A native of Dupont, Pa., Katie Wywoda graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a business analytics major with a concentration in finance.
Wywoda was nominated for this series by Professor of Marketing Meryl Gardner. In this profile, Wywoda shares her favorite UD experience, 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?
Wywoda: Since my first semester, I have changed in so many ways professionally, academically and personally. However, I would say the biggest way in which I have changed is my ability to learn from my mistakes and use them to guide my future actions. Whether it’s a job interview, an exam or an interpersonal interaction that doesn’t go perfectly, I have learned to build on my past to help me grow.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Wywoda: One of the main challenges I have faced throughout my collegiate career is the uphill battle of competition. By nature, I would consider myself a rather competitive person, and I would consider my biggest adversary to be myself. I have enjoyed growing into the student and person I am today, but it is not to say that I did not struggle to overcome my own criticism throughout the process.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Wywoda: My favorite signature UD experience, by far, was UDance. Having the chance to change the lives of so many families facing a tragic reality and work alongside some of the brightest, most motivated people I have ever met has been an entirely life-altering experience and has completely shaped my college career.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Wywoda: I have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible faculty in my time at Lerner, but one that stood out in particular is Professor Forough Pourhossein. She has exemplified not only amazing leadership and educational skills, but also what it means to be a global citizen. When she is not educating UD students, she leaves the country and teaches students in China. Her flexibility and personality have truly left an irrevocable mark on who I am and who I aspire to be.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Wywoda: To me, being a “Lifelong Lerner” is an incredible honor and a wonderful opportunity to stay involved in the community that has supported me and encouraged me to no end. I am beyond grateful to have been a part of this community as a student, and I look forward to giving back in any way I can as I progress in my career post-graduation.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Wywoda: I would encourage incoming students to take advantage of everything Lerner has to offer. This business school is unlike any other, and if you’re looking for a resource, 10 times out of 10, you’ll find exactly what you need to get yourself into the room you’d like to be in!
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Wywoda: This coming summer, I will be completing an internship with JPMorganChase as a Global Finance and Business Management.