As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2020, Amanda Piccione from Floral Park, New York has not had the typical final semester or commencement at UD due to the coronavirus outbreak. She, and her entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered.
Piccione was nominated for this series by UD assistant professor of management Nathan Bragaw, who said, “Amanda represents everything great about UD. She is smart, engaging, witty and globally minded, and at the same time humble and conscientious. Most important, she laughs, she laughs out loud, she laughs with others and sometimes, most importantly, she laughs at herself. Classes were better with Amanda present and when she was not there it was notable.“
In this profile, Piccione, a double major in international business studies and business management and a minor in Spanish, shared her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Q: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Piccione: During my first semester at UD I was unaware of all the opportunities the University has for its students. Reflecting back on my time at UD, I am grateful for the countless opportunities that I have been presented with. From leadership positions in my sorority and involvement in clubs and honor societies, UD has given me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and take on roles that allowed me to grow confident both as a student and a leader.
Q: What is your favorite place at UD?
Piccione: One of my favorite places at UD is the Lerner Atrium. It is the perfect study spot and in my opinion one of the most beautiful places on campus. I love to meet there with my peers to work on projects and to sit and relax between classes. My other favorite place on campus is UDairy. I love to go there with friends on the weekend and enjoy my favorite flavor of ice cream, green tea!
Q: What is the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Piccione: The most memorable course I took at Lerner was BUAD 441, Strategic Management, with Professor Nathan Bragaw. This course allowed me to combine all of the knowledge that I have gained throughout my years in the Lerner College. For this class, I completed a semester-long group project analyzing a company and I was very proud of our final result. Professor Bragaw made the class very interesting and I am grateful to have learned so much from him!
Q: What was your favorite signature UD experience?
Piccione: My favorite signature UD experience was studying abroad for a semester in Granada, Spain. The opportunity to study abroad was a once in a lifetime experience. While there I was able to put into daily practice all of the Spanish language knowledge I have gained from my courses. Experiencing a new culture for an extended period of time has heightened my passion for international travel and sparked my interest in pursuing a career in international business. This experience broadened my global perspective and appreciation for other cultures and lifestyles, which truly enriched my experience at UD and I returned to campus with lifelong friendships.
Q: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Piccione: To me, being a Lifelong Lerner means that I will have the opportunity to connect with and support members of the Lerner community in the future. The invaluable knowledge from my business courses and personal relationships with my professors and peers throughout the last four years have given me the confidence and professional demeanor to go out into the work environment and represent Lerner and UD.
Q: What are your plans following graduation?
Piccione: I am planning to teach English in Spain in the upcoming school year. I will be spending the next few months studying for the LSATs and preparing applications, with the hope of enrolling in law school in Fall of 2021. I am interested in practicing international law or labor and employment law in the future!