Have No Fear, It’s the End of the Year!

Congratulations! You have made it to the end of another semester. Just a few short weeks and finals will be over, final grades posted, and one step closer to graduation! I’ve added information below with tips for finals, possible plans for summer, and what plans should be in place for you as a student.

Final Exams 

We’ve all taken plenty of exams throughout school, but finals can put more stress on students as many final grades are dependent on Final Exam grades. Here are some tips from a graduating senior on how to get through finals.

1. Make sure to eat healthy and drink plenty of water

I know this sounds cliché, however having good nutrients and plenty of water in your body will help with focus and overall make you feel better when stressed

2. Spread studying out over the course of a few days or weeks

I know that being a student feels like you should have started studying about 3 weeks ago, however, that’s not always possible. Try breaking up studying across multiple days and begin a study plan today. I typically begin studying for my exams a week out and switch between subjects each day to include some variation in my studying. I usually focus on one or two chapter(s) or concept(s) for each course every day. Remember: This is a review, not learning brand new concepts!

3. Try not to cram, but if you have to, plan accordingly

I could say to not cram at all, but we’re all college students, even the best students do it. If you feel like you need to cram, be prepared. Set up a study place and be sure to have snacks and plenty of water to prepare for a long haul study session. Typically, I spend about 30-45 minutes studying and then take a 10 minute break. Be sure to get some sort of rest the night before and try to rest after your cram session and before your exam.

4. Walk into your final exam with confidence

Walk into that final exam like you own it! Believe it or not, you have retained more than you may think you have. Start with the questions you know the answers to, do parts of questions you know how to do, and finally use what you have learned to figure out the questions you may not be so sure about. There’s plenty of time to take an exam, so use that time and what you’ve learned and remember to crush that exam!

What about classes?

At this point, you should already be registered and prepared for classes next semester. If you are unsure of your schedule, there is still some time to schedule an appointment with your Academic and Career Coach or a Peer Advisor through connect (Peer Advisors have appointments until May 6, 2021). If you are taking a summer course at UNC Charlotte, classes begin May 24th for the first session and most courses are M-F. If you are taking a course at another University and have not discussed this with your Academic and Career Coach, do so immediately! 

It important to note that beginning in fall 2021: 

• Face-to-face classes will resume at pre-pandemic levels. 

• Our residence halls will be at full occupancy. 

• Employees will return to their offices, and all campus services will be offered in person. 

• All buildings and facilities will return to regular capacity, including dining and recreational options. 

• We plan to once again welcome spectators at Charlotte 49ers events, though the exact capacity is still being determined with the state.

For more information on what the fall will look like, please visit the Niner Nation Cares website. If you are not taking summer classes, we look forward to seeing you either in-person or virtually on August 23rd!

What should I do this summer?

Summer can be a tricky time for students as classes are over and responsibilities that come with Spring classes are done too. What are some things you can do this summer to get ahead in your business journey? None of these will take a ton of time, but will really help you in your professional experience in the long run!

1. Relax

First and foremost, take some time to relax! This has been a very stressful time and semester for all students, so take some time to do activities that you enjoy and take time to re energize yourself for the upcoming summer

2. Build a Resume and LinkedIn

If you do not already have a resume and LinkedIn created, spend some time this summer developing both of these. It’s a great way to establish and sell your personal, professional brand to future employers and build a network. For assistance with both of these, check out these Career Resources!

3. Internship or Part Time Jobs

Internships are great ways to gain experience in your professional field and many times get paid to do so. If you have not been offered an internship, part time jobs are great ways to gain some extra money and learn skills that can be applied to resumes and future careers.

4. Learn a New Skill

There are many new skills that employers are looking for in new hires. One of the biggest is Microsoft Excel. Even though you learned the basics in INFO 2130, I highly recommend learning high-level practice of excel as it could be useful for a future career. I typically look up YouTube videos who provide practice datasets and walkthrough videos of new concepts. Some other skills you could learn is negotiation, economics, or social media marketing. To learn more about some possible useful skills, check out this LinkedIn Post!

Summer is approaching quickly! We are so close to being through another semester, so focus just for a bit longer and have a good (and safe) summer break! See you all either digitally or in-person on August 23rd!

PeduL Platform for Scholarships & Internships

Land your next opportunity through PeduL.com! Their scholarship platform helps students find corporate scholarships and earn internships all in one place. 

They have new companies joining every month that fit your career interests and goals. Get matched to top companies from across the country for internships and entry-level positions. Here are the companies looking for talent just like you for Summer 2021 and Summer 2022. 

Columbia Property Trust (Summer 2021) - DEADLINE SOON

Location is one of the most critical factors for success in real estate. The best locations in the top cities tend to always be in high demand, which makes real estate investment trusts (REITs) like Columbia Property Trust one of the most successful companies in NYC with over $3.5 billion of assets under management. To celebrate the diversity of the cities and communities in which their properties are located, Columbia Property Trust is awarding a paid 10-week in-person internship and $2,500 scholarship to Black and Latinx undergraduate rising juniors and seniors. 

If you're ready to jumpstart your career in the world of real estate, gaining hands-on experience from industry experts, then this opportunity is for you! Visit the link below for more info and apply: https://scholarships.pedul.com/CPT.

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Wiley (Summer 2021) - DEADLINE SOON

John Wiley & Sons is the oldest and most prestigious publishing companies in the world that communicates discoveries that make a difference in the world. Their online scientific, technical, medical and scholarly journals, books and other digital content build on a 200-year heritage of quality publishing. Wiley is awarding a paid development program and $2,500 scholarship to Black and Latinx graduating seniors looking for full-time employment in Hoboken, New Jersey with operations across the world. If you're ready to jump start your career in the world of publishing, learning from best-in-class experts, then this opportunity is for you! Apply at the links below for more info:

Data Science Roles: https://scholarships.pedul.com/wiley-ds
Journals Publishing Roles: https://scholarships.pedul.com/wiley-publishing

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Two Sigma (Summer 2022)

Two Sigma is a financial sciences company, combining inquiry, data analysis, and invention to solve the toughest challenges in investment management, securities, private equity, insurance tech and venture capital with over $58B in assets. Two Sigma is awarding an all expenses paid in-person internship (housing and relocation fees included) and $7,500 scholarship to BIPOC rising juniors and seniors looking to intern in the city of dreams in Summer 2022, NYC.

If you're ready to jumpstart your career in private equity, gaining hands-on experience from industry experts, then this opportunity is for you! 

Quantitative Research: https://scholarships.pedul.com/twosigma-qr
Computer Science: https://scholarships.pedul.com/twosigma-cs

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Syneos Health (Summer 2022)

Syneos Health is the premiere end-to-end clinical and commercial solution organization. Built for biopharmaceutical acceleration, Syneos Health is constantly creating better, smarter, faster ways to help clients navigate an increasingly complex marketplace. Syneos Health is awarding an in-person or remote internship and $2,500 scholarship to Black and Latinx rising seniors and juniors looking to intern in Raleigh, NC in Summer 2022. 

If you're ready to jumpstart your career in private equity, gaining hands-on experience from industry experts, then this opportunity is for you! Email your resume to scholarships@pedul.com with the subject line "Syneos Health." 

With Spring in the Air, It’s Time to Declare

 

So you’ve hit the point where it is time to declare your major or you’re looking ahead into the future and haven’t quite picked a major out. Don’t worry, this post will lead you through all the information you need to know about declaring your major, what majors we have, some ways to look into majors, and peer leadership inputs in each of their majors.

What do I need to have completed to declare my major?

In order to declare your upper-level business major, 3 things must be completed:

1. 2.5 Overall GPA - You can check this on your Banner Self Service

2. 2.5 Progression GPA - These classes must be completed with at least a 2.5 GPA:

1. Progression Courses:

1. ACCT 2121

2. ACCT 2122

3. BUSN 1101 (For Transfers - Only if Taken)

4. ECON 2101

5. ECON 2101

6. INFO 2130

7. MATH 1120

8. STAT 1220

3. 60 Hours must be completed

After all of these requirements are met and final grades are posted, you can follow this link to declare your major, or you’ll receive an email with instructions. Give it 5-7 business days and your major should be updated in your degreeworks and you’re all set!

What Majors does the BCOB Offer?

The Belk College of Business has 9 different majors, 4 minors, and 10 different Concentrations. 

Majors and attached Concentrations:

1. Accounting

2. Business Analytics

3. Economics

1. Business Concentration

2. Liberal Arts Concentration

4. Finance

1. Finance Concentration

2. Accounting and Finance Concentration

3. Real Estate Concentration

4. Risk Management and Insurance Concentration

5. International Business

6. Management

1. Organizational Management Concentration

2. Talent Management Concentration

7. Management Information Systems

8. Marketing

1. Marketing Innovation Concentration

2. Marketing Analytics Concentration

9. Operations and Supply Chain Management

Minors:

1. Economics

2. International Management

3. Management Information Systems

4. Operations and Supply Chain Management

What should I do if I don’t know which major to declare?

Navigating which major to declare can be difficult for some students. It’s common to have some confusion but luckily there are resources to help you in this situation. Utilize the links below to learn more about career and major resources to find the best fit for you!

Career Information - These give you more information on which careers and skills are needed for all majors in the BCOB.

1. WCIDWAMI 

2. Queen City Career Guides

3. Academic Programs in the BCOB

Career Tests - Use these tests to see your skillset and which careers may be best for you

1. Open College

2. Princeton Review 

3. CareerFitter 

Company Information - Use these to find information on different companies and industries to pick some potential careers and employers

1. In Her Sight

2. Vault

Peer Leaders Input

Major: Accounting

Peer Advisor Amy Kidder

Favorite Class: ACCT 3300 - Professional Development for Accountants

“This class was really helpful for looking into what kind of careers there are in accounting and what to look for in terms of internships. It really helped me to decide what direction I want to take my career in. The class also had other useful information about becoming a professional after college. I recommend taking this class as early as your schedule will allow it.”

Major: Business Analytics

Peer Advisor Taylor Cox

Favorite Class: INFO 3221 - Programming for Business Analytics

“I think this class gives you a great first look into the world of business analytics and what it means to be an analyst. Here, you’ll learn new programming languages that are in high demand in the business world.”

Major: Finance

Peer Advisor Arjun Nag

Favorite Class: FINN 3222 - Investments

“You learn how to use all of the various and complicated finance terms in this class to evaluate financial investment decisions. Professor Russell has years of experience in high finance roles so he puts the textbook in context with what employers are looking for.”

Major: Economics

Peer Guide Ayanna Silver

Favorite Class: ECON 3112 - Econometrics

“You will learn some great new statistical concepts such as programming in STATA that can be applied to the Economics field”

Major: International Business

AKPsi Leadership David Florez

Favorite Class: MGMT 3275 - International Business Management 

“My favorite class has been international business management. It's given me a more realistic perspective of how business is not only done internationally but also domestically. This class has also taught me to think in different management styles and how they may vary from country to country. Working on group projects over the semester also gives me the opportunity to work with like minded people and establish good relationships with those in my class, even with the pandemic. “

Major: Management

Peer Advisor Harvey McCullough

Favorite Class: BLAW 3150 - Business Law

“Business Law was one of my favorite classes within my concentration because as an HR manager, we are responsible for understanding many facets of labor law including how to apply them to real-world principles to potentially thwart any lawsuits directed towards our future organization. We also had the real opportunity to create a business model and walk through every step to ensure that our business would abide by legal standards. This was an extremely hands-on class with real-world applications; something every student hopes to receive from their courses!”

Major: Management Information Systems

Peer Guide Mansi Sodha

Favorite Class: INFO 3230 - Enterprise Systems 

“I took this as an elective but was amazed by how much I learned during this course. The utilization and fluency of SAP, an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software that this class focuses on is also a great skill to have on your resume when interviewing for internships/ full-time positions!”

Major: Marketing

Peer Advisor Bailey Harris

Favorite Class: MKTG 3224 - Product & Brand Management 

“This course has made me truly understand how majorly influential product and brand management is to the ultimate success of an organization. It was extremely interesting to talk about major companies' different product management strategies that help influence the brand of the organization. Definitely my favorite marketing class so far due to the creativity I was able to use in the course.” 

Major: Operations and Supply Chain Management

AKPsi Leadership Jenna Basel

Favorite Class: OPER 3206 - Quality Assurance and Management 

“Quality Assurance and Management is my favorite operations course because the topics we cover in the class are very interesting and help connect all three of my majors together. Some of the topics covered in this class are corporate culture, quality design, motivation, conformance to design and more. Dr. Silver is an amazing professor and makes the class super engaging and relevant. He also teaches valuable skills to put on your resume such as learning how to code in R-studio. This class combines all of my favorite things about my major: philosophy/theory, implementing practices, and analyzing data to strategically plan for a company.”

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Sophomore Year is Drawing Near

 

Sophomore year is coming up soon! This year can be a weird middle ground as students are finishing up their general education and moving towards taking upper-level courses. This is a year full of Accounting and Economics, but what can you do to make the most out of it? 

Peer Advisors Taylor and Amy have come up with some tips and tricks to help students make the most out of their Sophomore year including getting involved, discovering more about campus, and looking forward to declaring your major. Keep reading to find out more!

Trying to decide on a major or future career:

It may feel like you just began your college journey, but it can really fly by. It’s never too early to start thinking about possible majors that interest you and even some different career options. The best place to start is by asking questions. Your professors and Academic and Career Coach can also share various resources for specific majors to help get you started. If you attend a speaker event, you can ask them how they got to where they are today. There are also some great online resources available as well.

If you already know what you want to major in or start your career in:

If you are frustrated because you cannot start your upper-level major classes yet, there are still plenty of other ways to start preparing.

-          Do your own research

-          Speak with professors or professionals who have experience in the field that you are interested in.

-          Get familiar with companies that interest you.

-          Start looking into what an internship in your field of study might look like and what the timeline is to apply.

Try different non-business electives:

Instead of thinking of non-business electives as something you have to get done with before you graduate, think of them as an opportunity. It can be an opportunity to discover a new interest, find something you would like to minor in, or even just get a chance to include your other interests.

Meet with your Academic & Career Coach to start planning future classes (and make sure you’re on track)

If you are the type of person who loves planning for the future, you probably already have a four-year plan for the classes you want to take. It’s a good idea to run this by your advisor to make sure you aren’t missing any important requirements or prerequisites. Some classes need to be taken in a specific order, so it’s always best to double check.

If you don’t have a plan, or haven’t really thought much about it, it might be a good idea to start looking at what classes you’ll need to take before you can declare your major and graduate. A Peer Advisor can help out with what classes you should take in order to declare your major and your Academic and Career Coach can guide you when looking at the upper-level business classes. To schedule an appointment, follow these steps.

Discover new study spots on campus:

One thing I love about UNC Charlotte is the beautiful campus. Going into your Sophomore year, I highly recommend taking some time to explore the campus more. There are plenty of amazing spots, both indoors and outdoors, that are great for studying. My favorites include:

-          Sitting outside near the Friday building

-          Peet’s in the Library

-          The upper floor of SoVi

-          Outside of Panda Express in the Cone Center

Professional Development and Employment:

As a sophomore, getting an internship or experience may be difficult as you haven’t started your upper-level classes, so what can be done instead? Here are some great ideas to begin doing in your second year to set you up for success in the future!

1. Start to Build your Network

Start by creating a LinkedIn profile to begin building your network and get to know individuals in the professional world. Find someone who works in your dream job or dream company and connect with them to learn more about their story and what a day in life is like for them. Don’t know where to start? Check out the Niblock Student Center’s LinkedIn Resources! 

2. Check out Speaker Events

Go to all the different speaker events on campus including the CEO Speaker Series, Lunch and Learns, and Meet-Ups to help build your network and learn from those who succeed in their careers every day. This offers great insight and could possibly open doors to new opportunities. Each semester, check the calendar of events for a listing of events.

3. Begin Looking into Companies

What are some companies and organizations that stand out to you? Look at LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and maybe set up a tour to visit and understand the company culture. From here, you can determine which companies stand out to you. Research online and don’t be afraid to connect with an employee and ask questions.

4. Build a Portfolio of Projects

A portfolio can be a strong tool in showing off projects and skills that a candidate has completed before the interview. Start by getting experience through working a job, gaining an internship, leading a group project, studying abroad, or volunteering. If you are unsure where to start, visit the University Career Center’s website for more information.

5. Begin Looking into On-Campus Employment

Hire-A-Niner  is a great place to start to look for internships over the summer and throughout the school year as well as on-campus job opportunities. This could include working in a number of different offices across campus and working alongside other students who have similar experiences. On-Campus employment is another great way to build your resume and work where classes are a priority to schedule.

6. Check out On-Campus Resources

Many resources have been mentioned throughout this post, but some places to highlight are:

-          The Niblock Student Center

-          The Career Center

-          The University Center for Academic Excellence

-          Niner Engage

These resources are here for you and are free for all students to use to aid in their academic and professional growth. If you haven’t had the chance to connect with these resources, we highly recommend doing so!

We hope you find these tips helpful as you are preparing for your sophomore year at UNC Charlotte. Go Niners!

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