Queens’ internship program gives you the chance to go pro – before graduation. Here are just a few of the companies and organizations where students have experienced the real world of work.

• Alexander Youth Network
• Bank of America
• Carolinas HealthCare System
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
• FOX Charlotte
• Habitat for Humanity
• Morgan Stanley
• Theatre Charlotte
• The Charlotte Bobcats
• The Charlotte Observer
• Wells Fargo

From Broadway shows at the Blumenthal to gallery crawls in the NoDa arts district, there are countless ways to satisfy your cravings for culture. Choose from opera, art, ballet, history, theatre, architecture and more.

You’d think 20 intercollegiate teams across 11 sports would give us enough athletic action, but our love of sports should never be underestimated. When we’re not cheering on the Royals, Queens students turn to the pros for competitive thrills.

• Carolina Panthers (NFL)
• Charlotte Bobcats (NBA)
• Charlotte Checkers (NHL affiliate – Carolina Hurricanes)
• Charlotte Eagles (USL – professional outdoor soccer)
• Charlotte Knights (AAA / MLB affiliate – Chicago White Sox)
• NASCAR Racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway
• Wells Fargo Championship (PGA Tour)

No matter what kind of music you’re into, Charlotte gets the gigs. See arena shows that rock. Hit your favorite coffeehouse for an acoustic set. Mix it up with concerts at outdoor amphitheaters or intimate local clubs.

Charlotte attracts the brightest minds in every field, from titans of industry to celebrated scientists, journalists and performers. But not everyone knows that you can meet many of these fascinating folks right here at Queens. Recent guest lecturers include Pulitzer Prize winners Thomas Friedman, Elizabeth Strout (Queens Professor of Creative Writing) and Jon Meacham, best-selling novelists Philippa Gregory and Kathryn Stockett, and CEOs from such corporations as Krispy Kreme, Lowe’s and Morgan Stanley.

Spring and fall, most days in Charlotte are sunny and around 75 degrees. No wonder Charlotte’s many greenways and parks are so popular, whether you favor a run after class or a weekend picnic. Add attractions like our beaches, mountains and the Catawba River Basin and you’ll see why North Carolina’s outdoors are especially great.

To fully experience Charlotte, you have to explore its neighborhoods. For business, culture and entertainment, start Uptown. Dilworth and its neighbor South End blend quaint residential streets with some of the trendiest shops, cafes and nightlife. Historic Myers Park (home to Queens University of Charlotte) is known for its breathtaking Southern estates and leafy green tree canopy. And NoDa, short for “North of Davidson Street,” is the main attraction for Charlotte’s creative crowd, with cutting-edge art, music and theater.

Want the hottest tickets in Charlotte, at a discount? Connection Charlotte brings Queens students the best in concerts, professional sports, cultural events and more – for less. Queens can connect you to:

• Panthers football games
• Exhibits at local museums
• Checkers hockey games
• Movie tickets
• Local concerts and festivals
• Theater productions
• And more …

Charlotte is home to more than 2,000 restaurants, so it helps to know where to start. Weekend brunch at Pike’s Soda Shop is a local tradition. For dinner and a movie, EpiCentre and SouthPark have it all – steaks, burgers, sushi, pizza, ice cream and more. Queens insiders are partial to spots like Bedder Bedder and Moore, the Penguin, Mac’s Speed Shop and Fuel Pizza (and that’s the short list).

Queens’ motto “Non ministrari, sed ministrare” translates as “Not to be served, but to serve.” That’s why giving back to our community is an essential part of the Queens experience – and it’s also a great way to meet new friends and neighbors. Our students volunteer in every part of Charlotte and are proud to serve organizations like these:

• Alexander Children’s Home
• Crisis Assistance Ministry
• Habitat for Humanity
• Humane Society
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Charlotte
• Metrolina AIDS Project
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
• Presbyterian Hospital
• Push America
• Room in the Inn
• Salvation Army
• Sharon Towers Retirement Home
• Special Olympics
• UNICEF
• Uptown Men’s Shelter