A native of Westchester, N.Y., Emma Dolgin graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as an accounting and business analytics double major.
Dolgin was nominated for this series by Assistant Professor of MIS Edward Hartono. In this profile, Dolgin shares her favorite UD memories, advice for incoming students and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Dolgin: When reflecting on how I was in my first semester compared to how I am now, I can’t believe how much more confident I’ve become. As a first-semester freshman, I was very hesitant to start a conversation with someone new or go to club meetings. Now, just within my last couple of years here at UD, I’ve found myself actively seeking opportunities and saying yes to any that come my way. Throughout my time at UD, I’ve gotten to know my strengths and have become much more comfortable in my own skin.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Dolgin: As someone who is naturally more reserved, college was of course a difficult transition as it is for anyone. A challenge was finding my place and figuring out what I wanted to be involved in on campus. I figured that out just by attending student life events on campus during my freshman year, talking to my peers and pushing myself to try out various clubs. After dipping my toe in and with some time, I figured out what my main involvements would be and what I enjoyed spending my time doing.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Dolgin: My favorite UD experience has been being a part of the Women in Business RSO. This is where I’ve really been able to see myself grow from being a shy club member freshman year to now being an Executive Vice President. This club was such a great way to get involved, meet like-minded people and learn how to conduct myself in a business environment. I’ve been able to build all those skills and now have the confidence to pass that on to the executive board and club members. Having a community of women who are all there to help each other navigate being in business while at UD, but also while starting our careers, has made all the difference.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Dolgin: Yes, I had Professor Amanda Convery for Auditing, and she made a meaningful impact on my experience at UD. Not only was she an engaging and knowledgeable professor in the classroom, but she also became a mentor as I began navigating the CPA process. After taking her class in the fall, I started studying for the audit section of the CPA, and her teaching played a direct role in helping me feel prepared and ultimately succeed on that section. Beyond the classroom, Professor Convery has been extremely supportive and generous with her time. She has met with me to help map out a clear and realistic plan for completing the CPA exams, which made what can feel like an overwhelming process much more manageable. I truly appreciate all the advice and guidance she has given me along the way; it has been both reassuring and motivating. I’m very grateful for the role she has played in helping me take the next steps in my career.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Dolgin: To be a Lifelong Lerner means staying curious and eager to learn in everything you do. I think it’s so important to continue to build upon your knowledge, whether that be within your work life, or any hobbies you have. Being in college, your primary job is to learn, but that shouldn’t stop when you graduate; it just means you get to take the skills you developed and further them as you move through your life and career.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Dolgin: I’m sure this is said a lot, but I would say, “go for it.” “It” could be raising your hand in class, starting a conversation with a peer, going to a networking event, joining a club or applying for a job, but “go for it.” You will always get something out of the experience, whether that is figuring out something you never knew you were interested in or learning from a mistake. Both of those are inevitable and will also lead to you making so many connections and getting involved, which is how you get the most out of your college experience. College is the perfect time to try new things and figure out what you want to do with your career, but also what you enjoy doing outside of that. Everyone’s college experience is different, but it’s so worth taking those risks to find your path.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Dolgin: After graduation, I will be starting at KPMG as an audit associate in the Stamford, Conn. office. Until my start date in the fall, I will be pursuing my CPA and enjoying the summer with family and friends.