A native of Freeland, Md., Natalie Radebaugh graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a finance and financial planning & wealth management major and a trust management minor.
Radebaugh was nominated for this series by Associate Instructor of Finance Rich Jakotowicz and Adjunct Professor Phil Pyle. In this profile, Radebaugh shares her favorite UD memories, challenges she has overcome and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Radebaugh: Although it feels like my first semester was just yesterday, I feel as though I’ve gained a lifetime’s worth of knowledge and experience. Not only did I learn from my classes, but I developed both personally and professionally through my extracurricular involvements and internship experiences. As a freshman, I was in awe of the upperclassmen and everything they had accomplished during their four years at UD. I never thought I would have the opportunity to serve in similar roles and contribute to the community as they did. However, through my involvement in the Blue Hen Investment Club, Alpha Kappa Psi and the Financial Planning Center, I realized that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to!
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them
Radebaugh: One of the first challenges I faced was figuring out which career path was right for me. As a freshman, I didn’t truly understand what it meant to work in investment banking or private equity. I just knew those were considered the “dream jobs” for many finance majors. It wasn’t until I met Richard Jakotowicz (Advisor of the Blue Hen Investment Club), that I realized corporate finance might not be the path for me. Instead, he helped me discover my passion for helping individuals and families in the field of financial planning. I realized how much of a difference one person can make when helping others navigate important financial decisions. Thanks to the mentorship I received from Rich, along with other professors, mentors and peers, I am excited to pursue a career that I am passionate about and that I hope will make a positive impact on others!
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Radebaugh: Although it’s hard to choose just one, I’d have to say my favorite UD experience was studying abroad in Australia! I was lucky enough to go on the Winter 2025 hospitality trip, and it was an all-around incredible experience. From exploring new places and trying amazing food to meeting new people and learning about different cultures, it pushed me outside of my comfort zone and gave me memories and friendships I’ll always value. It was everything I could have hoped for and more!
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Radebaugh: Richard Jakotowicz has had a monumental impact on my college career. Not just as a professor, but as a mentor. Through BHIC, interning at his RIA and helping bring the new Financial Planning Center to life, I was fortunate enough to learn from him in many ways throughout my time at UD. He has provided endless guidance, wisdom and perspective that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and for that I am incredibly grateful!
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Radebaugh: To me, being a Lifelong Lerner means carrying the knowledge, experiences, lessons and values that I’ve acquired at UD forward throughout the rest of my life. Not just for myself, but to positively impact others as well. I think it means taking every experience as a chance to grow and continue learning. Through my time at UD, I’ve learned that growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, asking questions and embracing challenges. Being a Lifelong Lerner means understanding that learning does not end with graduation, but continues through the people, opportunities and experiences that shape us over time. I’m honored to have been nominated as a Lifelong Lerner, and I look forward to all that’s to come!
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Radebaugh: My best piece of advice is to say yes to everything. Join the club. Go on the study abroad trip. Apply to your dream internship. Go to that networking event. Whatever it may be, now is the time to take advantage of every single opportunity available to you! My college experience has been special in so many different ways, mainly because of the people I met through different involvements around campus. College is the time to learn what you do and don’t like, who your true friends are and what you’re passionate about. Make the most out of every single moment and enjoy it while it lasts!
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Radebaugh: Following graduation, I will be working full-time as an associate wealth planner at Corient Private Wealth in Wayne, Pa.!