A native of Haddonfield, N.J., Maddie Isner is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a marketing and operations management double major.
Isner was nominated for this series by Academic Advisor II Claire O’Neal.
In this profile, Isner 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?
Isner: From my first semester at UD to now, I have gained more confidence both professionally and personally. I’ve had many experiences at UD that have helped me develop leadership skills and shape the person I am today. I served as an officer on my sorority’s leadership team, became a Rho Gamma recruitment counselor, and worked part-time as a Blue Hen Ambassador. I am proud of my campus involvements because they have helped me build confidence that I will bring to my future career.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Isner: One of the biggest challenges that I faced during college was feeling overwhelmed, especially when adjusting to being on my own for the first time and handling a difficult course load. I overcame this by learning how to manage my time and blocking out time in the day to work on assignments and study. I regularly attended my professors’ office hours and often leaned on my friends and family for support. My proudest achievement is earning Dean’s List each semester and being recognized for my hard work.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Isner: My favorite signature UD experience was my study abroad trip to Australia and New Zealand. Studying abroad was something that I always wanted to do, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity. I got to experience the beauty of both countries and visit different companies to learn from successful business leaders. It was truly one of the most impactful parts of my college experience.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Isner: Professor Susan Murphy had a big impact on my UD experience by inspiring me to add operations management as a second major. Professor Murphy is knowledgeable about business and used her own experience as a business owner to teach class in BUAD306. Adding OM as a second major has helped me diversify my skill set and get internship opportunities. Now in my senior year, I am grateful to Professor Murphy for teaching skills that will be relevant to my future career. In BUAD448, I’ve had the opportunity to be a consultant for an executive client and help her launch her own business. Professor Murphy’s courses and mentorship have been invaluable to me during my time at UD.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Isner: Being a Lifelong Lerner means that I will continue to learn and grow after my time at UD. I want to seek out professional development opportunities in my career and challenge myself to learn new skills. My time at UD was transformative because I made the most of it by getting involved on campus, studying abroad, and adding a second major. As a Lifelong Lerner, I will continue to be curious and seek out personal growth opportunities in life.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Isner: The advice that I would give is that college is what you make of it. I had an amazing college experience by getting involved in multiple organizations, seeking out leadership opportunities, and making the most of my time inside and outside of the classroom. I challenged myself to grow by going outside of my comfort zone. I can confidently say that my years at UD were some of the best of my life, and I would advise incoming freshmen to keep an open mind, try new things, and enjoy every moment because four years go by so fast.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Isner: Following graduation I will be moving home to New Jersey and starting work as a management trainee with Enterprise Mobility.