Name: Amanda Bill
Current Employer: SCOR Reinsurance
Position: Leadership & Development Manager of the Americas
Graduation Year: 2019
Undergraduate Institution and Degree: UNC Charlotte, Finance and Economics (2017)
Favorite Place in Charlotte: This is a hard one. Bank of America Stadium because I love the Panthers. I also love Jerry Richardson Stadium on campus because it always reminds me of my freshman year when Charlotte played their first football game.
Hometown: Peoria, Illinois
Dream Job: Doing economic research for Oxfam, an international NGO (non-governmental organization). Oxfam does incredible research on income inequality and political capture, which are strong interests of mine. Plus, Oxfam's global reach gives plenty of opportunities for travel and creates an inclusive workplace environment.
What degree did you pursue and why?
I pursued a Master of Science in Economics with a Graduate Certificate in Applied Econometrics. At the undergraduate level, I had the privilege of participating in the Economics of Poverty study abroad program three times and saw how universally beneficial economics is to the world. Knowing how passionate I am about economics, I took advantage of the graduate program here at UNC Charlotte to develop and polish my skills as an economist.
Why did you choose the Belk College of Business over others?
I chose the Belk College of Business because I knew it would set me up for future success. I love how interconnected the College is with the city of Charlotte and its surrounding industries, and I knew that only great opportunities could come from that (and they did). Plus, UNC Charlotte’s campus blew me away, and it continues to blow me away today. From the beginning, I had that gut feeling this was home, which is why I chose to come back for my master's degree.
What activities were you involved in when not working/studying?
I was President of the Omicron Delta Epsilon Economics Honor Society and Alumni Ambassador for the Belk College Women in Business Initiative, so some of my free time was spent devoted to those responsibilities. I am a huge Charlotte 49ers and Carolina Panthers fan, so my Saturdays and Sundays usually consist of watching football. I also enjoy working out (boxing/kickboxing are my favorite), exploring local restaurants, and traveling when I have free time.
What was the best part of your academic experience so far?
The best part of my academic experience was building relationships with my cohort and professors. Graduate school was a new challenge, so being able to share this experience with others has led to great memories. Something I was always excited about was the Economics of Poverty trip every Spring Break (which I've now gone on four times to Brazil, London, Dublin, Panama, Costa Rica, Portugal, and Morocco). Each year was impactful and re-energized my passion for traveling, equality and economics.
How would you describe the Belk College of Business to someone considering a master’s program?
The Belk College of Business will prepare you for success at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Graduate school is difficult, but the professors are always available for help and truly want nothing but the best for their students. You will be met with challenges that will prepare you for a career, and you will be given the support you need to get through these various obstacles. I don’t regret coming back to Charlotte for my master's degree, and I would do it exactly the same way if I had to do it over again.
