Austin Halbert

Where are you from?
Shelby, North Carolina

In your opinion, what are the 3 best things about UNC Charlotte?
1.    The people
2.    The diversity of extracurricular opportunities
3.    Access to the city of Charlotte

What was your favorite class at UNC Charlotte and why?
My favorite class was Economics of Poverty with Dr. Carol Stivender. This class blended my interest of economic systems and social issues, and the material covered provided a distinctly honest view of the current American economy.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
Belk College Reading Room - I spend far too much time there.

What is your favorite Charlotte restaurant?
Dressler’s at Metropolitan

Alumnus
2015
Management
Austin Halbert received his degree in 2015, majoring in Organizational Management with a minor in Economics. He was a member of the Business Honors Program in the Belk College of Business, and also a Levine Scholar of UNC Charlotte.
Why did you select your major and minor?

Through internships and other college experiences, I have developed an interest in both brand management and organizational change, so studying Organizational Management was an ideal way to wrap those two interests into a larger context. My study of Economics was fostered by an interest in understanding consumer concepts at a more macro or systematic level.

Why did you choose the Belk College of Business/UNC Charlotte?

I was really drawn to the growth that both UNC Charlotte and the city were experiencing. I came through the university at a time when new ideas were welcomed and ambitious goals were encouraged. The Belk College had some great programmatic offerings, particularly with the Business Honors Program, that allowed the chance to improve upon the structure of a typical business education.

What activities were you involved in when not working/studying?

I have been involved with Enactus (formerly Students in Free Enterprise) ever since joining the UNC Charlotte community. Enactus created opportunities for leadership development through its social entrepreneurship engagements and ultimately led to being connected with Unilever for two summer internships. I am also a member of the Business Honors Program and Levine Scholars Program, both of which afforded me invaluable growth opportunities.

What was one of the best parts of your academic experience?

Spending time abroad through the Global Business Semester was far and away the most thrilling component of my collegiate education. I was able to take courses at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus during an interesting time in the nation’s economic history. The program also involved visiting businesses across Europe, China, and India to understand global industry dynamics. I had never left the country before this, so it was a defining moment in experiential education.

How would you describe the Belk College of Business to someone who is thinking about applying?

The Belk College of Business provides a strong framework that allows students to build a personalized business education. To really capitalize on the Belk College experience, I recommend that students take advantage of its professional advancement programs and get involved with its student organizations.  

Did you receive a scholarship and how did it help?

I have been really fortunate to be a member of the Levine Scholars Program.  I also received funding from the Coca-Cola, Golden Leaf, and Ronald McDonald Foundations for supplemental educational experiences. While the Levine Scholars Program funding gave me the financial security that I needed to pursue postsecondary education, the experiences that the program offered were unparalleled in giving me the chance to craft a college experience that I could have never dreamed of before coming to UNC Charlotte.

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