By Mel Beasley, CSB Marketing Assistant with Eva James, Cameron School of Business B.S. BA -  Marketing Strategy Concentration '19

With an expected graduation year of 2019, Eva James takes her education seriously at the young age of 21. She is majoring in marketing strategy and minoring in digital arts and has maintained her mention on the Top 10 List for marketing concentrations for the last couple years. Though she keeps her eyes laser-focused on academic success, she knows how to relax with friends during her free time. She describes herself as a “happy-go-lucky” person who knows how to roll with the punches. When the stresses of everyday life get too overwhelming, Eva falls on her love of art for support by drawing sketches. We recently interviewed Eva about her experience at the business school.

How does it feel to be part of the Top 10? 

Eva James (EJ): I am grateful to have been a part of this program for almost two years now, and I am proud that my work ethic and desire to always do better and challenge myself academically is being acknowledged. It is a big accomplishment, and I sometimes forget to take the time to think about what it truly means.  

What got you interested in UNCW and your current concentration? 

EJ: I actually came into UNCW double majoring in communication and business administration. At the time, I wanted to be a journalist of some sort, but I had interests all over the place, so I was definitely indecisive. I have always liked the creative side of things like writing and the arts, but I also enjoyed problem-solving and using analytics and logic to tackle issues. I eventually decided that in terms of the future career path I wanted to take, concentrating in marketing strategy and minoring in digital arts would provide me with more leverage than double majoring. I ended up dropping my communication major and swapping it out for a digital arts minor towards the middle of my sophomore year. 

How has your experience been with the business program? 

EJ: My experience in the program so far has been good. It has given me a chance to network with professionals from growing companies. I have been able to make several strong contacts through this program. 

Where do you hope to see your career in the next 8 years? 

EJ: I hope to be working as a digital marketer for a company who values health, whether that be at a healthcare facility or a firm who acts as a supplier for a healthcare facility. Regardless, I want to help as many people as I can. I want to know that the work I do is impacting someone else’s life in a positive way. 

Have you done any internships? If so, tell us about that experience and how it has helped you grow. 

EJ: I have had two marketing internships, and I am currently working as a part-time marketing specialist at Medical Center Specialty Pharmacy. Each of these experiences gave me valuable knowledge that has helped me grow. My past internship was at a pharmaceutical company located in Wilmington called Alcami. That’s when I knew health was the direction I wanted to go into career-wise.  

My goal is to perform work that I truly enjoy and whose end result will benefit people. If anyone, I admire my dad’s work ethic and business strategies—he’s a small business owner.  

How do you plan to make an impact in the business world after graduation? 

EJ: I think those who think about consequences of actions before taking them are able to make executive decisions that help them work towards their end goal, while also helping others involved in the process along the way. I plan to make an impact by always being observant and not thinking narrowly or opportunistically. In terms of the business world, I think those are two behaviors you should adapt to be the most impactful. 

Is there any advice or thoughts you’d like to share to those interested in the program? 

EJ: I face the same challenges as every other college student. I’ve dealt with anxiety and stress from school, work, and trying to balance my personal life in between everything else going on. Never be afraid to challenge yourself. The only true way to grow is to step out of your comfort zone and push your limits. If it is something you truly want to accomplish just know you are capable—apply yourself and sout resources.