The Integrated Core, or I-Core, is the cornerstone experience of the Kelley School of Business undergraduate program, shaping students into professionals ready to tackle complex business challenges. Taken during junior year, I-Core consists of four interconnected courses, finance, marketing, operations, and team management, delivered in a cohesive, semester-long block. Students collaborate in diverse teams to analyze and solve real business problems sourced from Indianapolis companies. 

This immersive environment demands the application of theoretical concepts to real-world situations, the creation of innovative strategies, and the presentation of recommendations directly to company leadership. Beyond technical knowledge, I-Core fosters vital professional skills like leadership, collaboration, and adaptability. Constantly evolving alongside industry trends, the curriculum ensures that Kelley graduates emerge with both the analytical expertise and the readiness to make meaningful contributions from day one.

Participating in I-Core as part of the Honors track, my team partnered with RQ+, an Indianapolis-based company specializing in end-to-end officiating services for sports organizations. RQ+ develops private, customizable technology platforms to streamline collaboration, assignment, and resource management for referees and officials. Working closely with company leadership, we analyzed RQ+’s business model, identified opportunities for growth, and crafted strategies to help scale their platform’s reach and impact.