In this post, we talk with the amazing Janelle McLaughlin. Janelle is a proud alumni of University of North Carolina Wilmington. The four years she spent at UNC Wilmington has led to endless amounts of opportunities for her.
I hope you enjoy this nice chat I had with her!
How would you describe your overall experience at UNC WIlmington?
I think UNCW is a great school and has a lot to offer. Wilmington is a great college town, with beautiful beaches. I originally started out as an Elementary Ed major, but switched to Business and Marketing after a year. Best decision!
Why did you choose the school ?
I only applied to like 3 or 4 schools. It was a process of elimination. I also chose the most cost effective school out of my options. I’d been to UNCW’s campus before applying, and they had the majors I was interested in.
Jobs you had while a student at UNCW?
While a student, I worked for a bit as a part-time barista for Port City Java. I also worked for a couple years at the UNCW Rec Center as a challenge course facilitator. UNCW has a high ropes challenge course and zipline kind of hidden in the wooded area behind the tri-house dorms and upperclassmen housing. During the summers, I would go to Los Angeles for the summer and work at a summer camp.
Best coffee shops around?
My favorite is Sundays in Wrightsville Beach. Relaxed coffee shop on the second floor above a surf shop, with a view of the coast. My favorite stop after watching a sunrise on the beach. I also enjoyed stops by Port City Java. I worked as a barista at PCJ on Market Street for a year or so while I was a student.
Best place to eat around campus?
Islands is right by UNCW and a great place for tacos with friends. Frequently busy, but highly recommend. My favorite restaurant is actually located in Southport, NC right on the water. It is open seasonally March-October. Southport is an easy getaway to a smaller beach town.
What was your major and how is it impacting your life today?
I majored in Business Administration and Marketing Strategy with a minor in French Language. What I loved about my major and courses was that the content prepared me with a versatile set of skills. I like how many different career options this major could apply to. I currently work as a trip planner and I definitely apply skills learned through my time at UNCW.
What advice would you give to someone starting at UNCW?
Don’t feel like it’s too late to change your major! Study something that interests you or at leasts sets you up with a variety of skills. My main advice would be to get involved. Join clubs and attend community events. I volunteered every year for the Azalea Festival and cleaned up downtown. I made some friends each year and they give you a free t-shirt!
I tried out new clubs/organizations every year. Some of my favorites I didn’t join until my senior year…so it is never too late to try something new!
