As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2025, Iyanna Favors, finance and financial planning and wealth management double major from Camden, Del. has thoroughly demonstrated her excellence and dedication during her time at UD.
Favors was nominated for this series by Academic Program Manager Carrie Baldwin.
In this profile, Favors 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?
Favors: When I first arrived at UD, I was eager but still trying to figure out who I was and what I was truly capable of. Over the years, I’ve learned how to pave my own path and define success on my own terms. Taking risks, whether applying to competitive internships, stepping into leadership roles, or studying abroad, led to some of the most meaningful accomplishments of my life. I discovered strength in uncertainty and clarity through action. Today, I’m more confident in who I am and what I bring to the table. I’ve found my voice, my purpose, and I’m proud of the person UD has helped me become.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Favors: Balancing academics, leadership roles, recruiting, and personal well-being was one of the most demanding aspects of my college journey. Along the way, I had to learn how to build confidence in high-stake, unfamiliar environments. There were moments when it felt like there simply weren’t enough hours in the day. I had to master the art of prioritizing, learn to say no to things that didn’t align with my long-term goals, and make space for rest and reflection.
Stepping into leadership positions and navigating competitive recruiting processes often left me questioning if I was truly “ready” or “enough.” But I chose to move forward anyway, preparing relentlessly and trusting that discomfort was a signal of growth. Taking those leaps, even when I felt uncertain, led to some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I emerged more disciplined, more self-aware, and far more confident. I no longer wait for the perfect moment, I create it.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Favors: Two experiences stand out as defining parts of my time at UD: studying abroad in Paris and being a part of the Blue Hen Investment Club. Paris gave me a global perspective that enriched both my personal and professional life. Immersing myself in a new culture, practicing the language, and navigating unfamiliar spaces helped me become more adaptable and open-minded. On the other hand, the Blue Hen Investment Club gave me the space to grow as a leader and sharpen my financial skills through real-world investing. Both experiences challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and taught me the value of both cultural and financial literacy. They shaped who I am today and confirmed that taking bold steps can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Favors: Absolutely. Several Lerner faculty members, including those in the finance department, played a pivotal role in my development. They helped me solidify foundational and advanced financial concepts that I now use in my professional career. Their classes were consistently engaging, intellectually challenging, and rooted in real-world application. What stood out most was their genuine willingness to help. Whether through office hours, mentorship, or guidance on career paths, their support and dedication elevated my academic experience and helped shape me into the self-assured, career-ready individual I am today.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Favors: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” means approaching every stage of life with curiosity, humility, and a drive to grow. It means recognizing that education is not a phase, but a mindset. It’s not just about what I learned during my time at UD, but about taking those lessons and continuing to build on them throughout my career and life. Whether I’m navigating complex deals in my career or mentoring someone just starting out, I’ll always carry the mindset that there’s more to learn, more to give, and more to become. Lerner laid the foundation, but it’s up to me to keep evolving.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Favors: Be intentional. Use these four years to take chances, build relationships, and invest in yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or fail. Those moments often lead to the greatest growth. Find your community, but also explore beyond it. Seek internships, study abroad, join clubs, take up space, and put yourself in rooms where you might be the least experienced. Those rooms are often the most transformative moments in life. And remember, everyone’s path is different. Focus on building a story you’re proud of!
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Favors: After graduation, I will be joining Bank of America as a mergers & acquisitions investment banking analyst in New York City!