A native of Hockessin, Del., Chloe Garcia graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with a bachelor’s of science in finance.
Garcia was nominated for this series by Academic Program Manager Carrie Baldwin. In this profile, Garcia 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?
Garcia: My first semester at UD, I dealt with a lot of anxiety and struggled to try new things. I was so focused solely on my academics that I didn’t understand the value of joining clubs and finding other communities on campus to enrich my college experience. Over my time as an undergrad and graduate student I have continuously surprised myself in trying new things even if I was scared. Joining and holding leadership positions in clubs like the Private Markets Club and Blue Hen Investment Club were such positive and confidence-building experiences that have made me so grateful for going out of my comfort zone as an underclassman. I have grown so much since I first stepped on campus and am so appreciative for what I’ve learned and how I can take that with me as I start the next chapter of my life post-grad.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Garcia: During my college experience I struggled a lot with imposter syndrome and time management. I have struggled a lot with comparing myself to my classmates and feeling not as smart, or like I may not be smart enough to be involved with certain clubs on campus. I am still working to overcome this but have made a lot of progress in not letting these obstacles control my life. I learned to separate my sense of self from my grades and accept that I should be proud of myself when I genuinely try my best and put forth my best effort. I also learned that saying yes to everything and overcommitting yourself can be just as bad as procrastinating and not getting anything done. I’ve learned to be realistic with myself and what I can actually manage in my schedule and have worked to build in more personal time.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Garcia: My favorite signature UD experience was joining the Private Markets Club and Blue Hen Investment Club. I remember feeling so scared to apply to both, but now I couldn’t imagine my life having not joined them. It is hard to describe the personal growth and value of the opportunities both clubs have given me. The community of members and alumni of both clubs have also created such a motivating environment that has pushed me both academically and personally.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Garcia: Professor Jennifer McCloskey had an incredible impact on my UD experience. Professor McCloskey formerly ran the Trust Management Minor which was a huge part of my academic and professional careers. I am so grateful to have had such a knowledgeable and passionate professor who advocated for her students and truly wanted the best for every student she taught. I am so grateful for the incredible opportunities Professor McCloskey gave to students in the TMM to grow as people and professionals. Many of the classes in the Trust Management Minor challenged me greatly, but undoubtedly were what gave me confidence in my technical knowledge, public speaking skills and professionalism. Without Professor McCloskey and the TMM I would not have had three internships in the trust industry and would not have my full-time job offer.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Garcia: Being a Lifelong Lerner means staying connected to your roots at UD while remaining an inquisitive and hardworking product of Lerner. It is so important to continue to be intellectually curious even after college. Stay up to date with what is going on in the world, especially in finance and related fields, and take what you’ve learned to mentor others. Countless upperclassmen and alumni have guided and advised me throughout my time at UD; I am so appreciative of what those people have done for me and hope to do the same for students who come after me.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Garcia: I would urge incoming freshmen to go after what they want and not fear rejection. Do not wait until you feel perfectly prepared to join or apply for a club, take a class, apply for a job/internship, or anything else. The perfect time where you feel fully prepared won’t come before you miss out on a great opportunity to learn something, gain valuable experience or have fun. Feel confident in your abilities, work hard and be eager to learn, and don’t let rejection deter you. You can do anything you put your mind to!
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Garcia: After graduation, I will be joining Bank of America Private Bank in Wilmington, Del. to work as a wealth management analyst with U.S. Trust Company of Delaware. I am looking forward to joining the amazing team at USTDE and applying what I have learned from UD to my early career.