Carol P. Lowe

What did you learn in the Belk College that best prepared you for your previous role as Senior Vice President & CFO of Sealed Air?

Learning the basics of GAAP was critical for my career in accounting and finance, but more importantly I learned the rewards of true teamwork and supporting one another.

 

Alumna
1987
Accounting
Carol P. Lowe is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at FLIR Systems, Inc. as of November 27, 2017. She graduated with her bachelor's degree in accounting in 1987. She was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award of the Belk College of Business in 2017.
Why did you choose UNC Charlotte?

UNC Charlotte has an excellent accounting program and is respected by the top public accounting firms. It was also close to home and therefore close to my then-boyfriend who became my husband. We will celebrate 29 years of marriage this October.

What was the best part of your Belk College experience?

The faculty truly invested themselves in the success of the business/accounting programs and the students themselves. My professors took a genuine interest in my progress and career goals. I felt like I was at a small private college with respect to the personal support while enjoying all the benefits of a large university.

What was your first job after graduation?

I joined EY as an auditor. Back then, they were Ernst & Whinney and the Big 8 still existed!

What are some of the characteristics that you would attribute to your career growth?

I thoroughly enjoy learning, identifying solutions and driving positive change. I am passionate about employee development and consider the opportunity to serve as a manager a privilege.

What has been a challenge you have overcome?

Work/life balance is a challenge for many of us. I have not overcome this challenge, but I have come to accept that we each must find the priorities that work for us individually, for our families and for our employers. What works for a colleague or a friend may not be the right answer for me.   

What advice do you have for current Belk College students?

Recognize that the UNC Charlotte professors are there to help you be successful; promote that you are at a world-class learning institution even if the rest of the world is just now waking up to what has been true for many years; take time to enjoy being a college student as you will miss these times.

Do you have anything else you would like to share about UNC Charlotte or the Belk College of Business?

To all the current students and future students: Each of you can contribute to the success of what will become your alma mater and your business school. Immerse yourself in learning while at the same time having a great college experience. Make yourself a contributor to the University and Belk College's strong academic standings. Share the story of all that is great about UNC Charlotte with your family, friends and colleagues.

To all the alumni: Take time to visit the campus and engage again if you have not already done so. We all have a lot to be proud of as UNC Charlotte graduates. We can help shape the reputation and legacy of our alma mater.

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