Cunanan Center helps COB students gain real-world insights

Twenty-four East Carolina University College of Business students recently traveled to Raleigh for a two-day professional development experience hosted by the Cunanan Center for Professional Success.

The trip provided opportunities for students to network with alumni, explore career paths and gain real-world insight into the business and technology industries. Students visited Brightly Software (Siemens), First Citizens Bank, UBS Financial Services, Lenovo, Aloft Raleigh-Durham Brier Creek and Sentinel Risk Advisors, where alumni shared lessons on leadership, perseverance and success.

“Great experience! Beautiful people with amazing stories and lessons to teach. I appreciate the networking opportunity given by the College of Business,” said Faith Dingle, a student in the School of Hospitality Leadership.

“These students learned about opportunities in various industries, asked thoughtful questions and showed true Pirate spirit. This is how we build leaders,” said Melissa Parks, Associate Director of the Cunanan Center for Professional Success.

The College of Business thanks all alumni and hosts, including Paul Whittington (’15), Jordan Kornegay, Brandie Fintchre, Emily Goldsmith (’13), Blake Caruso (’13), Quint Flores (’21), Joseph Mayancsik (’15), Makayla Horton (’22), Avery Thomas (’24), Sean Harris (’22), Ashley Utz (’07), Brian Hoggard (’01), Chris Babson (’92), Robert Daigle (’14) and Chandler Ward (’21, ’23).

Special appreciation also goes to longtime COB supporter Sanford Bailey (’64) and Rena Pappas for hosting dinner at Winston’s Grille.

Through experiences like these, COB students continue to grow as confident, connected Pirate leaders ready to make their mark in the business world.