by Doug Schmitt
BusinessSchools.com Staff Writer
September 27, 2006
Charlotte, NC, nicknamed the Queen City, was originally named after Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England. With a population of approximately 614,000, the city's location near the Atlantic Ocean and its culturally diverse atmosphere make it a hotbed for tourists. Charlotte's location combined with its growing economy makes the city very popular with Fortune 500 companies. Over the past decade, 77,000 jobs were created in the region. That growth continues today, creating even more opportunities for young people.
Employment and Internships
Charlotte has a booming business and financial economy. One of the largest employers in the region is Bank of America, the second largest bank in the United States. Other employers in Charlotte include Wachovia, Time Warner Cable, Family Dollar, and Duke Energy. These companies and countless others all provide opportunities to students and graduates via internships and employment.
Through 2012, the job outlook for business related professions in Charlotte is outstanding. Business operations specialists anticipate 3.77% additional jobs annually; general operations managers expect to have 2.88% more opportunities annually; human resources managers' opportunities anticipate an annual growth of 3.77%; and financial management opportunities will see the most growth with 4.07% annually. For all business and financial occupations there are 3.74% more jobs expected on an annual basis.
Education
Numerous educational opportunities wait for business students in Charlotte. One such opportunity is with the University of North Carolina – Charlotte's Belk College of Business. It offers students bachelor's and master's degree programs, featuring several areas of study including Accounting, Banking, Business Law, Economics, International Business, Marketing, and Operations in addition to others.
Other options include King's College, which offers degrees including many aspects of business including Accounting and Office Management. Additionally, Johnson & Wales University – Charlotte has a school of business offering associate and bachelor's degrees. Some areas of study include Advertising Communications, Business Administration Entrepreneurship, Financial Services Management, and Marketing Communications.
Financial Aid
Financial aid options for Boise business students include scholarships. One such example are the GlaxoSmithKline Opportunity Scholarships, which offer resident students up to $5,000 per year for up to four years. The National Black MBA Association – Charlotte Chapter offers scholarships of up to $15,000 to undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, grants and loans may be sought through filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
More information may be found at the College Foundation of North Carolina.
Summary
From the rapidly expanding economy to the numerous recreational activities to participate in, Charlotte is a city full of opportunity for business students. The large business and financial industry ensures numerous internship and job opportunities for students. These factors together make Charlotte a great place to study business.
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