Thursday, March 15, 2018
February's Featured Belk College Women In Business Student
Madison Hartness
Major: Marketing and Management
Graduation Date: May 2018
Why did you choose to pursue a degree in business?
When I was younger, I was constantly planning businesses. I would create flyers for babysitting services, dog walking, or I would sell chocolate covered treats. My passion for business sparked earlier than I could recognize it. Because of this desire to open a business of my own and my desire to obtain a versatile degree, I decided to study business at UNC Charlotte. My courses have taught me what it means to be a strong leader, to communicate effectively, and to efficiently run a business. I look forward to putting these skills and the knowledge I have gained into practice as I pursue a career.
What piece of advice would you give to an incoming female business student?
There are many times in class when I begin to raise my hand to share an opinion or thought then I second guess myself and sit quietly as the class discusses a topic. While I have become more confident in speaking up and sharing in class, this fear was a real hinderance to me during my first few years of college. I would advise any incoming female business students to be confident in their opinions and not be afraid to speak up - your thoughts are valid. Once I began speaking up, I found that my classes were much more beneficial because I was fully engaged. "During September of my freshman year, I began working for the External Relations team in the Belk College of Business. I held this role for two years and in that time frame I had the opportunity to help market graduate programs, create a style guide, assist with a variety of events, and do various other projects pertaining to marketing. I am currently a Peer Advisor in the Niblock Student Center. Working for the Belk College has provided me with many opportunities to meet the staff of the college and see how my school is run. I have learned an incredible amount about working in higher education, marketing, and student relations.
What different resources, organizations and events on campus helped shape you as a business student?
UNC Charlotte has a plethora of resources to assist students. I frequent the Writing Resources Center to improve my writing skills and I have utilized some tutoring services. The university also has an abundance of student organizations that you are able to join. In my time at UNCC, I began a club called IntersectionsUNCC where we bring in speakers to talk about how they integrate their faith into their career. Impact Charlotte is the campus ministry that I attend and hold a leadership role in. Impact has been my steady community throughout college and although it is not a business-specific organization, my leadership role within the community has allowed me to grow as a leader, plan events, and learn what it takes to run an organization.