This piece was contributed by Jenny Bingham, External Programs Coordinator within CSB.

At the Cameron School of Business, we understand the importance of real-world learning, participating in internships, and performing well both in and out of the classroom. Classwork and lectures provide the tools to understand business practices, theories, and strategies, but learning from people working in the world of business provides another lens for students.  Cameron’s Business Week is an excellent example of an immersive and dynamic learning platform that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. 

At this year’s 42nd annual Business Week, business professionals traveled from all over the country to speak and network with students.  The week kicked off Monday night with the Truist Capitalism Lecture Series. Dr. Joshua Hall, West Virigina University Dean of Business and Economics and Professor, delivered his lecture titled “Economic Freedom: Trade-Offs, Free Lunches or Something in Between.” 

Over the course of the next two days, 192 speakers walked through Cameron’s doors and provided insights into topics ranging from estate and gift tax to running your own animal hospital. 

Tuesday’s keynote speaker, BJ Losch, is president of Live Oak Bancshares and Live Oak Bank. His message titled “Crafting Your Mosaic” encouraged Cameron students to be intentional with all aspects of their lives and become the best they can be.  Losch explained what he called “formative moments” of his life.  Within one year of becoming the CFO at Wachovia, the housing bubble burst, making Wachovia’s worth plumet from $100 billion to $4 billion.  Losch stressed to students, “Adversity doesn’t build character, it exposes it.  Be the person you want to be in times of stress… in times of calm. Give it your all, all the time.”

On Wednesday students heard from keynote speaker Jenn Knuckles ‘10, Senior Manager for Campaign Measurement at Netflix. Knuckles highlighted the need for professionals to embrace change and how one company’s mistake can lead to a breakthrough for an entire industry. 

Other events during the week included:

• The Professional Services Career Fair, open to all business students
• The Cameron Alumni Mixer
• The Day of Service, hosted by Business Student Council in partnership with Good Shepard Center and Hoggard High School
• The Commercial Real Estate Women (Cape Fear Chapter) Mixer
• Cameron’s Sales Center Career Fair