Throughout the summer and 2025-26 school year, students in UD’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics are comprising the initial class of the Lerner Co-op Program, a new year-long work-based learning initiative launched with a grant from the Delaware Workforce Development Board.
The program is an exclusive one-year, paid internship/co-op opportunity designed for rising juniors and seniors enrolled in Lerner College to gain meaningful work experience, develop their professional network, and apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. All while earning credits toward their degree and receiving monetary compensation from their employers.
Rachel Hilferty, a junior operations management major, is serving as an assistant manager with Homestretch. In this Q&A, she details what she has learned and challenges she has faced in his role.
What made you want to apply for the Lerner Co-op Program?
Hilferty: I decided to apply to the Lerner Co-op program because I wanted to gain hands-on experience in my field before entering the real world. This specific program stood out to me because the University of Delaware helped connect me with employers and was able to be a connection. When simply applying to internships on Handshake, I am just a resume, but through the co-op program, I am a University of Delaware student with potential and connections.
How did you learn about the opportunity, and what was the application process like from a student’s perspective?
Hilferty: I learned about this opportunity during an information session in the spring. From there, once I found a specific job that stood out to me, I met individually with (Lerner Career Services Program Coordinator) Brandon White for more information. I heard from the employer the next day and we were able to schedule an interview. I met again with Mr. White and he was able to help me prepare for the interview.
What drew you to your specific co-op placement? Was it aligned with your major or career interests?
Hilferty: I am working for a company called Homestretch which provides home preparation services when someone is looking to sell their home. The position was advertised as project management which piqued my interest right away. Having project management intertwined with real estate stood out to me as the perfect opportunity that aligned with my goals.
Can you describe your co-op experience so far? What kind of projects or responsibilities have you taken on?
Hilferty: This is only my first week working for Homestretch but so far I have reached out to realtors to contribute to the business development side of the company. I have also attended consultations to take measurements of properties and learn about that process. In the future I will be attending discussions to inform more realtors about Homestretch, manage the social media page, and eventually handle projects of my own!
What have you learned on the job that you don’t think you could have picked up in a classroom?
Hilferty: Homestretch has helped show me what I am looking for in a future career. I like this specific program a lot because no day is the same, and that is what works for me. There will be a lot of days when I am going to properties or different stores to get things I need for a project, and that is what is best for me. I couldn’t have learned that in a classroom because hands-on experience is the only way to discover what work environment is best for me.
What are you most looking forward to in your position?
Hilferty: I am most looking forward to handling projects of my own and working one-on-one with the realtors and sellers to contribute as much as I can and make the biggest profit on their home.
What kind of support or mentorship have you received from your employer and from Lerner so far?
Hilferty: Brandon White has been a huge help through the hiring process and so far through my co-op. I could tell he was really rooting for me to get this opportunity and gave me every piece of advice he could to make sure I was prepared for the interview.
What advantages do you see for a long-term placement like this, compared to the traditional college internship?
Hilferty: I think doing a co-op through the University of Delaware is the best choice a student could make. The employers are very understanding of prior commitments and want to see you grow as much as possible. Working for a whole year for Homestretch has so many benefits. I have time to learn and grow with the company and potentially stay beyond the year if it is the right fit for me!
Have you had any previous business internships? If so, please list them.
Hilferty: No business experience, but I worked at the United States Attorney’s Office and the Delaware Department of Justice during the past two summers as an intern.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
Hilferty: I hope to gain as much experience as possible about all things business and grow my network in the business world. I will do this by going out of my comfort zone to reach out to people and work as hard as I can every day.
How do you think this experience will inform your future career goals/aspirations?
Hilferty: This experience will help me determine if project management is the right career path for me.
What would you tell other students who are considering applying for the co-op program?
Hilferty: Do it! There is no harm in trying and getting an opportunity like this will help you so much. If you do decide to do it, use your resources!!! Meet with Mr. White as much as possible because he is incredibly helpful throughout this process. Meet with the resume reviewers at the career services center prior to your interview to be sure you have the most professional resume possible! And lastly, be confident and proactive, and you are sure to make an impact!
How do you think this program reflects on Lerner’s commitment to career readiness and experiential learning?
Hilferty: This reinforces that the Lerner College goes above and beyond to help prepare students for graduation and a successful career after college.