relationships into your company should be avoided.
That’s completely up to your team! Bringing your own ideas is great but don’t be too emotionally invested. Out of the hundreds of ideas your team generates, only one will make it as your final decision.
Three days of fun, learning, and teamwork, capped with the decision of what your business will be! The retreat is a defining part of IBC. Attendance is mandatory, so clear your schedule and be ready for an awesome experience. You’ll receive more info about this event after the semester starts.
