On Thursday, October 30, Catawba College students in the Phi Beta Lambda business club toured the city of Charlotte. The trip, sponsored by the Ralph Ketner School of Business, allowed for current members to build awareness of the largest city in North Carolina. It also provided information about the local businesses and possible networking opportunities available to graduates. The tour was led by producer, radio and television host, and Catawba graduate, Joey Popp who remains an integral part of the school serving on the advisory board for the business school as well as the Board of Trustees.
Phi Beta Lambda is the professional business group located on campus. Its goal is to increase their members’ competitive edge once they get into the workforce through sponsoring internships, networking with local businesses, and inviting experienced professionals to speak with the club. The Charlotte trip allowed for just that; students got to see many establishments such as the headquarters of the Bank of America, The Charlotte Observer, and one of the major NASCAR offices. Popp also informed the group of the ins and outs of the Charlotte life: where to go, what to eat, and what to do for fun.
Members learned about the historical aspects of Charlotte and its ties to Catawba College, discovering that the city’s center is located on top of a prominent Native American trading route used by the Catawba Tribe. Additionally, located in the center are large bronze statues signifying commerce, transportation, industry, and the future of Charlotte. Another piece of history the group was introduced to was the Carolina Theater that former Charlotte Governor, Pat McCrory attempted to save but unfortunately closed some years ago. The students also got to partake in the culture of the city seeing some of the notable art pieces such as the frescos by Benjamin F. Long located inside the Bank of America.
The trip served many purposes, the most important being to give students the opportunity to get a taste of what will be offered to them once they obtain their four-year degree: the understanding that getting to know people and creating connections that will help them in their careers is what will set them apart from other graduates. Phi Beta Lambda teaches not only how one goes about this but how to impress businesses, improve social skills, and prepare future professionals for the ever-changing world of business.
