From minds to markets
When I first started my B.S. in Psychology at UNC Charlotte, I pictured a future filled with behavioral analysis, counseling, research papers and maybe a little reading minds (okay, I knew that last one wasn’t realistic, but it sounds cool). Fast forward to today, I am two semesters into my M.S. in Management (MSM) degree. Somehow in the past few months I’ve swapped out psychology theories and history for quantitative business analysis, economics, accounting and managing talent for strategic advantage.
Honestly, I’m loving every minute of this new direction. Sure, the transition from psychology to business might seem a little random and questionable but hear me out. The skills I gained in my psychology degree are perfect for the business world. Understanding people, what drives them and how they behave are at the core of both fields. Now I get to apply that knowledge in ways I never expected, and as an ambassador for the MSM program I get to share this unique perspective with prospective students. My cohort-mates and I are here to prove that you don’t need a traditional business background to make waves in the business world, especially in a working city like Charlotte, NC!
Reality Check: The Challenges of a Non-Traditional Path
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have moments where I felt completely lost. Trying to wrap my head around terms and topics like Porter’s Five Forces, ROI, EBITDA and all those financial and economic acronyms felt like trying to learn a foreign language; however, after some group studying and late-night crash courses, I am successfully moving along. Coming into class on the first day, I was not sure what to expect other than reading the syllabus and course content. It’s also been eye-opening to realize how much of this I can apply to real-world problems and the workforce. Sometimes, there’s this feeling that because I don’t have a traditional business background, I might not be a company’s first choice or option, but now I realize the knowledge and experience that I am gaining will be as valuable as my previous educational background. The faculty and staff of The Belk College of Business all work to provide us with every opportunity to become successful.
When Worlds Collide: Learning from a Diverse Cohort
My favorite thing about being in this MSM program is the diversity of backgrounds. The cohort comes from many different academic backgrounds such as engineering, computer science, graphic design, communications, animal science and more. It’s like a melting pot of skills and perspectives. We’re all tackling the same business problems, but the way we approach them is so different. It makes for some interesting discussions, and it’s a constant reminder that there’s no “right way” to enter the business world. We learn as much from each other as we do from the coursework, and honestly, that’s one of the most valuable aspects of this program. Being surrounded by people who think differently than I do pushes me to grow, adapt and see things from angles I wouldn’t have considered on my own.
Beyond the Books: Building a Network in Business School
Coming into the program, I realized that networking isn’t just about handing out business cards or adding people on LinkedIn. It’s about building genuine relationships that can shape your career and personal growth. The amazing part of a business graduate program is that you’re surrounded by future leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs. The person sitting next to you in class today might be a business partner or mentor tomorrow.
Let’s also not forget how important your professors and guest speakers are. They are experts in their fields, and they can connect you with entire networks of professionals. The connections I’ve made so far have already opened opportunities, collaborations and insights into industries I’d never considered as an undergraduate student. The Belk College of Business and UNC Charlotte provides us all these opportunities to achieve our goals!
Closing the Loop: My Reflections on the Business School Journey
As I take a step back and reflect on my journey so far, pursuing my M.S. in Management has been a huge positive change in every possible way. More than anything, it’s been about growth: personal, professional and everything in between. I’ve learned the technical business content, but what makes it all worth it is the growth, connections and confidence I’ve gained. This experience has shown me that you don’t need a traditional business degree to succeed in the field. Sometimes, the most unconventional paths lead to the most exciting journey. I’m so excited and grateful for what is to come this year, and proud to represent the Charlotte M.S. in Management program. Go Niners!