KeyBank Undergraduate Symposium empowers future business leaders from across the U.S.

By Fisher College of Business Staff

Nearly 30 high-achieving undergraduate students from across the country gathered in Columbus for the 18th Annual KeyBank Leadership and Creativity Undergraduate Student Symposium, a signature professional development experience hosted by Fisher College of Business in partnership with KeyBank.

The immersive, multi-day symposium brought together 27 students representing eight universities to explore leadership, creativity, analytics and professional readiness through hands-on learning, executive engagement and a competitive case experience. Designed to help students transition from the classroom to the workplace, the symposium continues to serve as a cornerstone of Fisher’s longstanding relationship with KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation.

Throughout the program, students engaged directly with Fisher faculty, KeyBank leaders, alumni and industry professionals in sessions focused on the skills employers value most. Programming opened with a Campus-to-Corporate discussion and a servant leadership session led by professional development trainer Charlene Free, challenging students to rethink leadership as service rooted in empathy, integrity and purpose.

In later sessions, participants deepened their practical skill sets through presentations on financial modeling, negotiation and innovative leadership. Additional sessions on creative leadership and personal branding encouraged students to think expansively about how they differentiate themselves and inspire others.

Students also benefited from meaningful exposure to post-graduate pathways. A panel of Fisher alumni and business leaders shared candid insights on early career transitions, while KeyBank teammates hosted a financial education session highlighting personal finance fundamentals and long-term planning. A dedicated session on Fisher’s graduate business programs further reinforced the importance of lifelong learning and professional growth.

A central feature of the symposium was a team-based case competition, where students from different universities collaborated to analyze a real-world business challenge and present recommendations to panels of judges from Fisher and KeyBank. The experience tested participants’ analytical thinking, communication skills and ability to work effectively under pressure.

“A highlight of the symposium was the case competition, in which we were randomly assigned to teams and tasked with developing a solution to a shared business case,” said fourth-year Fisher accounting student Jackson Elliott. “I am incredibly grateful to my teammates, Eva Torrejon and Tamilore Olaniyan; I couldn't have asked for a better team, and I am so proud of what we accomplished together!”

Nearly $16,000 in prize money for the case competition and special awards were presented to symposium participants.

Beyond skill development, the symposium fostered community and confidence. Students laid the foundation for lasting peer and professional networks, engaged in candid conversations with executives and gained clarity about their career goals. For many, the experience reinforced their belief that they belong in leadership roles within business and beyond.

Finance student Seyram Agbitor said the experience pushed him personally and professionally.

“Throughout the weekend, I met new people, built meaningful connections, and gained deeper insight into banking, leadership, and what it means to be progressive in both career and life,” the Fisher student said.

The symposium reflects the enduring partnership between Fisher and KeyBank — one rooted in shared values of access, opportunity and talent development. Since its launch in 2008, the symposium has served more than 765 students from 99 universities nationwide, underscoring its lasting impact and national reach.

"Our longstanding partnership with KeyBank reflects a shared commitment to access, opportunity and talent development,” said Cynthia Turner, associate dean for access and student success at Fisher. “Together, we are creating opportunities for students to stretch beyond the classroom, engage meaningfully with professionals, and envision themselves as future leaders in business and their communities."

Olaniyan, a junior at the University of Alabama, called the experience “nothing short of amazing.” 

“From participating in impactful sessions, pulling an all-nighter with my team for a high-stakes case competition (shoutout to my awesome teammates Jackson Elliott and Eva Torrejon), taking home $800 in awards and stipends, networking with bright professors and professionals, and connecting with such an impressive cohort of 27 students, I will remember this weekend for the rest of my life.”

Hover over photo below to view KeyBank Undergraduate Symposium photo gallery.