Niblock Student Center Supports the Niners!

Congratulations to the 49er football team for their first bowl game appearance. Special shout out to our Belk College of Business team members. We were rooting for you from Friday 305!

Meet Dontá Wilson - Spring 2020 CEO Speaker Series

Save the Date: OUR Summer Research Experiences

The OUR Summer 2020 Undergraduate Research Experience!  

Applications will open on Monday, January 13, 2020 and will close on Friday, January 31, 2020. 

Students will be able to apply for the Charlotte Research Scholars and Charlotte Community Scholars Program.

For information on Faculty Projects for the CCS program, visit Charlotte Community Scholars Program Information.

For information on the CRS program, visit Charlotte Research Scholars Program Information and click on See Project Descriptions.

Happy Graduation December Grads!

The Niblock Student Center congratulates all students who will earn their Belk College of Business degree this semester! We have enjoyed working with you at UNC Charlotte!

For commencement information see the website and we look forward to celebrating with you at the reception.

Thank You Peer Advisors!

This semester, our team of Peer Advisors made a huge impact in the Niblock Student Center! They helped with events like EXPLORE and Freshman Group Coaching while providing awesome social media content and answering student questions. They conducted over 410 appointments!

Pictured below is our team of Peer Advisors, led by Academic and Career Coach, Mr. Holliday-Millard. 

Front Row L to R: Taylor, Paul, Erika, Zena (Senior Peer Advisor)

Back Row L to R: Arjun, Melisa, Kaiah

We look forward to having them back in January to help with our Spring appointments and projects.

THANK YOU PEERS FOR ALL YOU DO!

*Think you might be interested in serving as a Peer Advisor for the 2020-2021 year?! Keep your eyes peeled for more information and application materials available early Spring.*

Spring 2020 Reminders and Important Dates

Need to see an Academic and Career Coach?
The Niblock Student Center will be offering drop-ins only for Add/Drop from January 8th through January 15th.

When does the Spring semester begin?
Classes begin on January 8th and January 15th is the last day to add/drop.

When do Grades Post? What should I do if I earn a bad grade?
Grades must be submitted by faculty by December 16th, although yours may post earlier. Final grades are viewable in your my uncc.edu/Banner account. Grades in canvas are not official.
Should you earn a D/F grade in a business course, reach out to your Academic and Career Coach as it will impact your progress in the Belk College of Business.

What do I do if I need to repeat a course? What is the grade replacement policy?
To repeat a course you've earned a D or above in, submit the repeat authorization form. Once approved, you can re-register for the course.
You have two grade replacements to use per your time at UNC Charlotte. See the policy information and process to apply here.

What do I do if I'm wait listed for a course?
Seats are not guaranteed to open from the wait list. You may choose an alternate course or open section. Coaches review upper level wait lists before add/drop to accommodate students if needed for graduation. We will not permit students into preferred sections.

May 2020 Graduates
Ensure you are on track to graduate by checking your degreeworks.uncc.edu for No Red. Go ahead and apply for graduation.

Spring 2020 Important Dates:

January 1, 2020 New Year's Day Observation - University Closed
January 8, 2020 First day of classes
January 11, 2020 Saturday classes begin
January 15, 2020 Last day to change Grade Type (P/NC or Audit)
January 15, 2020 Last day to add, drop with no grade*
January 15, 2020 Last day to submit a grade replacement request* Policy Info
January 15, 2020 Payment Due Date/2nd Cancellation for non-payment* Payment Info
January 18, 2020 No Saturday Classes
January 20, 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day -University Closed
January 22, 2020 Census date for Spring Enrollment
February 12, 2020 Deadline to apply for May 2020 graduation*
March 2, 2020  Fall 2020 Schedule of Classes available on web
March 2, 2020 to March 7, 2020 Spring Recess - No Classes
March 2, 2020 Student registration appointment times available on web
March 16, 2020 Last day to withdraw from course (s); grade subject to Withdrawal Policy* Policy Info
March 30, 2020 Registration for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 begins* Registration Info
April 10, 2020 to April 11, 2020 Spring Weekend -No Classes
April 25, 2020 Optional Reschedule Date for Possible Interruptions
April 28, 2020 Last day of classes
April 29, 2020 Reading Day
April 30, 2020 Day of Remembrance
May 1, 2020 to May 2, 2020 Final Examinations begin
May 4, 2020 to May 7, 2020 Final Examinations continued
May 8, 2020 Undergraduate Commencement (Business, Computing and Informatics, Education) @ 3 PM
May 11, 2020 Grades due by noon
May 14, 2020 Academic Year ends
May 14, 2020 Spring 2020 Probation/Suspension notifications sent to students
*Online process available through My UNC Charlotte

Apply to Pathways to Success by Wells Fargo

Pathways to Success (PTS) is a robust economic empowerment training program for 100 Black Men Chapters that was launched by the 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte and supports Wells Fargo’s commitment to outreach, education, and inclusion. The program focuses on two primary career development areas: Corporate Phase and Entrepreneurship Phase. The Pathways to Success model is designed to assess participants’ interest, measure success, and track results. The program concludes with paid job shadowing activities for participants.

The co-ed program is open to high school juniors and seniors and collegiate chapter mentees through a rigorous application process. Pathways to Success provides flexibility for each chapter’s needs in terms of content, structure, and execution. The program leverages local chapter resources as much as possible, and then supplements with national resources, sponsor resources, and a core of dedicated volunteers.

As a follow up to a fantastic Class of 2019, the 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte and the Pathways to Success (PTS) committee is in search of qualified applicants for the Class of 2020. Applications are now open and close December 8, 5pm.

Use the below links to hear what past Pathways to Success participants are saying.

·         What are some of the PTS benefits?

·         What life lessons were learned?

·         Why would PTS participants recommend the program

·         What participants liked most

Program Benefits:

·         One-on-one coaching and mentoring from execs at Fortune 500 Companies

·         Develop and refine written communication and leadership skills

·         Corporate and Entrepreneurial training
·         Opportunity to earn financial compensation (awarded upon successful completion of program)

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is Looking for an Office Assistant!

ON CAMPUS JOB OPPORTUNITY:

There is an on-campus opportunity for students eligible for Federal Work Study. This role is an office assistant position with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, specifically within the American Studies Program and Women’s and Gender Studies Program. They would prefer to hire a business student. The job is posted on Hire-A-Niner under the job title FWS: Student Office Worker. The job description from Hire-a-Niner is also included below.

Lunch & Learn: Student Intern Panel Recap

On Wednesday, November 13th, the Niblock Student Center hosted our last Lunch & Learn of the Fall 2019 semester! Belk College of Business Alumna, Kassie Mangano, moderated a panel of current Belk College of Business Students to discuss their internship experiences. These panelists included: 

• Ria Mahajan, Business Analytics and Computer Science double major, interned at Nike
• Erick Koeun, Finance major, interned at Grant Thorton
• Meaghan Sempowich, Marketing major, interned at Grund America and Wells Fargo
• Makayla Craig, Marketing major, interned at The English Studio and Andritz Hydro Corp

Throughout the Lunch & Learn, panelists discussed their internship process, interview strategies, tips for first day on the job, as well as things they would have done differently. Panelists also touched on the value of sending “thank you” notes and follow up emails to recruiters/interviewers to show appreciation for their time. 

Thank you to our moderator and panelists for joining us for this Lunch & Learn! We appreciate having you and learning about your internship experience! 

Keep a look out next semester for even more Lunch & Learns at the Niblock Student Center! 

Top Reasons to Engage in Professional Development Early

Professional development is the process of improving and increasing personal capabilities in order to achieve career goals. Throughout an individuals’ career, they may enter into a position with certain skills, but with the ever changing market, it is important to constantly expand these skills and perfect them as much as possible. With professional development, people are given the opportunity to not only grow their skills, but also acquire new ones, making it an extremely important aspect of professional life. Keep reading to see why it is important to engage in Professional Development early! 

1. Building your Brand

Your network starts with you - if you start building it early, chances are it will be at a good place when you are on a job/internship search. Going to networking events, talking to new people, and maintaining relationships is a great start to professional development - and the earlier you do it, the better!

2. Achieve Career Goals

As a college student, you may already have an idea of what your goal is of a future career. By engaging in professional development, you are gaining an insight as to what the skills are that you need in this ideal career, and building those skills increases your chances of getting your dream job. 

3. Keep Current

The market is always changing, and with this, the need for new skills come about. Gaining new skills makes you more attractive to employers, while simultaneously enriching yourself as a professional!

4. Knowledge is Power

The more you know, the better off you are. If you start acquiring professional development skills early, you are more likely to gain useful skills that will help you as you climb your way up the ladder. 

5. Practice makes Perfect

In practicing professional development, individuals will be more comfortable with the idea of it. Fortunately, the Niblock Student Center provides great opportunities for students to gain professional development skills via Lunch & Learns and Professional Development Meet Ups. Be on the lookout for these events next semester so you can start your Professional Development journey today! 

Studying Abroad in Italy: By Zena Ali

Lunch & Learn: Student Intern Panel

Join us for our final Lunch & Learn of the semester on Wednesday, November 13th at 2:30pm! Alumna Kassie Mangano will moderate a panel of current Belk College of Business students who will share about their internship experiences. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the internship search process and to network! Lunch is provided. Please see below for information regarding the panelists: 

Ria Mahajan, Business Analytics and Computer Science double major, interned at Nike

Erick Koeun, Finance major, interned at Grant Thorton

Meaghan Sempowich, Marketing major, interned at Grund America and Wells Fargo

Makayla Craig, Marketing major, interned at The English Studio and Andritz Hydro Corp

Please register in advance: Click here to register.

Digging Deep: 5 Benefits of Studying Abroad

I have always had a love for traveling.  Traveling allows me to develop an appreciation for culture, religion, art, language and an array of diversity.  Although I have traveled for leisure in the past, I decided that I need to pair my love for travel with my love for learning.  Upon persuing various travel abroad programs offered by UNC Charlotte, I found a mesmerizing destination.  Israel. Although I had visited Israel many years ago, I went as a tourist.  This time, I wanted to go as an archaeologist! 

I spent countless hours in the city of Jerusalem and was a part of an official excavation.  We found beautiful relics and priceless historical objects on the “dig” site.  It was rewarding for me; I knew that I was one of the first people to literally touch history. 

There are so many different benefits to studying abroad. These are five of my benefits:

It teaches you to adapt to your surroundings. 

Going abroad allowed me to explore Jerusalem to the fullest. While living in the city for three weeks, I knew shortcuts through the city, the best places to eat, and the most exciting attractions.

It allows you to learn about another culture. 

After studying abroad in Israel and listening to the stories and lives of both Jews and Palestinians, I have a newfound appreciation and understanding of these unique and diverse people.

It forces you to try new things and potentially find new interests. 

I had never eaten falafel or shawarma before this trip. I can now confidently say that I love both falafel and shawarma.

It gives you the chance to make everlasting connections. 

Our group dug together, ate together, and explored together. Spending day in and day out with everyone brought us very close together, and by the end, we had become a little study abroad family.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

The Mount Zion dig site was hands down the most memorable and unique experience of my life so far. I will never forget the first coin I dug up or the hundreds of pieces of pottery unearthed.

If you ever get the opportunity to study abroad -- do it. When beginning your search for a study abroad program, have an open mind, don’t be afraid to ask questions and remember that the experience is what you make of it. You may have to dig deep to find a program that works best for you, but once you find the right one, it will make all the difference in your study abroad and overall college experience.

- Miles Shen, Business Analytics, Economics and Finance, 2022

Read more about Miles's study abroad trip!

The CIA will be on Campus this Thursday

The CIA will be on campus Thursday, November 7th, 10:30am -2:00pm at the Prospector Walkup under the Career Center Tent.

The CIA is an independent agency responsible for providing national security intelligence to senior US policymakers.  The Central Intelligence Agency's mission: We are the eyes and the ears of the nation and, at times, its hidden hand.  We accomplish the mission by:  collecting intelligence that matters; providing relevant, timely, and objective all-source analysis; conducting covert action at the direction of the President to preempt threats or achieve United States policy objectives.

Applicants must have US citizenship and the ability to successfully complete medical examinations and security procedures including a polygraph interview.  Applicants must apply on website (www.cia.gov) in order to be considered for any position.

PD Meet Up: Hot Topics in Business

This Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 2:30pm in Friday 302, the Niblock Student Center will be having a Professional Development Meet Up regarding Hot Topics in Business! The topics discussed during this Meet Up will be: 

• Entrepreneurship
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Consumer Personalization

During this Meet Up, we will discuss how these topics play a role in the corporate world today. In addition, students will learn the importance of these topics and how they can gain more insight about each of these as they are navigating through their job/internship search.

Be sure to come out on Wednesday at 2:30pm! No sign up required! Can’t make it out to this Meet Up? Check out our last one for the semester on 11/20 at 11:30am in Friday 302 about succeeding in teams!

Tips for Acing Your Next Presentation!

Betsabe Rojas Gonzalez is a Pre-Business student, Women in Business ambassador and a member of the Business Honors Program. She attended the annual North Carolina Honors Association Conference where she presented a poster of her research on ‘Domestic Violence Among Undocumented Workers.’ Rojas won third place for her presentation. 

How to Prepare for a Presentation

When I saw my abstract was accepted to be presented and compete at the conference I was so excited. It wasn’t until the day before I started getting nervous because I was so passionate about my project. I did not want to disappoint my counselors or my mentor. I then realized I was one of four UNC Charlotte students presenting and they were probably proud and happy that I had the courage to put myself out there. 

I kept thinking about all of the things I could say or do wrong, that could lead me to failing. Then, I remembered all of the work I had put into the project and how passionate I was about sharing my message. I took a breath and told myself that I knew my own project better than anybody else. This gave me confidence and helped me relax when I prepped for my presentation. 

Prepping for your presentation! 

When I started to prep, I would write down points I didn’t want to miss. I practiced saying lines that would impact my audience. Then I practiced my entire speech in my bedroom, where I could mess up and go back. 

On the day of the conference, I practiced one more time by myself. Whenever I am going to present something I try and hype myself up a little bit. I told myself I had rehearsed this and had something important to present. I told myself there was no way I was not prepared. This helped me have confidence in myself and be clear when presenting. 

During the presentation! 

When I finally started presenting my abstract I try to say as much as possible with the first person without going overboard. This helps me see how the audience reacts and note which parts would be the most impactful. As more people come to your abstract, you get a feel for which parts of your presentation are essential to comprehension and impact. It seems scary at first, but the more people you present to, the easier it gets. You work out all the little kinks after the first couple of people. You start to have fun and enjoy sharing your hard work with others. 

Self-coaching! 

Realizing and crediting how hard you have worked helps put you at ease. Coaching yourself to feel prepared and competent, will help boost your self esteem. The first time you present you will most likely be nervous and that’s okay! Everyone else is probably nervous too. Remember, presenting is not a test, you are there to share your project and have a fun experience!

- Betsabe Rojas-Gonzalez, Pre-Business, 2022 

Learn more about sharpening your public speaking skills before your next presentation

Congratulations to Belk College Students at Cisco Competition!

Belk College of Business and Business Honors Program students Joshua Harper and Nicholas Rossini represented the Belk College of Business at the Cisco, Leaders in Finance and Technology, Case competition in San Jose, California, this past weekend. They were one of eight finalist teams out of over thirty applicants nationwide who were selected to make the trip to Cisco's corporate headquarters to present their case solution. Congratulations to both of them!

Bank of America Fall Diversity & Inclusion Forums

A PSA about Public Speaking Anxiety

Top 5 Networking Strategies

One of the most important skills in the business world is networking. Networking is a skill that should be acquired in order to make connections, as well as open new opportunities. In following a few simple networking tips, professionals can find ways to connect with people, whilst simultaneously becoming open to new opportunities. Keep reading for 5 effective networking strategies!

1. Practice!
The best way to master anything is to practice it, and the same holds with networking. Attend as many networking events possible to be comfortable in that particular setting, as well as make connections with the attendees of those sessions. The Niblock Student Center has several networking events throughout every semester, be sure to look at our calendar to attend the next one!

2. Start with your own network

Networking doesn’t just have to be at a professional event, it can be in your own circle! The purpose of networking is building new connections, while simultaneously maintaining current ones. When considering family or friends, you never know who they know. Even if these people are not in your desired industry, they could have the potential of leading you to the right person. Strengthen the relationships with people you already know.

3. Set goals

Tell yourself how much you will network in one week, and stick to that goal. Common goals can include reaching out to 5 people in a week, networking with a different department at work, or simply building your connections of LinkedIn.

4. Create conversational icebreakers

The best way to overcome initial awkwardness is to have a good icebreaker. For example, start with a compliment and wait to see where that leads. Also, give them a chance to talk about themselves - how they got into the industry and what their passions are.

5. Follow up

Making connections is half of the job, maintaining them is the other. Reach out to your contacts a few times a year to follow up. This can be a simple email exchange or even a quick lunch meeting.

From Outlier to Insider: A Panel Event with Data Science Professionals

Here is the link to stream the event.

5 Ways to Maximize your LinkedIn

LinkedIn is known as one of the most popular platforms in the world. If used properly, LinkedIn is a great way to find a job, network, and meet like minded people. In fact, college is a great time to start building your LinkedIn because it can play a prominent role in your job/internship search. Do you want to update your LinkedIn but don’t know where to begin? Continue reading for 5 ways to maximize your Linkedin profile!

1. Join a group

Often times, LinkedIn users neglect joining groups. Groups are a great way to connect with other professionals who could be in the same industry, location, or job as you! Moreover, it is recommended to join your university’s alumni network to see what industries they are in. You never know what job opportunity could come from your school ties!

2. Customize your LinkedIn URL

When you first join LinkedIn, you are given a long username. While many people choose to keep this, some also choose to take it out. Changing your LinkedIn URL to just your first name and last name makes it easier for employers to search for you, and it is also easier to keep on your resume. This can be done by:

-       Going on your profile

-       Clicking “edit profile”

-       Clicking “edit” right under your photo

3. Update your photo

Make sure your LinkedIn photo represents the best version of you. Exude confidence, wear professional clothing, and make the best first impression possible! Also, be sure to visit the University Career Center to get your very own headshot for free!

4. Update your responsibilities

One of the first things people look at when they arrive to your LinkedIn profile is your current role. Make sure you add all of your jobs on your LinkedIn profile and update your responsibilities as they change. Remember to also update regarding job changes and new tasks in a current job.

5. Use the summary space

Your summary space should walk the reader through what you are most passionate about, where you currently are professionally, and where you want to be ideally in the future. For best results, use this space as a way to engage your profile visitor so that they have an idea of who you are as an individual.

Transfer Students: Getting Involved

UNC Charlotte enrolls more transfer students than any school in North Carolina. Approximately half of the undergraduate population is made up of transfer students (https://admissions.uncc.edu/transfers). Due to this statistic, UNC Charlotte is committed to helping transfer students succeed. Continue reading to see how one of our students in the Belk College of Business has navigated her journey as a transfer student to successfully find her home at UNC Charlotte.

1. What is your name, year and area of study?

My name is Cassandra Chin and I am a senior majoring in International Business and minoring in Applied Anthropology.

2. Where did you transfer from?             

I transferred as an incoming Junior in Fall 2018 from Coastal Carolina Community College.

3. What made you choose UNC Charlotte?

Previously I toured 5 other universities, UNC Charlotte was no one of those options then.   I soon realized after touring all of them none of them felt like a place where I can have a fresh start. Then one of my friends from Jacksonville mentioned UNC Charlotte and I looked into the area. Without even touring UNCC or even visiting the Charlotte area something was calling me towards the Queen City. Before I moved here I did a transfer tour and I fell in love everything that the school had to offer.  I made my decision based off of intuition and I haven’t regretted it since.

4. What is the most significant difference between where you previously attended and UNC Charlotte?

The most significant difference from my previous school and here is the hustle and grind. At university you are independent and free to make your decisions that can impact the rest of your academic career. The same can be said about community college but at university since it is on a larger scale, there is more at stake. Which it can often intimidating at times but there has been an exponential personal growth since going through those times.

5. Which campus organizations are you involved in?

Currently I am a sister in the Delta Kappa chapter of Chi Omega Fraternity, a member of Asian Student Association and Charlotte’s Anthropology Legion. As well as University Soup Kitchen.

6. What advantages do you believe you have as a transfer student?

As a transfer student, the main advantage I think that differs us from traditional students is that we have previous college experience. Transfer students understand the basics of college/ university life. We put ourselves out of our comfort zones when we transfer. We understand that we need to meet to new people and adjust to a different environment just like we did with our first school.

7. If you could go back to when you first transferred, is there anything that you would have done differently? If so, why?

To be honest, I wouldn’t change one thing about my transfer experience. The first semester was rough for me adjusting but looking back I became more resilient and confident in who I was and am currently.

8. What advice do you have for transfer students who want to get involved but are not sure where to start?

There are a lot of students who pass you everyday to and from class, in class, and even in your dorm or apartment complex. Getting involved doesn’t always mean going to  Student Organization Events, which is highly beneficial but you can talk to people who surround you. As much it is uncomfortable and vulnerable to put yourself out there, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Ask yourself what interests you and what makes you genuinely happy. There are over 400+ student organizations here on campus. There will at least be one that sparks your interest and from there you can take a chance to open yourself up to new experiences, which is what university is here for.

9. How has getting involved on campus played a role in your journey at UNC Charlotte thus far?

Being part of extra-curricular activities have helped expand my social group. It has forced me to be more open to new experiences and for that I have become a better version of myself. My growth as an individual, friend, sister, student, and employee, I couldn’t have done without the people I have surrounded with since my journey here in Charlotte.

10. What was the best advice that you were given when you transferred to UNC Charlotte?

The best advice that has been given to me is how do you expect change if you keep doing the same routines in your life. Change your routines to see change and growth in whatever aspect of your life you want to focus on.     

Apply to Be a Peer Tutor!

Spend Your Summer Studying Business in Italy!

Meet Taylor!

Study Abroad this Spring Break or Summer!

Norm says, "STUDY ABROAD-- you wont regret it!"

Students can receive Belk College of Business credit through the following Spring Break programs! Click on the links to get more information about the schedule and cost. Applications are due November 1st!

Global Marketing Practicum (MKTG 3000) in Paris and Prague. 

China: Experience Chinese Culture Through Historical and Modern Banking (FINN 3000) in Beijing.

Working Successfully Overseas- Understanding International Employees, Teams, and Leaders (MGMT 3000) in Berlin. 

Spring Break too soon or not enough time abroad? Start planning to spend the month of June exploring Italy with Dr. Woehr on the Italy: Belk College of Business Summer Study Abroad trip. You can receive credit for MGMT 3275 and IBUS 3000. More information is here.

EXPLORE - October 2019 Recap

The Niblock Student Center enjoyed connecting with the 2,000+ visitors who attended the EXPLORE Admissions event on October 12th. The morning included a Belk College of Business presentation and two resource fairs for high school and transfer students and their families to meet with BCOB students and staff members about specific programs and offerings.

If you have further questions, feel free to reach out!
Belk Scholars & Business Honor's Program-- Zack Lord
Business Learning Community-- Sarah Haley
Belk College of Business General Questions-- Allison Sigmon

Thank you to all who helped make this event a success! We enjoyed meeting future 49ers!

Peer Advisors Erika & Arjun

BLC Coordinator Sarah with previous members Brandon and Arjun

Peer Guides Cassie and Mansi

BHP Members Taylor (also a Peer Advisor) and Jennifer

       

Keep your eyes open for opportunities at UNC Charlotte, they are everywhere

I remember sitting in the library outside of Pete’s Café with a coffee, studying for my Introduction to Operations Management course, when a UNC Charlotte mass email caught my eye. Like most of us, I don’t spend a lot of time reading through general emails, but the title ‘UN Millennium Fellows Cohort’ stood out to me. I’m so glad that I stopped to read the email. 

Becoming a Millennium Fellow

As it turns out, a couple of faculty members were looking for applicants to join a group whose focus was to create a service project for Charlotte. The group, or cohort, was tasked with creating a pitch to present to the United Nations in order to receive support, leadership training, and networking opportunities that would help bring the project to life.

The Perfect Opportunity

This unexpected opportunity came at the perfect time. I had recently declared my major and wanted to focus on local and global community service. The U.N. Millennium Fellowship program allowed me to create a project that I was passionate about. I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to create a service project that aligned with my interests.

Our Work

I applied and was chosen as one of the select few to represent UNC Charlotte. Our team decided to focus on quality education for all, one of the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals. The project is called the LIFE Skills Initiative and will be implemented into Title I high schools in the Charlotte area. Each letter of LIFE stands for an educational seminar: 

• L for Lifestyle
• I for Interpersonal
• F for Financial
• E for Education 

The United Nations liked the idea and UNC Charlotte was selected as one of the 6 percent of universities from around the globe to host the Millennium Fellowship program. 

I am currently working on the finance curriculum. Our plan is to bring in a financial education non-profit from Charlotte to speak about taxes, budgets, and loans. The other seminars will also bring in professional speakers. We will work with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and students to make sure the topics covered are relevant to what they need and want.

Your Next Opportunity

Do what you love and use what you learn to help others. In the past, I have measured the value of projects on what I could personally gain from them, and they often fell short. What I’ve learned so far is that a successful program or business is measured by the benefits that it brings others. Not only is UNC Charlotte teaching its students to improve the lives of others locally and globally, but it is also providing the opportunity to do so. Be sure to take a minute to read the titles of your emails before you delete them. Your next opportunity may be only a click away.

- Zak Burgan, Operations and Supply Chain Management, 2020

Read more about the Millennium Fellows Cohort of UNC Charlotte and the LIFE Skills Initiative