Building opportunity: Madison Lanier takes initiative toward success

How does a student build real opportunity in today’s world?

At East Carolina University, opportunity doesn’t just come from scrolling through jobs or circling them in the newspapers. In this generation, networking is essential for students to succeed in their aspirations. Madison Lanier, a second-year accounting and finance student, took matters into her own hands.

After attending the “Meet the Firms” event hosted by the ECU College of Business last fall, Lanier found herself in a room filled with possibilities. In one space, she had direct access to firms from across the East Coast.

Rather than simply collecting business cards, Lanier started a conversation with representatives from Katy LaBarbera, CPA. That conversation turned an email into an interview that then became a 2026 summer internship.

“This is why I am a big advocate for being active on campus, attending conferences and events, and taking advantage of all that is offered to us as students,” Lanier said.

What began as one intentional networking moment turned into a summer of opportunity; proof that being present and advocating for one’s own future can transform a single introduction into an experience.

Lainer said, “This internship will allow me to see a local firm firsthand and really learn to apply the things that I have learned in my classes in the real world.”

She has always been deeply involved in her hometown community of Greenville, watching the city grow and evolve over the years. Due to that connection, she believes interning at a firm in Washington, NC, will allow her to experience a similar close-knit atmosphere while gaining professional insight. Working with local clients, small businesses and everyday individuals, Lanier feels that starting at a specialized firm will help her fully understand the purpose and impact of a firm’s work before eventually exploring opportunities with larger accounting firms.

Furthermore, Lanier was selected to join the Johnson and Lambert Elite program. As a nationwide firm, Johnson and Lambert interviewed students from across the United States. Through this leadership program, she will gain valuable exposure to large-scale firm operations and develop the skills needed to confidently navigate the world of accounting at a national level.

“This opportunity will allow me to network with other students and learn from professionals,” Lanier said.

But all these opportunities and networking possibilities began somewhere. For Lanier, her business and accounting classes have helped her be aware of all the job and internship opportunities available.

 “My classes have not only prepared me academically for my future; professors have worked to teach real-world lessons as well,” she said.

Through mentorship, consistent communication about opportunities and a culture that prioritizes connection, the Honors College has created an environment where she feels that she is fully positioned to be in a leadership role. The faculty and staff advocate for Lanier and encourage her to apply to competitive programs to challenge students like her.

For Lanier, that support has translated into meaningful action. It has given her the confidence to network intentionally, pursue selective programs and step into leadership roles across campus. The Honors College has strengthened more than just her resume; it has strengthened her voice, empowering her to take initiative and advocate for herself.

“Here, I truly feel seen and cared for and not just another number. ECU and the Honors College have opened so many opportunities for me and prepared me academically and as a leader,” Lanier said.

Additionally, as a Business Scholar, Lanier has been able to network with other high-achieving students in similar fields. She feels that her greatest growth has come from the conversations and connections that come with the role. Surrounded by driven, goal-oriented peers, she is constantly exposed to new ideas, career paths and leadership styles.

Lanier said, “I also get to connect with College of Business staff and receive support and advice from them.”

Furthermore, as a Greek honor society member, Lanier feels that her academics and leadership skills are valued. She describes the connection to students as meaningful and comfortable to lead on campus in a variety of ways.

“I was also excited to be inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for the top 10% of undergraduate business students,” she said.

Lanier is also the Director of Finance for the Kappa Delta sorority on campus. By having the opportunity to see how budgets, billing and finances as a whole work for an organization, Lanier has been immersed in real-world experiences.

“Being involved in a Panhellenic sorority has given me many great memories, connections, experiences, and friendships,” Lanier said.

Additionally, Lanier also writes for the East Carolinian. After being an Honors College mentor and helping first-years get involved, Lanier herself wanted to be in the know and return to journalism.

“Although journalism alone does not explicitly relate to my majors of accounting and finance, it has taught me so much that I know it will help me in the workplace one day,” she said.

Learning from her experiences as a writer, she was able to interview Seth Hardee. As a Greenville local and leader himself, Lanier was influenced by his impact.

 “Writing this article really puts into perspective all that can be accomplished as an ECU student,” Lanier said. “We do not have to wait until after graduation to make our impact.”

To continue developing her leadership skills, Lanier remains actively involved in the ToolBox Leadership Academy. When she joined as a first-year student, she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. However, she quickly discovered that the program would not only challenge her to grow but also provide her with the opportunity to mentor students at Innovation Early College High School and teach them practical leadership skills.

“I have grown a lot as a leader over the past two years helping with this program,” Lanier said.

Through these experiences, Lanier has refined her understanding of what leadership truly means. For her, leadership is not defined by a position or title. Instead, it is about being a role model, setting an example, and helping others discover and use their voice. This perspective has shaped how she approaches every organization and opportunity she takes on.

Still, growth has not come without challenges. One of Lanier’s biggest lessons, from her first-year involvement with the Chancellor’s Student Leadership Academy, has been learning how to narrow her focus.

Lanier said, “I have had to learn how to focus on the things that are the most important to me and choose quality work over quantity of work involvement.”

By prioritizing meaningful engagement over simply filling her schedule, Lanier believes she has become a more intentional and effective leader. She describes herself as a well-rounded student and leader by balancing multiple forms of involvement on campus while also empowering students to navigate new environments, advocate for themselves, and step confidently into leadership roles of their own.

“I can truly say that ECU has helped me become the leader I am today,” Lanier said.

Ultimately, Lanier’s story is not just about internships, honor societies or leadership titles; it’s her initiative. From one conversation at “Meet the Firms” to competitive national programs, campus leadership roles, journalism, and mentorship, every opportunity began with a decision to show up, speak up, and step forward. Through the support of ECU’s College of Business, the Honors College, and the communities she has built, Lanier has transformed networking into impact. Her journey reflects a larger truth for ECU students: success is something that will not just happen on its own; it is built through perseverance, grit and connections.