Welcome First Year Belk College MBA Orientation

Last weekend, The Westin Hotel in Uptown Charlotte hosted the Belk College of Business Graduate School’s orientation. The orientation held about 175 MACC, MBA, MS in Economics, & MS in Mathematical Finance students.

Belk College Orientation @ Westin Hotel

Dr. Kohut, Director of the MBA program, did an excellent job welcoming the group to the MBA Program and the UNC Charlotte's. Afterwards, we were assigned a group case analysis. *surprise* The room was divided into groups of four. Each group was assigned a scenario based on specific yet fictional ethical dilemmas involving UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business. Upon completion of the case, each group answered several follow up questions based on their readings to present to the class. I appreciated the fact that not only did we, the students, have the opportunity to discuss our interpretation of the various scenarios but also several faculty members were assigned scenarios to present their interpretations. This exercise was a good opportunity for us to network with each other and engage is various conversations. The culmination of the evening consisted of a reception yet another networking opportunity to connect with other new students in the various programs, faculty, and staff.

 Venture Challenge Course

For those students in MBAD 6100, we participated in a 2-day orientation in which the second half was a Venture Challenge Course on Saturday Afternoon. This brought back flashbacks (good of course) of my middle/high school years. (Begin Tangent ) Shortly after the beginning of each school term, each grade had a Ropes Course Day. On “Ropes Course” day the students were divided into smaller groups to participate in various low activities. Each activity’s goal was an opportunity for the new students to assimilate with the returning students. Senior year of course was the highlight because that was the year we were able to do the high activities. i.e. zipline. (Complete Tangent)

As you might guess the first activity at the Venture Course was Networking….We are in the Business school. :) During our walk to the course itself, we had the opportunity to network with 3 individuals. Upon reaching our destination, we were divided in groups in which we networked with 8 of our team members and then divided again to our final group.

In the midst of the heat, the group survived 4 activities that were unique in nature. Each activity required everyone’s cooperation and led back to the topic of business. I can honestly say that I had a GREAT group. Everyone in my group contributed, expressed his/her thoughts, and cooperated. (This is the ideal work environment!) We fought through 90+ degree weather, sweat, and miscellaneous bugs in order to accomplish our goals. Just like the tribes participating in an immunity challenge on Survivor . Overall, the two day orientation was a great welcome and beginning to Graduate School Life!

Good Luck to all MBA Candidates!!!