Yahoo News – With $100 million budgeted for an overhaul of the XL Center set to start next year, consultants in the arena business say that Connecticut needs to spend big to just stay in the game as cities around the nation invest in major venues.
Author: Scott Slater III
Ask the Experts – 2023’s Best & Worst Places to Rent in America
Wallethub – We ask Kristin Haseney: What tips do you have for a person looking to get the best value in an apartment?
Go to the property and see it for yourself whenever possible. Pictures and videos are great, but an in-person visit or tour will let you get a feel for the amount of space and any amenities that come with it.
CCEI Research Team Publishes Report on Early-Stage Entrepreneur Needs
UConn Today – Communication skill development is what entrepreneurs who participate in university accelerators most need in the early stages of their growth.
That’s the finding of a team of researchers from UConn’s Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI), led by Associate Director of Entrepreneurial Communication and Research Rory McGloin, who is also an associate professor in both the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the School of Business.
Smart potty, toilet lift among innovative Connecticut products pitched at Hartford manufacturing event
Stamford Advocate – [Ming] Hui and four other entrepreneurs gave their elevator pitches to a panel of judges Monday at an event by FORGE Connecticut in Hartford. All had hopes of winning a $20,000 first prize and making connections to move their products forward.
Ask the Experts – Car insurance in Connecticut
Wallethub – We ask Kevin McEvoy:What does it say about car insurance companies that so many have celebrity endorsers?
Car insurance companies, as well as all insurance companies, need to find ways to differentiate themselves from competition. This is not an easy thing to accomplish when the product is not something consumers enjoy thinking about or purchasing. Plus, products can appear so similar.
Data Shows UConn Alums Rank Among High Earners in Accounting, Finance, Law
UConn Today – UConn is among the top 20 public universities nationwide in which alumni who built careers in accounting, finance, and law earn more than peers who graduated from other institutions, according to data compiled by an organization that researches employment trends.
Ask the Experts – Best Low Interest Credit Cards
Wallethub – We ask Robert Bird: Does the definition of a “low interest” credit card change over time?
A low-interest credit card has a lower-than-average annual percentage rate of interest for the credit used. Low is a relative term, and can change over time as market rates for interest also change. For example, the Federal Reserve occasionally increases its interest rate on the federal funds rate, which is the interest rate for interbank lending. An increase in that rate in turn may cause interest rates on credit cards to rise as well.
Five CT malls have been sold in recent years. Why is there so much change?
New Canaan Advertiser – Four of Connecticut’s 10 largest shopping malls have sold in the past four-and-half years and a fifth is likely to change hands after being auctioned off this past week.
The recent online auction of the Crystal Mall in Waterford was just the latest shift in ownership of malls around the state. The winning bid was $9.25 million and the listing on Crexi, the commercial real estate platform where the online auction occurred, says the mall has been “sold subject to seller approval,” although the listing does not identify the buyer.
Alumni Spotlight: Molly Cournoyer ’22
Molly Cournoyer graduated from the UConn School of Business in December 2022. During her time at UConn, Molly made sure to focus on both her physical and mental health to ensure success in starting her career. Molly explained, “I think in today’s world being able to work from home can get in the way of work life balance as you can just hop on your device to answer a few emails. By choosing to prioritize my health while in school I became a better student and now a more successful employee.”
Molly is currently working as a Sales Representative for Pure Barre. The company’s focus on health and wellness is what attracted her to the role. “The team is very focused on having a healthy mind and body for the clients, along with each other;” she continues, “The deciding factor for me was how I felt in the studio. I would say I’m a pretty intuitive person so when I felt at home as I walked into the studio I knew it was a good fit.”. For Molly, a typical day in her role is centered around strong customer service. She works to make sure members are getting what they are looking for out of their memberships, as well prospecting for new members. Her main objective is to get them into the studios and eventually into memberships that will work for their own routines and personal goals.
Molly recalls her favorite professional experience so far would be making so many connections with her professors while at UConn, especially those who are adjunct professors. “Having professors who are still in the field has been such a great opportunity for connections that will help in my professional life;” Molly stresses the importance of networking, “The connections you make can bring so many opportunities your way. Something that I’ve done to advance my career is keeping an active LinkedIn account and consistently growing my network.”. Molly’s advice to current undergraduate students is to be prepared for whatever comes your way. She notes that “When you are in an interview you are also interviewing that company. Be prepared, ask questions, and follow your gut instinct. Learn to be your best self. If a company is not going to accept you for who you are, and what you have to offer then there are bigger and better things coming your way!”.
Ish Panwar ’23, School of Business
UConn Today – In high school, Ish Panwar used her talents in public speaking and leadership to run a non-profit organization teaching those skills to young adults. That approach to life – simultaneously ambitious and concerned with helping others – served her well at UConn, where she forged connections with mentors, developed new skills, and discovered that, for such a big university, UConn has a close-knit, supportive field. After graduation, she heads off to New York City, to put her skills to use in the finance industry.