Robert Straughn

Where are you from?

Pittsboro, N.C.

In your opinion, what are the 3 best things about UNC Charlotte?  

Job/Internship market

Athletics

Greek Life

Where is your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place on campus is the BB&T Reading Room in Friday. It is a great place to get work done between classes, or sit down and have a conversation with a group.

What is your favorite Charlotte restaurant?

The Kings Kitchen, a nonprofit restaurant aimed at providing leadership and life-skills training to help transform those once at risk and turn them into leaders in the Charlotte Community.

What is your favorite class that you have taken and why?

My favorite class I have taken at UNC Charlotte was Sports in America: Issues and Controversies. I enjoyed it because it allowed me to reminisce about my glory days playing sports, while also talking about issues that are plaguing today’s sports.

Tell us 3 random things about yourself.

I grew up on a cattle farm.

I started the Financial Management Association at UNC Charlotte with a couple friends of mine.

I bought a house at the age of 18.

Alumnus
2018
What undergraduate major(s) did you pursue and why?

I majored in Finance and Accounting. When I first started college, I knew that I wanted to do something in business. As I progressed in my classes, I fell in love with studying global markets specifically. After sitting down and diagnosing the 2008 market crash, I became especially interested in the rules and regulations that would have prevented this from happening, leading me to my major.

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

UNC Charlotte was not even on my radar until one of my best friends attended a year prior to me. He called me every other day asking if I decided on UNC Charlotte yet. Finally, after sitting down and weighing my options, I felt UNC Charlotte offered me great opportunities for success. The Business Honors Program seemed to be a perfect fit for me to help grow in the business field in and outside of the classroom.

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

While at UNC Charlotte, I WAS been involved not only on campus but in the community. On-campus, I started the Financial Management Association where I served as President for a year. Additionally, I served as the Alumni Chair and on the Judicial Board for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and was a mentor and member of the Business Honors Program. In the community, I was given the opportunity to visit low-income schools and teach about financial literacy, as well as volunteer at various philanthropic organizations in the greater Charlotte area.

What has been the best part of your academic experience so far?

By far the best part of my academic experience was the opportunity to meet and hear prominent business leaders through the CEO Speaker Series. I have had the opportunity to meet and hear the CEOs of BB&T, Lowe’s, Piedmont Natural Gas, and Premier.

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

I would describe the Belk College of Business as endless in opportunities to make a difference in your community, as well as in the business world. I have been very fortunate to have great professors that have thoroughly prepared me as well as my colleagues for the real world.

 

 

Robert Straughn graduated in May 2018 with a double major in Finance and Accounting and was a member of the Business Honors Program.