Where are you from?
Cary, N.C.
What high school did you attend?
Apex High School
In your opinion, what are the 3 best things about UNC Charlotte?
The proximity to uptown Charlotte.
The beautiful brick campus. The main entrance is my favorite part.
Our football team. Part of the reason I chose UNC Charlotte was because the team would have its inaugural season my freshman year. We are still in the growth phase, but the team adds an excellent atmosphere and increased school spirit to campus during football season.
Where is your favorite place on campus?
There are too many places to pick from, but I have a lot of memories at the SAC including organization events, basketball games, career fairs, and many more!
What is your favorite Charlotte restaurant?
Zablong. It’s a unique little pizza joint on Brevard Court in uptown. They serve delicious cook to order pizza (they even have a gluten free option!)
What was your favorite class that you have taken and why?
Operations Management. I was not expecting to particularly enjoy this class. It is interesting to learn about the logistics behind operating a business. If I had more time, I would add this as one of my majors.
Tell us 3 random things about yourself.
I was an Irish Dancer for 13 years before college.
I am the oldest of five. My brother also attends UNC Charlotte, and he is the manager on the Charlotte Men’s Basketball team. One of my sisters will be joining Niner Nation in the fall as a pre-nursing major!
Swimming is my preferred form of exercise.
Katie Sholtis is an incoming MACC student who graduated in May 2017 with undergraduate majors in Accounting and Finance as a member of the Business Honors Program.
What undergraduate major(s) did you pursue and why?
I chose to pursue Accounting and Finance. I never considered either major until I took Accounting I and II in my sophomore year. Since I did well in these classes, I continued to move forward with the double major. I have really enjoyed my accounting classes, and pursued both majors due to the endless opportunities for work after graduation.
Why did you choose the Belk College of Business/UNC Charlotte?
The moment I stepped on UNC Charlotte’s campus as a high school junior, I had a gut feeling that this is where I needed to come. In no small way did the beautiful campus contribute to this feeling. I wasn’t sure what my major would be, but I decided to enter as a pre-business major because I knew there were many opportunities within the college. When I was admitted to the Business Honors Program as a freshman, I knew I was there to stay. After four years, I have realized what a blessing it is to be a part of a business school that is just minutes from a major city.
What activities were you involved in when not working or studying?
For my first three years at UNC Charlotte, I participated in many organizations on campus including serving as a residence hall council president, serving as a Resident Advisor, joining Beta Alpha Psi, an accounting honors society, and serving in multiple roles on the executive board of the Business Honors Program. As a senior, it was important to me to savor free time in my last year as an undergraduate student. I served on the executive board of the Business Honors Program, but in my free time I have taken an interest in healthy living. I’m always looking for creative recipes and new ways to make my workouts more interesting. My friends might call me crazy for going gluten free and waking up at 6 am to run/workout, but to me it’s worth it!
What was the best part of your undergraduate experience?
By far, the best part of my academic experience has been being a part of the Business Honors Program. I joined my freshman year, and I instantly had a network of faculty and students who would be my support for the next four years. I always have a friend I can count on in my classes for extra help and group projects, and I have gotten to know some of the best faculty in the college of business because of my involvement in the program.
How would you describe the Belk College of Business to someone who is thinking about applying?
The Belk College of Business provides opportunities for students in every major. Because the city of Charlotte is so close to the university, the Belk College has established numerous meaningful relationships with a variety of businesses. No matter what your interests are, there will be an event you can attend or an organization you can join that will broaden your network and develop your professional skills.
Have you received financial aid or a scholarship?
I was extremely blessed to receive three scholarships from the university and the Belk College this year: I received the University Alumni Scholarship, the Belk College Alumni Scholarship, and the Jack T. Houge Memorial Scholarship this year. I have worked through school to come out with as little debt as possible. No matter the amount, receiving a scholarship provides tremendous relief, even if it covers books for the semester!
What are your plans after graduation?
I will complete an internship over the summer at Deloitte, a public accounting firm in Charlotte. I will then start graduate school at UNC Charlotte to obtain my Master of Accountancy degree and prepare for the CPA exam.