As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2025, Anna McShane, finance major with minors in economics and international business from Pittsburgh, Pa. has thoroughly demonstrated her excellence and dedication during her time at UD.
McShane was nominated for this series by Professor of Marketing, Area Head – Marketing Meryl Gardner, who called Anna an “extraordinary student.”
In this profile, McShane shares her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
McShane: As an out-of-state student entering my first semester at the University of Delaware, I was nervous and overwhelmed by the thought of stepping onto a campus filled with thousands of unfamiliar faces. Looking back, I know my freshman-year self wouldn’t recognize the outgoing, involved, and confident person I’ve grown into today. I owe this transformation to the supportive environment UD provided to me. The University offered the resources and encouragement that empowered me to step out of my comfort zone every day. From engaging in diverse experiences to building connections across all majors, every moment played a part in shaping the success I’m proud of today.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
McShane: The University of Delaware, and specifically the Lerner College, places a strong emphasis on securing internships and participating in shadow programs to build experience and confidence before graduation. However, due to the competitive application process for these opportunities, I initially struggled to land interviews for many of the positions I was targeting. With guidance from Lerner Career Services, I refined my resume to better align with specific roles and shifted my focus from applying broadly to pursuing high-quality, targeted opportunities. This strategic approach led to my acceptance and participation into two prestigious programs as a finance major: Stifel’s Public Finance Bridge Program and BNY’s Global Finance Internship Program.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
McShane: As a member of the World Scholars Program, my two semesters abroad were the highlight of my undergraduate experience. Studying in Rome and London not only allowed me to immerse myself in new cultures, but also helped me grow personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to meet and connect with students from across UD as well as from other universities around the world, expanding my network and deepening my understanding of diverse perspectives.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
McShane: Two Lerner professors who had a profound impact on my UD experience were Meryl Gardner and Howland Redding. Professor Gardner offered me the opportunity to serve as a teaching assistant for her introduction to marketing course, which significantly expanded my skill set. Through this role, I developed stronger professionalism, communication, and leadership abilities by engaging with students as their class resource. Professor Redding, whose interactive and engaging teaching style brings finance concepts to life, sparked my interest in real estate finance after being one of his students for two semesters. His classes not only deepened my understanding of the subject but also directly influenced my decision to focus on real estate finance during my summer internship at BNY.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
McShane: To me, being a Lifelong Lerner means continuing to grow, adapt, and stay curious long after graduation, both personally and professionally. It’s about carrying the values, experiences, and connections I gained at Lerner into every stage of my life. Whether it’s through global experiences like my study abroad semesters or staying connected with fellow Blue Hens, being a Lifelong Lerner means embracing every opportunity to learn, lead, and evolve.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
McShane: If I could give one piece of advice to an incoming freshman, it would be to get involved as early and as often as possible. It’s normal to feel hesitant about joining new clubs or programs, especially when stepping into unfamiliar territory, but pushing past that initial discomfort can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences in college. Being proactive not only helps you build connections and discover your interests, but it also opens doors to opportunities that can shape your personal and professional growth in ways you never expected.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
McShane: Following graduation, I will be starting a global finance analyst position at the Bank of New York Mellon!