A native of Manalapan, N.J., Laila Potosky is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a business analytics and management information systems double major.
Potosky was nominated for this series by Assistant Professor of MIS, Advisor – MIS Undergrad Edward Hartono, who called Laila an “outstanding student.”
In this profile, Potosky 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?
Potosky: Since my first semester at UD, I’ve grown into a more confident and independent person. In the beginning, I was hesitant to speak up, ask questions, or advocate for myself – but that quickly changed. By meeting new people, exploring different opportunities, and consistently pushing myself outside my comfort zone, I was able to take on roles that once felt out of reach. I became a teaching assistant, joined a club committee, and served as an ambassador for the business school – things I never thought I would do when I first started at UD.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Potosky: One big challenge I faced during college was learning how to manage my time. During my freshman year, I struggled a lot with procrastination, which sometimes led to missed assignments or rushing to get things done last minute. Since then, I’ve made a real effort to stay on top of my work and not wait until the last minute. Now, I usually try to get things done as early as I can, which has made a huge difference – especially during my internship, when I was working 20 hours a week while taking a full course load.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Potosky: One of my favorite UD experiences was becoming a Lerner Ambassador. It was such a rewarding opportunity to connect with prospective students and share what made UD feel like the right fit for me. I loved being able to talk about my personal journey – what drew me to the business school, the experiences I’ve had, and how much I’ve grown since my first year. It felt good knowing that something I said might help someone else feel more confident in their decision.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Potosky: My UD experience has been shaped by three incredible Lerner professors and staff members who truly made a difference in my college journey. First, my BUAD110 professor, Mike Eppehimer, gave me the opportunity to become his TA the following year, allowing me to help guide the incoming freshman class – an experience that taught me a lot about leadership and mentorship. Second, my advisor Edward Hartono supported me both academically and professionally by offering me a TA role in one of my favorite MIS classes. That opportunity actually inspired me to add MIS as a second major. Lastly, I’m grateful to Dr. Julia Bayuk, who recommended me to become a Lerner Ambassador. These three individuals opened doors for me, believed in me, and helped shape me into the person I am today.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Potosky: To me, being a “Lifelong Lerner” means always staying curious, open to growth, and connected to the values I’ve developed during my time at UD. It’s about continuing to learn – not just in the classroom, but through every opportunity, challenge, and experience I face. It also means staying part of the Lerner community, giving back when I can, and carrying the lessons I’ve learned here into the next chapters of my life.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Potosky: The advice I would give to incoming freshmen is to make your own path – don’t feel like you have to follow what everyone else is doing. Take risks and step outside of your comfort zone, because some of the most rewarding experiences come from doing things that feel unfamiliar at first. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, speak up, or advocate for yourself. College is a time to grow, explore, and figure out what truly matters to you – so make the most of it by being bold and staying true to yourself.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Potosky: After graduation, I’ll be working as a business intelligence analyst at MedPro Group, a medical malpractice insurance company. I’ve interned there for the past two years, so I’m really excited to officially join the team full-time and continue growing professionally. Looking ahead, I also plan to return to school in the next few years to pursue a master’s degree in data science and further expand my skills in the field.