Alex Binnie

University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School

“I’m the daughter of two former Tar Heels! I am curious, creative, thoughtful and ambitious.”

School: UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

Hometown: Greenwich, Connecticut

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a dual citizen, holding citizenship in the United States and the United Kingdom. My dad grew up in Bradford, England, and came to the U.S. at the age of 17 to attend the UNC undergraduate program.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Virginia, History

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Jones Lang LaSalle, Associate Project Manager based in New York

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Kenan-Flagler’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? 

The Leonard W. Wood Center for Real Estate Studies was a huge driver behind my decision to attend UNC Kenan-Flagler. I knew that I wanted to continue my career in real estate following my MBA education, and once I learned about the Wood Center I was hooked. The faculty, programming, and alumni are unmatched. I can’t wait to be a part of this concentration and community!

What has been your first impression of the Kenan-Flagler MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far? 

Speaking with UNC Kenan-Flagler students and alumni has been a wonderful experience. I felt welcomed into the community even before I decided to attend this program. I connected with alum Claire Shealy last year during my application process and not only did she provide helpful guidance, but also went out of her way to introduce me to UNC Kenan-Flagler faculty and students. I had many informative conversations thanks to her generosity, and I am so grateful to her and the other alumni I’ve spoken to.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Kenan-Flagler?

I am the most excited about joining Carolina Women in Business (CWIB). I was thrilled to learn about this organization, and I am so looking forward to working with fellow students as well as CWIB alumni. I was part of the Women in Business Network during my time with Jones Lang LaSalle, and I can’t wait to work with another group that focuses on empowering women in the workplace.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

Most recently, I was part of a team that is building Chase Sapphire Airport Lounges for JP Morgan Chase. In May we opened the first domestic site at Boston Logan International Airport, and this was my proudest career moment so far. The space turned out beautifully, and more importantly our client was incredibly pleased with our project management team’s focus and performance.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I fell in love with real estate during my four years at Jones Lang LaSalle, and I’m hoping to work in the real estate investments side of the business after graduation.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Kenan-Flagler’s MBA program?

My biggest piece of advice would be to really explore and refine your personal story. I found so much value in weaving together my previous experiences and using this narrative to explain why I wanted to attend a top MBA program such as UNC Kenan-Flagler’s.