Students at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics have a diverse range of nearly 30 student-led groups on campus, offering students opportunities to connect, engage and grow in their personal and professional interests.
Brian Carbajal, Class of 2025 marketing and financial planning and wealth management double major, is the chairperson of the Lerner Student Advisory Board. Carbajal shared why he joined, and his goals for the future of this organization.
Lerner: When and why did you choose to join this student group?
Carbajal: I joined this Board during my fall freshman year when I was looking for leadership positions in the Lerner community. As someone with previous student council experience and with an interest in giving back to my school community, I found that LSAB was the most appealing opportunity.
Lerner: When and where does your student group meet and approximately how many members do you have?
Carbajal: We have approximately 15 students from various Lerner majors. We meet on a weekly basis as a Board to plan and brainstorm, with monthly meetings with Dean Yao and Deputy Dean Kline.
Lerner: What is the mission/goal of your student group?
Carbajal: The Lerner Student Advisory Board seeks to provide a liaison between undergraduate students and the Dean’s Office of Lerner, providing a platform for two-way discussions that fosters an environment of academic enrichment, extracurricular involvement, and improved satisfaction among Lerner students.
Lerner: What is your best memory or proudest moment from this student group?
Carbajal: My favorite memory from being a part of LSAB was leading the planning and execution of our annual Spring Fling. This is a staple event for our Board — an end-of-year celebration that brings together Lerner students and members of the greater UD community to enjoy the close of another great academic year. There is so much planning and logistics that go into planning this event, and I always feel so proud of the Board for turning the Spring Fling into something new and exciting year to year.
Lerner: What is unique about your student group?
Carbajal: The thing that makes LSAB so special is not only the unique leadership experience you can have as a representative of the business school student body, but you are also in direct conversations with administrative members and Dean Yao who are able to enact real change. Being able to sit in the same room with these individuals is in itself a way in which LSAB differentiates itself as not just an RSO or club, but a real initiative to include student voices in conversations pertaining to Lerner College.
Lerner: What are your goals for the future of your student group?
Carbajal: Some goals we have been working on for the group is to re-establish and re-center our DEI commitments. In planning events especially, we are always trying to consider inclusivity and diversity not only in the diversity of our thoughts, opinions, or academic backgrounds, but also trying to think about how we can highlight groups like Women in Business, NABA, and similar great organizations. By doing so, we hope to remain loyal to the basis of the Board’s creation — to help create an inclusive and welcoming community at Lerner and beyond.
Lerner: How has your student group helped you grow, personally or professionally?
Carbajal: LSAB has definitely made me more accountable for the way I use my time, but has also taught me the importance of knowing when to say “no” to avoid burnout. Having been on the Board for several years, I have quickly come to realize the importance of planning and proactiveness especially when developing events. Moreover, I have come to learn the importance of being responsive and professional in any and all communications (email, LinkedIn, etc.). Through the Board — and especially now as chairperson — I have had the pleasure to meet a wide array of individuals from Lerner College’s various departments, and I understand how crucial it is to maintain these connections.
Lerner: Does your group have any social media handles?
Carbajal: @udlsab on Instagram
Lerner: Does your group have a website?
Carbajal: https://sites.google.com/udel.edu/udlsab/home