As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2025, Navleen Kaur, international business studies and marketing double major with minors in advertising and French from Edison, N.J. has thoroughly demonstrated her excellence and dedication during her time at UD.
Kaur was nominated for this series by Associate Director, Undergraduate Recruitment Jenifer Laird, Adjunct Faculty Ryan Sanders, and Professor of Marketing, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs Julia Bayuk.
Sanders said, “Navleen researched and wrote a peer-review-quality academic research study with me on learning outcomes for short-term study abroad programs. We are working on the conclusions now and hope to publish it next year!”
In this profile, Kaur 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?
Kaur: I am more confident and adaptable to change now. When I first came to college, I was scared I wasn’t going to be able to pass my classes, make friends and become a part of the UD community. These fears prevented me from stepping outside of my comfort zone and getting involved in organizations, club sports and volunteering efforts. With the guidance of my professors and family, I slowly began to participate in extracurricular activities. As a result, I started making friends and feeling a sense of belonging in the UD community. My confidence grew as my interpersonal and time management skills improved. Furthermore, studying abroad helped me become very adaptable to change. Each study abroad experience taught me the importance of open-mindedness and resiliency. I also learned more about myself, especially what I need to do to care for myself in an unfamiliar environment.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Kaur: Being away from my family was very difficult during my first year of college. I was very homesick my first semester and would go home every weekend. I spent my second semester of college abroad in Rome, Italy. The transition from going home every weekend to not seeing my family for four months was very tough. I overcame my homesickness by slowly stepping outside my comfort zone, exploring Rome and getting involved at John Cabot University. I planned solo adventures to museums on the weekends and regularly participated in trash cleanups in the Trastevere neighborhood. By the end of my stay in Rome, I was comfortably going on solo trips to Florence and other cities in Italy.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Kaur: My favorite signature experience at UD was studying abroad each year. This opportunity transformed me personally. I used to be very shy, reserved, and nervous about conversing with new people. However, studying abroad helped me gain confidence and embrace change. In Rome, I learned to be comfortable being by myself. In Martinique, I developed a meaningful relationship with my host mother, and we are still in touch today. While in the Asia Pacific, I adapted to a different workplace culture and sharpened my marketing skills. Finally, I led my research project in Paris, which taught me to navigate new situations and experiences confidently, competently, and flexibly.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Kaur: Professor Julia Bayuk, Dr. Jennifer Gregan, and Professor Ryan Sanders greatly impacted my experience at UD. Professor Bayuk encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and engage in organizations and activities that were interesting to me. Whenever I felt lost or uncertain about my future direction, she was always there to provide guidance. Dr. Jennifer Gregan was the best academic advisor I could ask for. With my double major, double minor, and aspirations for studying abroad, my schedule often felt like a complicated Rubik’s Cube. However, Dr. Gregan consistently created the best four-year plans to help me achieve my academic goals. Professor Ryan Sanders provided valuable insights and feedback as I researched whether short-term study abroad programs strengthen students’ critical thinking skills. He was also supportive in helping me organize my observations while I led my research project in Paris.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Kaur: Being a “Lifelong Learner” means striving to do your best and stepping outside your comfort zone. This has been a recurring theme for me throughout all four years. I have experienced the most growth when I participated in organizations and activities where I initially felt nervous. Each semester, I have made it a point to challenge myself in different ways. In some semesters, that challenge came from taking 18 credits, while in others, it involved working multiple jobs and engaging in various student-led organizations. Not only have I grown from these experiences, but I have also created lasting memories and formed wonderful friendships.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Kaur: I would encourage incoming first-year students to step outside their comfort zone and join any organization or activity that piques their interest. By joining RSOs, I was able to meet incredible individuals and form meaningful friendships. Participating in RSOs and other on-campus events and activities also helped me feel a sense of belonging in the UD community.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Kaur: Following graduation, I am excited to announce that I have accepted a full-time role as an analyst in the Chase Leadership Development Program at JPMorganChase.