Two-time alumna reflects on meaningful connections, unique perspectives at UNCG Bryan School

From earning alumna status twice over to her current role as the Director of Reporting and Insights at Arch MI, Jennifer Cannon (‘11, ‘22 MBA) has been forming meaningful connections at UNC Greensboro’s Bryan School of Business and Economics for more than a decade. 

Cannon’s networking efforts as an undergraduate led her to an internship with Arch MI in 2011, back when the company was known as United Guarantee. Her time as an intern propelled her to a full-time role and, eventually, helped fuel her desire to grow in her new position. This led Cannon back to the Bryan School – this time as a student in the UNCG MBA program.

“I wouldnt change my decision to get my MBA at the Bryan School for anything,” Cannon said. “I was able to do in person courses for a while, which I loved, and I was able to go to the networking events. Plus, they offer a 15-week semester program, and that works better for me.”

Cannon graduated from the UNCG MBA program in December 2022, but not without experiencing the best of both worlds in what the Bryan School has to offer. When she wasn’t carrying a stacked load of coursework, Capstone projects, and serving as vice president of the campus organization Spartan Women in Business (SWIB) – Cannon engaged with Bryan students as an employer, representing Arch MI at a Company Spotlight networking event this past September. 

Company Spotlights are hosted each week during the fall and spring semesters and are designed as a way for students to build relationships with employers and learn about job and internship opportunities. Cannon cites her unique role as an experienced business professional and a student as her motivation for connecting with Bryan School students during Arch MI’s most-recent Spotlight event. 

“It was cool because I was able to give personal advice to students, but they could also see what education at the Bryan School can bring if they believe in themselves,” Cannon said. 

Although Cannon is no longer a student at the Bryan School, she plans to continue her involvement with its students as an alumna and through her position at Arch MI. 

“These students have such a unique perspective,” Cannon said. “What they’re teaching now is so much different than what they taught even 10 years ago. These ties allow us to bring in the newest and freshest talent.”