About Us
Business Placement Center
Empowering Students. Engaging Employers. Building Careers.
From your first semester to graduation—and beyond—the Business Placement Center (BPC) is the dedicated career services office for the College of Business and Analytics. We help students explore career paths, secure internships, connect with employers, develop professional skills, and confidently transition from the classroom to the workplace.
Through personalized coaching, employer partnerships, experiential learning, and career readiness programming, we empower CoBA students to achieve their professional goals while helping employers recruit the next generation of business leaders.
Our Mission
The Business Placement Center advances the mission of the College of Business and Analytics by empowering students to achieve their professional goals through career development, experiential learning, and meaningful employer engagement.
We provide personalized guidance, career education, and industry connections that prepare students to become confident, ethical, and career-ready business professionals.
What We Do
- Career coaching and appointment support
- Internship guidance and application support
- Resume, cover letter, and interview preparation
- Career fairs, networking events, and employer programs
- Career Closet and professional attire support
- Employer connections and job/internship opportunities
- Alumni and employer engagement
Business Placement Center at a Glance
- 👔 1,000+ students served through the Career Closet
- 👕 2,200+ professional clothing items distributed
- 🤝 Hundreds of employer partnerships
- 💼 Internship and full-time career support for all CoBA majors
- 🎓 Career coaching from first year through graduation
Whether you're a student preparing for your future or an employer investing in the next generation of business leaders, the Business Placement Center is your partner in career success.
Meet the Team
The BPC team is committed to helping every student achieve success.
Kenea Lee
Kenea Lee is the Program Director of the Business Placement Center (BPC) at the College of Business and Analytics (CoBA). She has more than a decade of experience in higher education and workforce development. She is passionate about helping students turn their academic experiences into professional opportunities.
Kenea holds a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management (Entrepreneurship) from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU). Her background in student success, program management, and community engagement uniquely positions her to guide CoBA students as they prepare for their next steps.
At the BPC, Kenea works closely with students to:
- Connect with internships, job placements, and networking opportunities that align with their career goals.
- Build professional skills through workshops, coaching, and hands-on experiences.
- Navigate career transitions with resources that foster both confidence and readiness.
Kenea's philosophy is simple: Every student has the potential to succeed when given the right tools, connections, and encouragement. Whether you are looking for your first internship, preparing for graduate school, or planning your career path, Kenea and the BPC team are here to support you.
Kenea is the co-owner of Skented Enchantments, a candle business she runs with her daughter. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she continues her commitment to service and leadership.
Phone: 618.453.7937
Aliyah Flowers
Aliyah Flowers is a graduate student from Chicago, IL, in the Social Work program. As a Graduate Assistant in the Business Placement Center, she helps students with overall career development, including resumes, cover letters, interview prep, and job or internship searches. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, listening to music, and writing poetry. She's also an active member of the National Association of Colored Women's Club (NACWC) Inc.
Kennedy Spaulding-Hudson
Kennedy Spaulding-Hudson is a Business Analytics student from Carol Stream, IL. As a student worker in the Business Placement Center, she welcomes students to the office and assists them with the career closet. She hopes to pursue a career as an Analyst in a Corporate Office. In her free time, she enjoys playing Sims 4, shopping, and practicing self-care. She's also an active member of the Psi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, serving as their Treasurer this academic year (2026-2027).
Joshua (Josh) Thompson
Josh Thompson is a Business Analytics major who supports the Business Placement Center's daily operations by welcoming visitors, assisting with front-desk duties, scheduling appointments, organizing data, promoting events, and connecting students and employers with career resources. In his free time, he enjoys watching sports, going to the gym, listening to music, and spending time with friends. After graduation, Josh hopes to pursue a career as a data analyst in the St. Louis or Chicago area.
Abigail Diaz
Abigail Diaz is a senior majoring in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Originally from Minnesota, she chose SIU to pursue her passion for caring for others while escaping the cold northern winters. In addition to her studies, Abigail serves as a Resident Assistant, where she enjoys connecting with students, fostering a supportive community, and contributing to their growth and success on campus. As a student staff member in the Business Placement Center, she assists with front-desk operations, supports career programming and events, and helps connect students with the resources they need to achieve their professional goals.