Congrats to MKTG 3250 Fall 2018 Finalists!

Marketing students must complete a final capstone course, MKTG 3250 Marketing Strategy Consultancy as part of graduation requirements.The Marketing department chooses a different community partner to work with each semester. Previous companies include Belk, Bojangles, and Lending Tree. Fall 2018 students put together a strategic marketing plan for Carowinds!

1st Place Team included Brett Bouldin, Taylor Hartley, Lauren Hart, Mackenzie Cotton, Paige Dyman, and Pete Ferrintino

Runner Up Team included Iris Valerio, Kayla Marshall, Mai Yang, Virginia Crooks, Ashley Lizano, Anne Le

Hear from this semester's winners about what you can expect and gain from this course.

*How the course runs and student experience could be different from the experiences below.*

What do you do in MKTG 3250?

"In MKTG 3250, you work together in a team of six people to create a marketing proposal for a local company. You create and present on a different part each week including: internal analysis, external analysis, competitor analysis, target market/goals/objectives, marketing strategy and tactics, and a marketing budget and controls. You present each week to your professor, who will provide you with feedback, as well as rank how you compared to other teams that week. After all parts are completed, you will present in front of the marketing faculty here at UNCC and they will pick the top four groups to present on campus to the companies marketing team. The marketing team for the company will then pick the top two student teams to present at the company." - Taylor Hartley

What class(es) or experience prepared you most for the MKTG 3250 course?

"COMM 3160, MKTG 3222, & MKTG 3223. The ability to think outside-of-the-box, learning how to form business relationships, understanding consumer behavior, creating a marketing research report for a small business and sharpening my writing skills are just a few of the skills and experiences I took from these classes. --Mackenzie Cotton

"MKTG 3110, MKTG 3221, MKTG 3224, MGMT 3140, Accounting and Economics. Writing intensive courses and PowerPoint skills are also highly valuable for this course. You are expected to write in a professional manner and be able to present without note cards to a number of people including, your professor, the marketing faculty and eventually the client if you make it that far.   --Pete Ferrintino 

What was the most challenging part of MKTG 3250? 

"Crafting the powerpoints to present each week. Finding the balance of how much information to include on the slides proved to be difficult. How can we make our audience understand our ideas without bombarding them with information?!" -- Mackenzie Cotton

"I cannot stress enough how important it is that you choose the right group. From day one, we all worked hard and respected each other, and that is what led to the success that we achieved in the end. Outside of group cohesion, the other challenges were getting everyone together on such busy schedules, finding time to practice and revise, and actually developing creative strategies and tactics to enhance our marketing plan." --Pete Ferrintino  

"The most challenge part of the MKTG 3250 course for me was how fast paced it was.  There is something new that is due each week, so it is important to plan how you're going to tackle each part. --Taylor Hartley 

What did you gain from completing the MKTG 3250 project?

"I have gained confidence in myself after completing MKTG 3250. I have realized I am more capable than I ever gave myself credit for. This class is challenging and stressful but that is what makes it so rewarding. I gained the most wonderful friendships in this class as well. If there is anything I would tell future students taking MKTGT 3250, it is find a great team. Do not settle…." -- Mackenzie Cotton

"I gained so much from MKTG 3250! Not only did I gain some of the most awesome friends, I gained confidence in myself as a student, as a leader and teammate, and most importantly, as a professional. The experience was the most influential of my entire UNCC career and the work that we did was such great practice for a job in the marketing field. We also gained fantastic exposure to a network of marketing professionals that some of us believe may help us jump start our careers in the field." --Pete Ferrintino 

"MKTG 3250 has been one of the best classes I have taken in my college career. I gained confidence in my presentation skills, and I now fully understand what companies will be looking for in terms of marketing plans." --Taylor Hartley

Congratulations to all students who completed MKTG 3250 this semester!

NSC: Team Building!

CLIF: The Business with Purpose Scholarship

Scholarship rewards include:

·  9 to 12 months to explore their purpose after graduation through an opportunity they select – an internship, a fellowship, a volunteer project, or even a gig at a mission-driven non-profit

·  Up to $37,172 to pay off their undergraduate loans (the #1 source of debt for recent graduates)

·  A $3,000/month stipend for bills while students complete their experience

·  Individual mentorship from Clif employees who will help students explore their purpose and guide them toward integrating purpose into their careers

We’re looking for graduating seniors who want to do something purposeful with the first year of their post-graduate life that will have impact on People, Planet, or Communities – and are motivated to bring that purpose-driven experience into their future business career.

Watch to Learn More! 

Welcome Zack Lord!

We are excited to welcome Zack Lord to the Niblock Student Center as the Assistant Director of Professional Development and Honors Programs. Zack comes to the Belk College from the University of South Carolina where he worked with honors students to guide them through curriculum and support their personal and professional growth. In the Belk College, Zack will be providing instruction for honors courses as well as supporting honors students and professional development programming. You can find him in the Niblock Student Center in office 311D. Welcome, Zack!

Zack Lord is pictured above with Meagan Glasco and Sarah Haley from the Professional Development Team. 

Congratulations Giana Spear!

 Giana Spear

I am graduating with a degree in Marketing. I knew I wanted to be a marketing major since sophomore year of high school when a teacher told me that I could sell anything to anyone. I’ve always loved presenting and being creative and being a marketing major allowed me to do so.

During my time at UNC Charlotte, I have been a member of the Kappa Phi chapter of Delta Zeta. I also volunteered with local nonprofit Pop Up Produce. I was able to utilize my skills in marketing to post on their social media, attend events advocating for people to grow their own food, as well as go to local schools in the Charlotte area and plant gardens with the students.

Working with such a diverse group of people as been my favorite experience at UNC Charlotte. As a Marketing major, I had the opportunity to work in group projects wide variety of people.

After graduation I plan to pursue a full time job in the area and to continue volunteering for Pop Up Produce.

I would advise all Belk College students to remember three things. First, the library is a resource you pay for within your tuition- use it! Second, don’t hesitate to go to your professors, they’re helpful. Finally, if you don’t do well in one class, keep trying. Don’t let it discourage you from the major. 

Congratulations Elise Rodriguez!

Elsie Rodriguez

I am graduating with a degree in both Accounting and Finance. I enjoy solving complex problems and there are many opportunities in the financial industry. I hope to  become a CPA and potentially open my own practice in the future.

On campus, I have been involved in Women in Business as an Ambassador and participated in Beta Alpha Psi. I was also a Peer Advisor for the Niblock Student Center. In my spare time, I enjoy finding new places to eat and solving puzzles.

I have been fortunate to receive grants through financial aid and was awarded an accounting scholarship this past semester. These resources have allowed me to focus on my studies without having to stress about paying for school and other expenses.

The best part of this academic experience has been the connections I've made along with exploring all the different resources here on campus. As a first generation college student, it amazes me how much this campus has to offer. I have also enjoyed attending soccer games with my family.  

After graduation, I will be interning with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP in their tax department. I will then be going to graduate school to receive a Masters in Accountancy.

For future graduates, I recommend to start early when it comes to professional development and job searching. In addition, apply for different leadership roles. These opportunities will help you develop the skills you need for future endeavors, and you will also get to meet great people along the way!

Congratulations December Graduates!

Management Major Spotlight

Career Profile

Meet the Chair!

Dr. David Woehr joined the Belk College of Business in 2011 from the University of Tennessee. He earned a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech and has research interests in the areas of performance measurement, managerial assessment, and applied psychometrics. Dr. Woehr teaches in the M.B.A. and Ph.D. in Organizational Science programs.  

Meet the Coach!

I have worked in Academic Advising/Academic Support for almost 8 years and at three different institutions. Working with Business students in the Belk College of Business is extremely rewarding and I'm always amazed at how successful our students are after graduation. In my free time, I love exploring Charlotte, going to shows at the Belk Theater, and trying out new restaurants in the Queen City with my husband and our dog Ellie. I take the Light Rail to and from campus, so please feel free to say hi if you see me on the Light Rail! At UNC Charlotte, I advise all declared Management and International Business students, and I also advise Pre-Business Administration students with last names L - M. Additionally, I graduated from Roanoke College with a B.A. in English and the University of South Carolina with a M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs. I'm also certified as a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) and in administering the Strong Interest Inventory Assessment.

Why you should consider a Business language certificate

Philly De Piante is earning a language certificate after having lived in Rome for 2 years. Read more about Philly's experience and why you should consider obtaining a Business Language Certificate. Click for more information on the Business Language Certificate.

1. What gave you a passion for learning another language?

I wanted to learn another language for a few reasons. One was to connect to my roots,
which are Italian. Another was to add a professional proficiency to my resume. Finally, I
would like to work overseas and wanted to learn a language that would connect me to the
culture and people of Italy.

2. How did you choose which language to learn?

I lived in Rome for two years and would like to
work in Italy after I graduate. It seemed a natural fit for me and I was fortunate that UNCC has a program that fit my needs.

3. How have you been able to utilize the language?

I have been able to utilize the language. I have been able to network in my community with a group of professionals that speak Italian and this has led to excellent mentoring and job opportunities. Also, I work in market research and have worked with international companies using translations. I have not had to use Italian much in my work, but the understanding of the different sentence structures and common translation errors that I learned in my Italian translation class helped me understand our participants and their perspectives more effectively.

   






4. Have you been offered a job due to being bilingual? 

I have been offered a job post-graduation thanks to knowing Italian and being able to network with Italian, American, and Italian-American professionals. I have also had the opportunity to apply for national and local scholarships thanks to my experience in
Italian.






5. How do you hope to use this language to further your career?

I hope to work abroad after I graduate and a comprehensive understanding of the
language is necessary to do so.

6. Would you recommend others take a business language certificate?

I would definitely recommend that BCOB students take a language certificate. I have
gained practical knowledge that has shaped your career and it gives my resume an extra
edge in a competitive job market.

Click for more information on the Business Language Certificate.

• Spanish Business Language Certificate: Michael Doyle; msdoyle@uncc.edu 
• German Business Language Certificate: Angela Jakeway; ajakeway@uncc.edu 
• French Business Language Certificate: Mary LaMarca; mlamarca@uncc.edu 

Finance Major Spotlight

Career Profile

Meet the Chair!

John Gandar joined the Belk College faculty in 1982 and has served as Chair and/or Interim Chair for Marketing, Management, and Economics, and now Finance. He became the Chair for Finance in July of 2017. John is excited about revamping the Finance curriculum as well as developing a concentration in Real Estate.

Meet the Coach!

Degrees: 

B.A. in Experimental Psychology, M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs, both from the University of South Carolina

My advice to students: 

Set aside time to study! Know when your tests are coming up and start studying small chunks at a time up to a week before.

About Me: 

I'm originally from NJ but I consider Charlotte my home. I'm married, have two cats, and also two nephews. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, photography, and trying new restaurants.

Looking Back at Family Weekend 2018

Niblock Student Center staff welcomed students and their families for an Open House during the Friday of Family Weekend. Participants played "Are you Smarter than a Business Student" and got to enjoy the photo booth. For more information on this event, see the New Student and Family Services website.

Financial Management Association and American Marketing Association Recruiters' Circle

The Financial Management Association and American Marketing Association have teamed up to offer a professional development opportunity to all business students. A panel of Charlotte recruiters will share their knowledge about what they look for in potential candidates and the do's and don'ts of interviews and resumes. 

Applications are now open for the Women in Business Signature Event: The Power of Connections

We are happy to announce that applications are now open for the Women in Business Signature Event: The Power of Connections. On February 1, 2019, the Belk College will host company partners, selected students, and alumni for a half- day, conference- style event in uptown Charlotte.  Accepted students will have their registration fee covered and will enjoy lunch with company representatives, a keynote address by a successful alumnae, break- out sessions on important topics for today’s workplace, and a networking reception. Companies participating in recent Women in Business events include Bank of America, Brighthouse Financial, Coca Cola Bottling Company, Grant Thornton, KPMG, MetLife, PWC, Red Ventures, Sealed Air, Wells Fargo, and more.  As an event applicant, you will also be considered for a Spring 2019 scholarship.  Scholarship awards will be made based on responses to the essay prompt included in the application. Essay responses are limited to 100 words, which is shorter than this post! Additional application questions will be used to determine your availability on the day of the event and to build a professional biography that we can share with the professionals in attendance, which adds another layer of networking to this opportunity for you. We anticipate that the application in its entirety should take you less than 1 hour. Applications will be open until December 14. Please reach out to womeninbusiness@uncc.edu if you have any questions!  

Talk by North Carolina State Auditor Beth Wood

Future Leaders of Accounting will be hosting NC State Auditor Beth Wood on Wednesday, November 14 from 6-8pm in Friday 112.  Beth Wood is a Certified Public Accountant in her third term as North Carolina’s elected State Auditor. She is also the first woman elected State Auditor in North Carolina. Wood was honored as one of the Most Powerful Women in Accounting in 2013 by CPA Practice Advisor.

Future Leaders of Accounting invites you to attend her talk on what it is like to audit the state of North Carolina. No RSVP is necessary.

Questions? Please contact Gianna Tascione at gtascion@uncc.edu,

How to use the Waitlist Feature

http://registrar.uncc.edu/waitlist

What is the Waitlist?

Feature in Banner that allows you to add yourself to a “list” for classes that are full.

Reminders:

• If you are waitlisted, you are NOT registered for the course or guaranteed a spot.
• Once you Register for a waitlist, you will be emailed if a seat becomes available. Your email will indicate how long you have to accept the seat.
• You are not eligible to add your self to multiple waitlists for the same course.
• Make sure to double check WL column, even if the class appears open.
• You are only able to add yourself to a waitlist if the class is full and the department has made waitlist available.  

How?

1. Check the WL Rem column to make sure they are spots available on the waitlist.
2. Copy down and then input the 5-digit CRN number into your Add Classes Worksheet on the Add/Drop/Withdraw screen on Self Service Banner. 
3. Submit the changes. 
4. You should receive the error message “Closed – X Waitlisted”.  To add yourself to the waitlist, select this option from the Action column and submit the changes again.

For more information about the waitlist, see here: http://registrar.uncc.edu/waitlist

Lunch and Learn: Designing Your Life

This Tuesday, November 13, we have our final Lunch & Learn of the Fall semester. Mike Watson will be joining us to speak about Designing your Life, including things like planning your life around your passion and what engages you, surrounding yourself with the best people, and overcoming setbacks on the way to executing your plan.  Please register at belkcollege.uncc.edu/studentevents

Sign Up for the Bank of America Applied Technology Program Overview and Networking Session!

Sports Analytics Club at UNCC partnership with Charlotte Hornets

The Sports Analytics Club at UNCC has partnered with various UNCC athletic teams to complete projects that would give them a competitive edge. 

The Sports Analytics Club at UNC Charlotte is raising money to order GPS tracking devices for the club. With the devices, we can help the UNC Charlotte football team with tracking certain fitness metrics, such as heart rate, distance covered, speed, and level of stress. We will also be able to help the team with tailoring workouts and ultimately preventing injuries by analyzing accurate information.The link to our crowdfunding page is: crowdfund.uncc.edu/SportsAnalytics

Partnership with the Charlotte Hornets:

We are partnering with the Charlotte Hornets to help our campaign. Tickets will be sold through our link at a discounted rate. Every fraction of every ticket bought, will go towards our club. The game is November 17th against the 76ers. If we are able to sell more than 50 tickets, the individuals who bought tickets will have early access to private warm-ups and meet players. The link to buy tickets is: groupmatics.events/event/Unccsports

We Hope Y'all Had a Safe and Fun Halloween!

Study Abroad in Panama and Colombia

Registration Week Reminders

To See an Academic and Career Coach

During registration week coaches will offer drop-in availability. See our website for drop-in availability. We are experiencing high traffic so you may experience wait times.
Pre-Business students can also make an appointment with a Peer Advisor in CONNECT.

For quick questions, you can email the stadvise@uncc.edu account and your message will be forwarded to the first available coach. 

If you are not able to see a coach prior to registration, utilize DegreeWorks to see your remaining course requirements and register for a full course load. A staff member will review your selections once you come in.

To Find your Registration Time/ View Holds

See Niner Central's website.

To check for holds go here: My UNCC; Banner Self Service; Student Services/Student Accounts; Registration; Check your Registration Status.

Our office cannot remove holds from Student Accounts/Financial Services, the Dean of Students Office, Parking Services, or from other academic departments. Contact them directly.

To Understand Add Errors

See Niner Central's website.

Sections may be restricted for the following reasons: Honor's section, credits earned/class, major/minor, you do not meet pre-requisites. Click on the green crn number, then course title for more information. Try an alternative course section/selection before contacting our office.

Our office cannot assist with add errors for classes in other departments. Contact them directly.

If a Class You Need is Full

Add yourself to the Waitlist and/or find an alternative class option. The last day to add/drop for Spring is January 16th. We anticipate change between now and then. Our office will evaluate courses needed for graduation (COMM 3160, MGMT 3280, etc) in January. Do NOT contact a BCOB faculty member to be added into a course-- they are not able to do so and will direct you to our office.

To Navigate the Waitlist

You are eligible to waitlist for a closed class as long as seats are available in the WL Rem Column. To do so, follow directions: Copy the green crn number; put crn number in add/drop box; submit; select waitlist from the drop down menu; submit again

Classes can appear open, but may not be if there are students in the WL Act column. Double check the WL Act column before changing sections or dropping other courses.

Our office cannot assist you if you make a mistake using the waitlist feature.

To Repeat a Course

If you are trying to add a course you have already earned credit for or are currently enrolled in, you must fill out the online repeat authorization form.

To Grade Replace

Once you have registered for the course, go here:  My UNCC; Banner Self Service; Student Services/Student Accounts; Student Records; Grade Replacement Request

More policy information here.

January 16th is the deadline for Fall courses.

To find General Education Options

If you are looking for a Writing Intensive course, do an advanced search. Highlight every subject, then select Writing Intensive as the attribute type. AMST, WMST, and AFRS courses are popular.

Accounting Major Spotlight

Career Profile

Meet the Chair!

This year marks Dr. Hughlene Burton's 23rd year at UNC Charlotte, and 8th year as the Director of the Turner School of Accountancy. Prior to starting at UNC Charlotte, she worked as a CPA at Deloitte and Ernst & Young. Dr. Burton says that more and more firms are coming to our campus to recruit Accounting students, which creates opportunities in a variety of businesses. In terms of career paths, she foresees more accounting majors eventually ending up in CFO and CEO roles, and being more involved with data analytics and problem solving, which is an exciting future for accounting students. 

Accounting Fun!

Alumni Panel: Careers in Marketing

For those of you looking for jobs/internships or just trying to figure out what you can do with a marketing degree, hear from UNC Charlotte graduates about their careers in the industry. Students can easily hop on the light rail to Center City.  Be sure to RSVP on HireANiner--lunch is provided! 

Alumni Panel: Careers in Marketing

Friday, October 26 

12:00 Noon -1:00pm

Center City 

Volunteer at the 6th Annual Black Doctoral Network Conference!

Dear Faculty & Staff,

My name is Deandra Taylor and I am the Conference Chair for the 6th Annual Black Doctoral Network Conference. I am emailing you today to let you know that the Black Doctoral Network will be hosting its annual conference in Charlotte at the Embassy Suites hotel, October 25-26, 2018 and is seeking local volunteers to assist in this endeavor. We are looking for undergraduate and graduate students to volunteer to work shifts over the course of these 3 days (NOTE: this doesn't mean you have to attend all three days).

We ask that you share this opportunity with your students and invite them to complete our VOLUNTEER FORM and share this opportunity with their colleagues to encourage them to submit if they are interested. Volunteers will be greeting our guests, assisting with registration, monitoring our sessions, and much more. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

We will have keynote speakers who are top scholars in their field from across the country. To view the conference agenda click here. We are often well supported by sororities and fraternities so joining us will make it a pleasant reunion!

As a volunteer you will receive FREE admission to the conference and be able to network with graduate students, faculty and other professionals outside of academia. If you are seeking to connect with Black and Latino scholars, you should be at this conference!

To learn more about the conference, please visit: http://blackphdnetwork.wildapricot.org/2018conference

Please distribute this information to your students and departments you feel may benefit from this opportunity. We welcome volunteers from all ethnic groups and this opportunity is open to all undergraduate and graduate students!

FINAL DEADLINE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2018

SUBMIT YOUR VOLUNTEER FORM TODAY!

Majors Day

Majors Day is held every fall semester and is open to all students to explore their academic and career options.Students can talk to faculty and advisors from most of UNC Charlotte's 80-plus majors, meet with academic and career advisors and discover their interests and connect those interests to majors and careers.

Didn't get to attend majors day but unsure of your major choice?

Visit the following resources to help you decide.

Careers: A "Major Decision" Workshop

What Can I do With a Major cards

Queen City Career Guides

Career Assessment Tests

NACADA Annual Conference

Withdrawal Deadline FAQ

Credit By Exam for INFO 2130: Introduction to Business Computing

The Department of Business Information Systems and Operations Management is offering a “Credit By Exam” for INFO 2130, Introduction to Business Computing, on Friday, October 19th, 2018 from 1:00-3:00pm in 339 Friday Building.

INFO2130 Textbook Information

INFO2130 Credit By Exam Study Guide

INFO 2130 Credit By Exam Sample

INFO 2130 Exam Workbook

Acme Car Corporation.csv

For more information, visit: https://belkcollegeofbusiness.uncc.edu/info2130/

The Financial Services Career Fair is just around the corner!

The Financial Services Career Fair is just around the corner! 

Join us in Cone 341 (Lucas Room) on Tuesday, October 23 between 5:00pm and 7:30pm to network with employers and learn about job and internship opportunities in the financial services industry.

*Business Professional Attire Required*

Participating Companies Include:

• AmWINS
• Auto-Owners
• AXA Advisers
• Brighthouse Financial
• Builder’s Mutual
• Burns & Wilcox
• Clear Blue Insurance Group
• CRC Insurance
• Correll Insurance Group
• EMC
• Foresters Financial
• Gallagher
• Hartford
• IIANC
• Lincoln Financial Group
• Lockton
• Marsh McLennan
• Moheyer Insurance
• Mutual of Omaha
• National General
• Northwestern Mutual
• Philadelphia Insurance Prudential
• RPS Insurance
• Travelers
• UPC
• USI Insurance
• Vanguard

Talent Management 101

There will be a professional panel that will include: 

• Neidra Rogers, PGR, Human Resource Manager for NGK Ceramics USA, Inc. and Alumna of the Belk College of Business 
• Amy Sullivan, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Talent Acquisition Manager, Sourcing &                                               Onboarding, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
• Tommy Holtzman, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, JELD-WEN, Inc.
• Lorrie Mauney, SPHR, Joerns Healthcare
• David Magee, Ph.D., retired from Charlotte Pipe and Foundry; current adjunct faculty at UNC Charlotte  (Management)

Belk College Spring Break Trips

Last Wednesday, September 26th, the Office of Education Abroad hosted a fair for students to learn more about study abroad opportunities. The fair had over 40 tables staffed by affiliate providers, university exchange students, study abroad alumni, and faculty and staff. Academic and Career Coaches were there to promote upcoming faculty led programs and talk about how students receive credit while studying abroad.

Weren't able to attend? The first step to studying abroad is to complete Study Abroad 101.  More information about Belk College of Business Spring Break trips can be found below.

ECON 3090 (Economics of Poverty) in Panama/Colombia

MKTG 3000 (Global Marketing Practicum) in Panama/Colombia

Duke Data Science Panel

I am also including the livestreaming and replay link for those who have a schedule conflict or are available but for whom the trip to Durham presents a problem.  

Career Fair

Last Friday, September 21st, the University Career Center hosted the annual Fall Career and Internship Fair. All UNCC students, alumni, and community members were welcome to attend. The event was held from 10am to 2pm in the Student Activity Center. There were over 200 employers recruiting for full time jobs and internships that included Duke Energy, Fastenal Company, Lowe's, Wells Fargo, and XPO Logistics. Save the date for the Spring Fair in February! Upcoming fair events can be found on the UCC's webpage.

Explore UNC Charlotte

Last Saturday, September 22nd Niblock Student Center staff along with Peer Advisors talked with prospective freshman and transfer students at Explore. This event gives future students the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and students to discuss educational goals and get a real taste of campus life at UNC Charlotte. Have a friend that is looking to come to campus? Direct them to all admissions events here.

We invite prospective freshman and transfer students to come to campus and take advantage of an opportunity to meet faculty, staff and students to discuss educational goals and get a real taste of campus life at UNC Charlotte!

Join in conversations and learn more about your specific areas of interest by attending three informational presentations and touring academic spaces, campus and housing.

We are excited to provide a thorough look inside Niner Nation!

*For available walk-in times, please click here: Walk-In Schedule

How to Write a Great Cover Letter That Employers Want to Read

Cover letters can be somewhat daunting to write. Figuring out how to brainstorm just the right words about why you would be a great hire is challenging. Yet, cover letters can be an additional opportunity to “wow” an employer.

Photo: Andrew Neel

What’s the point of the cover letter?

The goal of a cover letter is to intrigue the reader enough so that they want to take a closer look at your resume and further consider you for an available position. A resume already lists your most relevant skills and experiences. Therefore, a cover letter should expand on the highlights: a few of the most important things about you that are relevant for the job and the overarching “story” about why you are interested.

Start with the basics

The first paragraph is your introduction paragraph. Identify the specific position for which you are applying and how you heard of the opening. Include a summary statement about your qualifications for and interest in the position.

Make it easy for the employer to understand why you’re a good fit

The second paragraph, and possibly a third paragraph if you need it, are the “meat” of the cover letter. This is where you go into detail about the qualifications you mentioned in your introduction. Mention 3-5 specific "selling points" of your background that directly relate to the position.

Make sure you get specific and use examples. Simply writing, “I have developed strong leadership skills from my involvement on campus” does not tell a reader very much. Instead, include specific information about what your involvement is like and skills you actually developed or utilized. Talk about using communication skills when running a student org exec board meeting. Share how you utilized organizational skills to overhaul your fraternity’s financial and membership record keeping system. Explain how you learned about delegation and team dynamics in a leadership workshop and then implemented those strategies to lead a committee. Use examples and share real stories about how you actually put skills into practice and what results came of your efforts.

Then, take it one step further by connecting the skills illustrated by your example(s) to what the employer is seeking. What will your leadership, communication, organizational, and other skills allow you to do for them? To do this effectively, research the employer and read the position description carefully to know what skills and experiences are most relevant. 

End strong

The last paragraph is the closing paragraph. Conclude by reaffirming your interest and desire to work for the company. If you haven’t already, include specific details about that company that drew you to the position. Let them know your contact information (phone and email) and thank the reader for their time and consideration. 

Double check

When writing a cover letter, always use professional business letter format. Try to address the letter to a specific person. If the contact person is unknown, use a job title. Review your letter for grammar and punctuation.

That’s it! Remember to tailor your cover letter for each position for which you apply.

Want more cover letter help? Check out the cover letter resources in the Career Guide or bring your draft cover letter to University Career Center drop-in hours.

Take a Break! Stop by the Niblock Student Center for coffee and cakepops!

Join the Niblock Student Center staff at our next Belk Break on Thursday, October 4 from 11:00am-12:00pm for coffee, cakepops, and the opportunity to learn more about career skills and what employers are looking for in new hires!

Take a break from studying and stop by any time between 11:00am-12:00pm for snacks, advice, and a little relaxation! See you in 302 Friday building. Bring your student ID!

PD Treks: Fall 2018

Professional Development (PD) Treks are a chance to join existing community events to network, learn, and start the process of finding your place in the professional community. The first PD Trek was to Pitch Breakfast, a monthly event at the Packard Place Garage which provides start-up companies with the opportunity to pitch to the audience and a professional panel. The pitch is followed by feedback from the panelists and questions from the audience. Belk College of Business student Miguel Avila joined us at Pitch Breakfast but also works for Start Charlotte and covered the event! Read his write-up here.

The next PD Trek is coming up quickly on Friday, October fifth. This PD Trek will be to Creative Mornings, also a monthly event that features networking, a featured speaker and theme for the month, and more. To read more about Creative Mornings, check out their about page. This month, the theme is Honesty and the guest speakers are Page Fehling and Jason Harper of Good Day Charlotte.

The theme for this fall’s PD Treks is entrepreneurship. For a start- up business, successfully pitching is undeniably important, but so is building your network and finding your community. In this second PD Trek, you will get a taste of just one of Charlotte’s communities, but it is a supportive and very fun one!
Space is very limited, so sign up soon if you would like to join. Transportation will be provided from the school.

By Meagan Glasco