More than 40 first year Business Fellows had the opportunity to have a conversation with recent graduates who joined them at Elon University Charlotte, the university’s campus in the city’s thriving South End neighborhood.
First-year Business Fellows met recently with nine graduates of Elon University to network in Charlotte while learning about career and life opportunities in North Carolina’s largest city.
“The experience certainly brought back some nostalgia,” said Meredith MacKenzie ’22 an investment banking analyst at Wells Fargo. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to get to know this cohort in a way that others did for me.”
Representing diverse majors within the business school, Fellows who traveled to Charlotte on February 7, 2024 said they found value in the candid discussions about the transition from academic life to the professional realm.
Fellows also said they were especially struck by the alumni’s openness about their day-to-day challenges and successes, which painted a realistic picture of what awaits them in their future careers.
“The most beneficial information I learned from the trip was that your career can be flexible with your major,” said Anna Maddox ’27, a marketing major from Nolensville, Tennessee. “You will be given the skills to help you in most any job under the umbrella of your major, so do not feel like you cannot move around in your career.”
Students said they appreciated learning about the practical aspects of various business roles, the importance of adaptability, and the benefits of a supportive network like the one Elon University offers.
And the graduates themselves said they noticed how well-prepared the Business Fellows in Elon University’s Class of 2027 already seem to be so early in their studies.
“They were an impressive group of individuals who are already well-spoken, confident, and passionate about their respective fields,” said Ellie Brown ’21, a senior communications consultant at LPL Financial.
Alumni who shared their experiences and insights included:
- Ellie Brown ’21, senior communications consultant at LPL Financial
- Arianna Shahin ’21, state & local tax senior associate at PwC
- Anna Terry ’23, digital marketing analyst at Pillar4 Media
- Meredith MacKenzie ’22, investment banking analyst at Wells Fargo
- Angel Gutierrez ’23, global risk analyst at Bank of America
- Gus Haglund ’23, CIB risk analyst at Wells Fargo
- Kendall Treco ’23, financial services risk management consultant at EY
- Davis Wilder ’23, liquidity risk management analyst at US Bank
- Will Davies ’23, financial services risk consultant at EY
“My four years at Elon helped me develop as a young professional,” said Anna Terry ’23 a digital marketing analyst at Pillar4 Media. “Getting to talk about my journey and offer advice is truly a full-circle moment.”