A native of Wilmington, Del., Ashrin Islam graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a finance major with a minor in management information systems.
Islam was nominated for this series by Lerner Career Services Assistant Director Minda Watson. In this profile, Islam shares her favorite UD memories, challenges she has overcome and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Islam: When I first started at the University of Delaware, I was still trying to figure out my goals and build confidence in myself academically and professionally. Over time, I became more involved, stepped outside of my comfort zone and learned how to balance leadership roles, internships, networking and academics.
Now, I feel much more confident in my abilities and career aspirations. My experiences at UD have helped me grow into a more independent, motivated and professional individual who is excited to continue learning and growing after graduation.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Islam: One of the biggest challenges I faced during college was balancing academics, internships, networking opportunities, leadership responsibilities and financial obligations all at once. In order to support myself financially, I often had to work many hours while still managing classes, projects and professional development opportunities. There were times when balancing everything felt overwhelming, especially during busy academic periods.
I overcame these challenges by strengthening my time management and organizational skills and learning how to prioritize my responsibilities effectively. I stayed motivated by reminding myself of my long-term goals and continued pushing myself to take advantage of opportunities that would help me grow professionally. These experiences taught me resilience, adaptability and the importance of hard work and perseverance.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Islam: One of my favorite experiences at UD was becoming involved with Lerner Career Services and participating in networking and professional development events throughout my time at the University of Delaware. Through these experiences, I was able to meet so many amazing students, alumni, faculty, staff members and places that supported and encouraged my growth both personally and professionally.
The connections I made through Lerner Career Services turned into lifelong friendships and meaningful relationships with people I still talk to regularly. Getting closer to the Lerner faculty and staff made the University feel much more than just a school; it became a community that felt like home and family. Those experiences helped shape my confidence, professional development and overall college journey in such a positive way.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Islam: Two staff members who had a major impact on my experience at the University of Delaware were Minda Watson and Jill Pante from Lerner Career Services. As my supervisors, they consistently supported and encouraged me throughout both my professional and personal growth during college. They guided me through networking opportunities, career development and building confidence in myself as I prepared for internships and future career opportunities.
They also supported me through personal challenges I faced during my time at the University of Delaware, which is something I will always remember. Their kindness, mentorship and encouragement had a tremendous impact on my overall experience at UD.
They created such a welcoming and supportive environment that made Lerner Career Services feel like a second home, and they played a huge role in helping me grow into the person and professional I am today.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Islam: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” means continuously seeking opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. It means staying curious, being open to new experiences and understanding that learning continues far beyond the classroom.
One of the biggest lessons I took away from being part of the Lerner College was the importance of networking. Whether it came from faculty, professors or guest speakers, I constantly heard the advice “network, network, network.” Because of that, I believe being a true Lerner student means building meaningful connections, learning from others and taking advantage of opportunities to grow.
To me, being a Lifelong Lerner also means using the knowledge and experiences gained at Lerner to continue developing skills, building relationships and making a positive impact throughout my career and community.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Islam: My advice to incoming students would be to step outside of their comfort zones and take advantage of every opportunity available to them. Attend networking events, join organizations, build relationships with professors and do not be afraid to ask questions or try something new.
College goes by very quickly, so it is important to enjoy the experience while also investing in your future. The connections and experiences you gain can have a lasting impact on both your personal and professional life.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Islam: Following graduation, I plan to continue pursuing opportunities in finance while expanding my knowledge in areas such as financial analysis, treasury and fintech. I am excited to begin my professional career and continue developing the skills I built during my time at UD.
I also hope to continue networking, learning from industry professionals and taking on new challenges that will help me grow both personally and professionally.