Guest Blogger: Lanre Badmus, Cameron School of Business '19 (B.S. BA with a concentration in International Business)
Who am I?
As a north Jersey native, I always wanted to go to college out-of-state to experience something new. I heard about Cameron School of Business (CSB) through a recommendation and I liked what I had seen after researching—the quality of the academic programs, the high student graduation rate and the size of the university all appealed to me. I had never been to the Carolinas prior to coming to UNCW, but I decided to take the plunge by moving 500 miles away nonetheless. Of course, the fact that campus is close to the beach also helped my decision!
My B.S. BA concentration is in international business because I hope to travel for work, and I’ve always had an interest in global trade. So far, I have genuinely enjoyed my experience at CSB because of the programs and opportunities for résumé building that are available to students. One program that has helped me is the Cameron Executive Network, where I got paired with a mentor who has substantial business executive experience and is an expert in my chosen concentration. I believe the mentor-mentee relationships formed will help me secure a job and career stability in my post-graduate endeavors. I also landed a position writing for the Seahawk newspaper as a sports section staff writer, mainly covering the men's soccer and women's basketball teams—another example of valuable experience for my resume.
Additionally, I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to study abroad in spring 2018. Studying at Kedge Business School in Marseille, France broadened my horizons and opened my eyes to the world outside of the United States, and I gained an enriching experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Who inspires me?
I admire Gary Vaynerchuk because of all the obstacles that he has had overcome to achieve his success. Having immigrated from Belarus to the U.S. at the age of three, he fought hard to become who he is today. As the son of immigrant parents from Nigeria, I can totally relate to him. Like me, Gary is from New Jersey and has the same blunt, straightforward speech pattern as me.
Where will I go?
I hope to make an impact in the business world by first making an impact within my community and my company before diving into the MBA program a few years down the line. Afterward, I plan to either obtain a higher management position or start my own company.
What’s my advice?
Study hard and evaluate why you want to be a business major. If your main motivation is something shallow like making money, then your intentions need reevaluation. It’s important to love what you are studying and the work you’re doing. That being said, if you feel you can make a real difference in the world as a business undergrad, then you absolutely should pursue it.
