As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2021, Corey Gill, a master of science in finance candidate from Royersford, Pennsylvania has not had the typical final year or commencement at UD due to the coronavirus pandemic. Gill, and his entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered.
Gill was nominated for this series by UD Associate Professor of Finance Terry Campbell, who said, “Not only is Corey one of our best students academically, he is also very active in class participation. As the faculty director of the MSF program, I have had several faculty members comment on Corey’s academic excellence”
In this profile, Gill shared his favorite UD memories, how he has changed during his time at UD and his plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Gill: In terms familiar to finance students and faculty, what has changed the most about me since my first semester at UD to now has to be my risk aversion. When I first started at UD, I always felt a bit unsure of myself and I think this uncertainty and fear caused me to be miss out on opportunities because I lacked the confidence in myself to seize them. Now, I am still the first to admit that there is still so much left for me to learn, however, I believe in myself enough to know that I have the skills and tenacity to conquer the opportunities that come before me.
Lerner: What is your favorite place at UD?
Gill: I have two favorite places at UD. The first is the Green between class times when students are moving to get to where they need to be. The second is my house off-campus, especially when all of my roommates are home. These two places may not obviously go together, but to me they do – both the Green and my off-campus house involve people, my peers, teammates and friends. These two places, for me, epitomize my favorite part about the college experience – the human connection.
Lerner: What is the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Gill: The most memorable course I took at Lerner was FINC619, Financial Modeling & Valuation with John Stocker. I took this class over the winter session and, the summer before, I had an internship where I was a financial analyst at a Private Equity & Venture Capital firm outside of Philadelphia. When I was taking this class, all I could keep thinking to myself was “wow, I wish that I knew then what I know now.” It clicked for me that these were skills that I can see myself directly applying to my career in the future.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience?
Gill: I have been lucky to have had so many amazing experiences in my time at UD but my absolute favorite has to be the time I studied abroad in Paris, France. I am a finance major, however, I went on a fashion, art and photography trip to Paris over winter session. The classes were really interesting to me because they were so unlike those I have taken in my business education, but most of all making so many new and authentic friendships while living abroad in Paris was a truly magical experience.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Gill: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” truly does mean being a lifelong “learner.” There are really only two things that are constant in life – the fact that we are always learning and growing. Whether it be in work, or more generally in life, that is what being a “Lifelong Lerner” means.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Gill: This summer following my graduation from UD, I plan on taking some time to enjoy myself, hang with friends and family and travel. Eventually, I plan to use my education in finance by working in Private Equity, Venture Capital and Real Estate.