As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2020, Lauren Bambach from Springfield, Pennsylvania has not had the typical final semester or commencement at UD due to the coronavirus outbreak. She, and her entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered.
Bambach was nominated for this series by Director of the Lerner College Career Services Center Jill Gugino Panté who said, “Lauren is a respected leader across campus by students, faculty and staff. She spends countless hours (outside of her school work) helping students in Alpha Kappa Psi with their resume and communication skills. During her college tenure, she completed seven internships and externships in human resources and leadership which led to her full-time job offer as an HR analyst with BlackRock. Lauren is very kind and generous to others – a true servant leader.“
In this profile, Bambach, a management major with a concentration in HR and minors in international business studies and Spanish, shared her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Q: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Bambach: My priorities have definitely shifted – I came into college thinking I could easily get A’s and that school work was all that mattered. As a senior, especially through this pandemic, I realize that time with friends (and getting involved on campus to meet these friends) is so important and should be cherished.
Q: What is your favorite place at UD?
Bambach: Whenever I wanted to sit outside to do work and grab a latte, I would go to Little Goat. If I had time in between classes, I also loved going to Central Perk for a breakfast sandwich and a smoothie. One place I wish I knew about sooner was the Newark Reservoir which has become my favorite place to go with friends on a sunny day.
Q: What is the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Bambach: The most useful course I took at UD was either HOSP230, Executive Presentations, or BUAD420, Labor Relations. Both Professor Andrus-Baker and Professor Moffa have amazing work experience and professional wisdom to share. They always made class fun and taught me skills that will be extremely valuable in my first job after college.
Q: What was your favorite signature UD experience?
Bambach: My favorite experience at UD was my study abroad in Santiago, Chile. I did not know anyone on my trip but met lifelong friends who will definitely go back to visit with me in the future! I also joined Alpha Kappa Psi as a freshman which has truly shaped my college experience and set me up for success in the coming years. Not to mention, I made the best friends ever!
Q: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Bambach: Being a Lifelong Lerner to me means giving back. I see an abundance of Lerner alumni who come back to speak on panels or to help students get internships all the time. I want to be a resource for business students throughout my career whether it be sharing advice or serving as a mentor.
Q: What are your plans following graduation?
Bambach: I will be starting my first full-time job at BlackRock in Atlanta, Georgia as a human resources analyst.