3 Ways Lerner Career Services Powers Grad Success

Grad students meeting together before class.

At the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, graduate students receive more than just an education; they gain access to resources that help launch meaningful, impactful careers. Here are three powerful ways Lerner Career Services supports graduate students every step of the way:

1. Personalized Coaching & Executive Mentoring

Every Lerner graduate student receives one-on-one coaching from career advisors who tailor strategies for résumé development, interview readiness, branding, and job search planning. These advisors also guide professional goal-setting and offer ongoing support.

Students also benefit from the Lerner Executive Mentoring Program, matching them with seasoned business leaders. This unique mentorship offers real-world perspective and boosts leadership confidence.

“Graduate students come to us with diverse experiences and goals,” said Jill Pante, director of Lerner Career Services. “Our role is to meet them where they are and provide the tools, support and connections they need to take the next step in their careers.”

2. Hands-On Career Development Programs

Lerner Career Services offers experiential programs and soft-skill training that bridge academic learning with career readiness:

  • Graduate Internship Program: Connects graduate students with leading employers in various industries to gain internship experiences and increase knowledge, skills and hireability.
  • Lerner Edge Connect: Students are carefully matched with alumni for a one-time, 30-minute micro-mentoring appointment. During this meeting, students can seek personalized guidance on a range of career-related topics, such as resume building, interviewing strategies, job and internship searches, salary negotiations, transitioning from college to career, choosing a major, and more.
  • Access to Handshake provides students with the ability to search thousands of jobs and internships, connect directly with employers and attend upcoming networking events.

These offerings equip students to confidently enter the job market—especially those transitioning industries or navigating U.S. career cultures.

Graduate alum James Holden, an MBA candidate and working attorney, shared: “Lerner Career Services has been a tremendous resource, with their expertise in branding and networking.”

3. Strong Employer Connections & Networking

Lerner’s career team cultivates invaluable relationships with employers in the Mid‑Atlantic and beyond—bringing career opportunities directly to students via:

  • On-campus and virtual recruiting events
  • Organized career treks take students to visit leading companies like Barclays, Sallie Mae, WSFS Bank, Chase, and others for behind-the-scenes insights and networking.
  • Alumni and mentoring events provide students with personalized resume feedback, professional insights, and meaningful opportunities to build their network.

These connections translate to results: 97% of Lerner graduate business alumni from the Class of 2024 were employed within six months, reporting an average $16,000 salary increase.

Your Next Step Starts Here

Through personalized career coaching, hands-on learning experiences, and community connections, Lerner Career Services empowers students to graduate not just with a degree, but with the skills, confidence and connections to succeed.

Learn more about how our career support empowers graduate students: lerner.udel.edu/career-services/graduate-mba

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