UConn Today – The School of Business has added four faculty members to its ranks, all with extensive classroom experience. The new professors include a trio of OPIM experts, who will be based in Stamford, and a former LEGO-company innovator who is joining the Marketing Department.
Marketing
Big Changes for Big Business as EU Human Rights Law Nears Enactment
UConn Today – The European Union will soon require thousands of large companies to actively look for and reduce human rights abuses and environmental damage in their supply chains. And although it’s an EU law, it will also cover foreign businesses – including American ones – that have operations in the region.
Many global corporations will soon have to police up and down their supply chains as EU human rights ‘due diligence’ law nears enactment
The Conversation – The European Union will soon require thousands of large companies to actively look for and reduce human rights abuses and environmental damage in their supply chains. And although it’s an EU law, it will also cover foreign businesses – including American ones – that have operations in the region.
The European Parliament approved a draft of the new rules in June 2023, and now EU member states and the European Commission will negotiate to finalize the law, which is expected to begin rolling out in phases a few years from now
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.
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.
Marketing Professor Bill Ryan is Honored with Undergrad Career Mentor Award
UConn Today – Marketing professor Bill Ryan has been selected as the recipient of the Student Nominated Undergraduate Faculty Career Mentor of the Year for the 2022-2023 academic year. The award is presented to an individual who has exceled as a career mentor.
Business Law Professor Robert Bird Honored for Impactful, Enduring Contributions to the Discipline
UConn Today – Business law professor Robert Bird has been awarded one of the highest honors in his field by his colleagues, who recognized him for outstanding research and professional contributions to the discipline.
Nine Named To Fulbright US Student Program For 2023-24
UConn Today – Nine UConn students have been selected as recipients of a grant through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for the 2023-24 academic year. The program provides grants for individually designed study and research projects or for English teaching assistantships around the world. Students meet, work, live with, and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences.
Alumna Melinda Brown Tells Class of 2023 to Make Great Plans, Know When to Pivot, Work in the Office Sometimes
UConn Today – Leave it to a fashion-industry titan to offer UConn business students some words of wisdom that will likely never go out of style.
Alumna Melinda Brown ’77 (BUS) ’85 MBA shared her business perspective based on 40 years working in global consumer products and luxury retail companies.
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!”.