As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics Class of 2024, Giang (Maeve) Nguyen, finance and business analytics double major from Vietnam, has demonstrated remarkable determination and enthusiasm during her time at UD.
Nguyen was nominated for this series by Assistant Professor of Finance Hamed Mahmudi and Jared Sharpe.
Mahmudi said, “Giang is a superstar student. She has been a Eugene du Pont Memorial Scholar since August 2020. Giang has also been a member of the Blue Hen Investment Club at the University of Delaware since 2021. She is currently the sector head of the information technology sector at the investment club. Giang was also among the top five finalists in the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Academic Challenge in 2021. I had Giang in my FINC 413 class in Fall 2023. She performed outstandingly well in my class. She was ranked “first” among 77 students in my class (letter grade A). Given that she has double majored in finance and business analytics, her overall GPA of 3.97 is also indicative of her exceptional intellectual ability and work ethics. Due to her outstanding grades, Giang was awarded the Department of Accounting and MIS Outstanding Junior award in 2023 at the Lerner College of Business and Economics. I really enjoyed having Giang in my class and appreciated the enthusiasm, conscientiousness, dedication and curiosity she brings to her work. Giang is going to complete her master’s degree in finance at UD next year (4+1 program) and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in finance in the future.”
“Giang is an outstanding student. She excelled in my Machine Learning course as a junior, and is actively playing a critical role in her Business Analytics Capstone team. Giang is an excellent presenter and shows great skills as a programmer,” Sharpe said.
In this profile, Nguyen 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?
Nguyen: I’ve become much more proactive and independent compared to my first semester at UD. College life has taught me to stay true to myself, stay curious, and look out for any new opportunities.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Nguyen: One of the challenges I have faced during my college experience was the transition from familiar surroundings to college life. By joining student clubs like the Blue Hen Investment Club and Women in Business, as well as other social on-campus activities, I was able to adapt to the new environment, find my place at UD, and make new friends.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Nguyen: My favorite signature UD experience was the Blue Hen Investment Club as I was able to get hands-on experience managing an investment portfolio, while networking with UD alumni and other professionals in the field.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Nguyen: I had the pleasure of attending a finance class taught by Professor Hamed Mahmudi. Not only was he a great storyteller, making the lectures so much more interesting and engaging, but his dedication to mentorship and commitment to student success was beyond incredible. He always encouraged me to ask questions and stay curious, and I am grateful for the opportunities that he gave me throughout my academic journey at Lerner.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Nguyen: To me, being a Lifelong Lerner is to stay curious and open to new learning opportunities. It also means being a community member that is willing to welcome and lend a hand to other companions.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Nguyen: Always take advantage of available resources!
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Nguyen: I am attending the 4+1 finance program at Lerner.