Chastin Bassingthwaighte

Name: Chastin Bassingthwaighte

Program (Full-Time, Part-Time): MBA, Full-Time

Concentration/Area of Emphasis: Energy

Current Employer Outside of the Belk College: None

Position: Graduate Assistant - Belk College of Business Office of Graduate Programs

Anticipated Graduation (Month & Year): May 2020

Undergraduate Institution and Degree: University of Pretoria (South Africa), Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Law

Favorite Place in Charlotte: 7th Street Market, BB&T Ballpark

Hometown: Windhoek, Namibia    

Dream Job: Remains to be seen. Ideally the drafting of financing agreements for energy projects. Alternatively a food taster for someone famous. 

LinkedIn Profile 

Alumna
2020
Master of Business Administration

What degree did you pursue and why?

I’m pursued an MBA with a concentration in energy. Previously, I was in practice as an attorney in Namibia. After working in several areas of the law, I worked on a number of renewable energy projects - including one of the largest in the country at the time. The work with Independent Power Producers, regulators, and financial institutions made me realize how significant the field of renewable energy is. My goal is to develop more skills in business, especially business as it relates to energy, to be able to continue to work and grow in the field. I also want to gain more insight and understanding about financing and the managing of finances within business in general.

Why did you choose the Belk College of Business over others (flexibility of courses, quality of program, etc.)?

What was most attractive to me about the Belk College of Business was the highly ranked MBA program - one of the few I found with an energy concentration - as well as the reasonable tuition. Those factors, together with the location of the classes in Uptown Charlotte, really made for an easy choice. The positive and meaningful interactions with all the staff I dealt with while applying with from far away made it even easier!

What activities are you involved in when not working/studying?

When not studying, I spend my time exploring Charlotte and its surroundings, and sampling as many of the food options as I can! I’ve relished the variety of cuisine and flavors, and am always on the hunt for something new to try. 

What has been the best part of your academic experience so far? 

I love the thrill of each new semester starting, with new classes and new faculty to be taught by. It seems every semester is better than the last! I’ve been especially impressed by the faculty. Their passion for their subjects is obvious, and it makes the learning experience enlightening and enjoyable. 

How would you describe the Belk College of Business to someone considering a master’s program?

Exceptional - The faculty are knowledgeable, experienced and relevant in their fields, and all the staff I’ve met are intentional in their approach to students and the continued growth and improvement of the Belk College of Business. Everything I’ve encountered about the Belk College of Business reflects the desire to do as much as possible to benefit the current and future students of the College. 

How valuable do you feel this degree will be to your career?

I believe this degree will be invaluable in my professional life, regardless of what I choose to pursue after graduation. I have already learned a great deal that enables me to better understand the functioning of businesses, and I believe this will serve me well in the future.