A native of Newark, Del., Joseph Mezzatesta graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with an MBA in international business.
Mezzatesta was nominated for this series by Academic Program Coordinator Colleen Giesing and Professor of Marketing Michal Herzenstein. In this profile, Mezzatesta shares 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?
Mezzatesta: The biggest way I have changed is in my confidence as a leader and my ability to take on large projects at a high level. When I first entered the program, I was capable but still uncertain about balancing multiple responsibilities. Now, after managing graduate studies, full-time work, internships and creative projects, I have developed much more confidence in my discipline, communication skills and ability to follow through on ambitious goals.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Mezzatesta: The biggest challenge during this program was balancing full-time work while completing a full-time dual-degree graduate program. I knew going into the M.S./MBA program that it would be a major commitment. What helped me overcome those challenges was staying organized, maintaining a long-term mindset and making a commitment to myself to keep pushing forward even during stressful periods.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Mezzatesta: One of my most meaningful UD experiences was studying abroad in Volterra, Italy during Spring 2016 as an undergraduate student. It was my first time leaving the United States and it completely changed my perspective on the world and my future goals. That experience sparked my interest in international work, which led me to join the Peace Corps, teach overseas and now pursue research work as a Fulbright Scholar.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Mezzatesta: Kurt Norder had a major impact on my experience at UD. Through the Coverdell Fellowship internship with the Delaware Division of Libraries, he helped me build confidence as a leader while navigating the challenges of implementing digital literacy initiatives across Delaware libraries. This work expanded on projects I originally began as an AmeriCorps VISTA in 2023, and I am proud that these initiatives are still continuing today.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Mezzatesta: For me, being a “Lifelong Lerner” means to be open to growth, new experiences, and improving your skill set no matter where you are in life or your career. Some of the most valuable lessons I have learned came outside of traditional classrooms settings. It came through international experiences, public service and creative collaborations.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Mezzatesta: My best advice is to genuinely connect with your community and explore interests outside the classroom. It’s great to connect with classmates and professors, but find people involved in hobbies, organizations or industries that interest you. For me, connecting with the filmmaking community in the greater Delaware area eventually helped shape my career path, and many of those relationships continue today. You never know which experiences or connections may completely change your future.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Mezzatesta: Fortunately, I was awarded with a Fulbright Arts/Research grant in Cambodia which will begin in September. My focus will be to create a documentary that focuses on digital education efforts and the digital transformation in Cambodia. In this documentary, I will connect with community leaders and young adults entering their careers in this space.