As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2025, Natalie Hirn, marketing major from York, Pa. has thoroughly demonstrated her excellence and dedication during her time at UD.
Hirn was nominated for this series by Academic Advisor Claire O’Neal. In this profile, Natalie shared 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?
Hirn: UD has genuinely pushed me to become the most confident version of myself I never thought possible! I came into college extremely shy, introverted, and hyper-focused on school, and basically knew no one from home coming to school here! Over the past 4 years, I have learned how to publicly speak confidently, break out of my comfort zone, and engage with incredible, diverse, and intelligent peers! The biggest change I have seen is my ability to balance various clubs, academics, and personal commitments to give myself a well-rounded college experience.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Hirn: The biggest challenge I faced during college was initially moving away from home as someone who never left their family before college! I truly believe that getting involved in some capacity with RSOs, club sports, major-focused organizations, or any special interest makes all of the difference. As soon as I joined a sorority, a million other doors opened for me not only on campus, but professionally and academically. Finding a group of people that share similar interests as you in college is so important and truly makes you feel at home on a campus of 20,000 students.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Hirn: I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad with the fashion department in Paris, France during the winter session of my junior year! This was hands-down the highlight of my college career – I got to live with an amazingly talented group of fashion students while interning at various brands during Paris Fashion Week. We had the opportunity to learn from various industry professionals, visit countless museums, visit iconic sights like Versailles, and experience what it means to be an international student! I highly recommend studying abroad for any student – it was truly life changing!
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Hirn: Claire O’Neal, my academic advisor, has been my absolute lifesaver throughout my college career. I originally came into school wanting to go on the pre-med track, and ended up switching my major at least 3 or 4 times before landing on marketing – and Claire was with me every step of the way! She always made time for me to talk through my feelings and ensured that I was on track for graduation by working her magic! I am so grateful to have had an advisor like Claire and I truly don’t know what I would have done without her! Matthew McGranaghan, my professor for advertising and media management, has hands-down been one of the greatest professors I have had throughout my time in Lerner. I distinctly remember on the first day of class, he memorized everyone in the classroom’s name! This truly stuck with me because I never had a professor show effort in this capacity to get to know their students. Professor McGranaghan is always talking to students before or after class, asking about their workload, post-grad plans, or life in general. He is so passionate and intelligent about the world of advertising and has truly made the class one of my favorites – I talk about it all of the time! I hope every student gets lucky enough to have a class with Professor McGranaghan!
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Hirn: Being a Lifelong Lerner means being intentional in my future endeavors to represent University of Delaware Lerner Business school well. I plan to become an active alumni, participating in various mentoring programs while also visiting and donating to the University. Throughout my career, I hope to leave a lasting impact on my coworkers representing how strong and well-prepared the University of Delaware made me through my work ethic, deep knowledge of the business industry, and commitment to excellence.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Hirn: My number one piece of advice for freshman is to get involved and build strong relationships off the bat. It can be incredibly daunting trying to join an organization freshman year, but it is even more daunting being a sophomore or junior trying to join these organizations! Although it is never too late to join organizations, there are incredible leadership opportunities and networking that comes along with being a loyal member of an organization. I promise that everyone feels the same nerves and uneasiness about joining organizations and reaching out, but the “awkwardness” goes away almost instantly. Say yes to every opportunity thrown your way and just know that there are countless doors waiting to be opened, but take the step toward them by putting yourself out there! Just GO FOR IT … the world is truly at your fingertips at UD!
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Hirn: After graduation, I have a full-time role with Abercrombie & Fitch as an assistant merchant at their global home office in Columbus, Ohio! I am moving in the fall and really looking forward to the new experiences lying ahead! In the meantime, I am moving back home to Bethany Beach, Del. and working at a new boutique called Brooklyn Boulevard in Rehoboth Beach as the customer service lead!