A native of Glen Mills, Pa., Ryan Long is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as an operations management and marketing double major.
Long was nominated for this series by Assistant Professor of Operations Management Caroline Swift, who recognized him as a “high achieving senior, stellar student, and engaged citizen.”
In this profile, Long shared his favorite UD memories, how he has changed during his time at UD and his plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Long: Since I started at UD I have learned a great deal about resilience and perseverance. When I arrived I did not know what I was going to do next or even what I was doing at the moment, but UD taught me the value of sticking to a plan even when the future is uncertain. During my first year I ran a watch band business; although it did not last through college, that experience helped me secure the job I have today. I am proud of how far I have come since my first semester.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Long: One of the biggest challenges I faced was not knowing what I wanted to do next. When I arrived at UD I felt directionless, but the people I met and the classes I took helped me discover my interests. The coursework and experiences I gained were invaluable. I also started college during COVID, so I spent my first two semesters off campus. The transition to campus life in my sophomore year was difficult, yet the friends I made eased the adjustment.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Long: My favorite UD experience has been spending time with the friends I made on campus. I met some of my closest friends here and will always be grateful for them. I loved grabbing coffee on Main Street, tailgating on weekends, and exploring Newark with them. I also appreciate UD’s many outdoor spaces. Whether sitting on the Green, working outside Barnes & Noble, or walking at White Clay, I enjoyed countless memorable moments.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Long: Many professors have influenced me, but two stand out: Caroline Swift and Susan Murphy. I have taken three classes with Professor Murphy and always learned a great deal in her courses. Her teaching shapes how I think about business, and I have applied those skills to my jobs and projects. Professor Swift also taught me a lot, and the support she offered in my senior year was deeply appreciated. I could name many others, yet each has contributed to my growth as a student and as a person.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Long: To me, being a Lifelong Lerner means seeking knowledge long after graduation. I entered college thinking I knew a lot, yet I am leaving knowing far more and valuing the experiences I gained. Classes broadened my view of the world, and the people I met taught me lessons I use daily. I plan to carry this Lerner mindset into my career and perhaps into graduate school one day.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Long: Say yes to as many things as you can. You only have four years here so you should make every day count. Also imagine yourself four years from now and ask whether today’s choices will make you proud later. The future is uncertain, but consistently making decisions that tilt the odds in your favor helps things work out.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Long: I graduated in December and have since become full-time at People First, where I manage paid media. People First specializes in large scale influencer campaigns for social causes and brands, ranging from 10 to more than 250+ influencers. My role is to run ads that deliver those influencer videos to the right audiences at the right time.