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

UNC Charlotte- Belk College Preview Day

Thinking about Graduate school? Here are two upcoming events where you could learn more about the Belk College graduate school or Harvard Business School:

UNC Charlotte- Belk College Preview Day:

Through our top-ranked graduate programs, the Belk College of Business supplies in-demand graduates to Charlotte’s business community. Our graduate courses are taught at UNC Charlotte's Center City Campus, right in Uptown Charlotte. We encourage prospective graduate business students to attend a Preview Day for an inside look at our programs and to meet Belk College staff & administrators.

Preview Days include an overview of the program, classroom experiences or career panels with current students & alumni, and a Q&A period. Applications, brochures, catalogs and GMAT/GRE information will be available. Click on the image below to register:

Harvard Business School:

Studying Abroad in Copenhagen

"Studying abroad has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have formed close relationships with people from around the world and done things I never thought I would. Copenhagen is wonderful to live in and the city and people are endlessly interesting. The Copenhagen Business School has challenging, interesting classes, taught by world-class professors."

-Jordan Perzel Mandell

Atkins Offers Simply Analytics Training

• Reminder: SimplyAnalytics training next Tuesday. RSVP if you plan to attend. SimplyAnalytics is a mapping, analytics, and data visualization application that makes it easy for anyone to create interactive maps and reports using thousands of demographic, business, and marketing variables.

Meet Erika!

Peer Guide: Student Spotlight

The Peer Guide Team has established a recognition program called Student Spotlight to acknowledge Belk College of Business students who avidly participate in the Niblock Student Center events such as Lunch & Learns, Women in Business Coffee Hours, Professional Development Meet Ups, Peer Talks, and more! Upon selection, the students will be featured on our Instagram and blog.

To meet the eligibility criteria, one must:

  1. Attend 3 BCOB events

  2. Complete the application using the link below

https://forms.gle/MUcYGvw33eArcYG99

If you have any questions, please email njohns80@uncc.edu. We look forward to getting to know all of  our awesome students in the Belk College of Business and we are so excited to recognize all of your hard work!