As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2025, Sivana Schulman, finance and global enterprise management double major from Queens, N.Y. has thoroughly demonstrated her excellence and dedication during her time at UD.
Schulman was nominated for this series by Assistant Professor of Finance Howland Redding and Assistant Professor of Finance Hamed Mahmudi, who said, “Sivana is an outstanding student who performed excellently in my class (FINC 413).”
Redding said, “I have taught Sivana for multiple semesters and she earns top scores on all exams, assignments and semester grades. She has perfect attendance and contributes in class discussions. Sivana is a pleasure to teach and have in class.”
In this profile, Schulman 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?
Schulman: One of the biggest ways I have changed since my first semester at UD is by developing confidence in myself and my leadership abilities. Being a new student on a large campus is not easy, but I am proud that I chose to step outside of my comfort zone and take advantage of the many opportunities available to me. It would have been easy to stay on the sidelines, but instead I joined a business fraternity, became an economics tutor, served as a Lerner Ambassador, and much more. Each of these experiences helped me grow into someone who feels confident and capable of achieving meaningful goals. While I give myself credit for putting in the effort, I would not have seen this much growth without the support of my family, friends, and professors.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Schulman: A challenge I faced during my time at UD was deciding on my second major. I entered as a freshman majoring in global enterprise management, but I knew I wanted to add something more technical to complement it. I was hesitant to choose finance due to some imposter syndrome – questioning whether I was capable enough, especially as a woman entering a field that is still male-dominated. After conversations with my advisors, I decided to move forward with finance, and it ended up being one of the best decisions of my college career.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Schulman: Studying abroad in Australia during the Winter 2025 session was an incredible experience. I took two hospitality courses, one in international cuisine and the other in beverage management. These classes were a refreshing change from my usual finance coursework, and taking them in Australia made the experience truly once-in-a-lifetime. One of my favorite memories from the trip was attending a performance at the Sydney Opera House. I am very grateful that the University of Delaware offers such a wide range of study abroad opportunities, and equally thankful to have had the chance to participate in one of them.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Schulman: There are two professors that come to mind when I think about my UD experience – Howland Redding and Hamed Mahmudi. Howland Redding has been an extremely influential professor throughout my college career. I took two of his classes – international finance and capital markets – both of which taught me a lot about the broader world of finance. However, what made the biggest impact is his passion for teaching and mentoring. He is always available to his students, flexible with scheduling, and most energized when the classroom is full of students asking questions. I have visited his office hours many times, both for exam prep and for career advice, and I am thankful for the time and support he has offered.
Another professor who made a lasting impression on me is Hamed Mahmudi. His class was my first experience applying finance concepts to real-world case studies. I appreciated the challenge and valued his guidance, not only in the course but also in navigating post-graduate plans. Like Professor Redding, he has a strong passion for teaching and is committed to ensuring finance students leave Lerner with a well-rounded education and the tools they need to succeed.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Schulman: To me, being a “Lifelong Lerner” means approaching every stage of life with a growth mindset. It is about staying open to new perspectives, continuously learning from experiences, and embracing challenges as opportunities for development. During my time at UD, I learned that education is not limited to the classroom. It also happens through networking and real-world experiences. Moving forward, I plan to stay curious, keep learning, and be an active member of the Blue Hen alumni network.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Schulman: My advice to incoming freshmen is to find a balance early on between academics and social life. College is a time for learning, both inside and outside of the classroom. Take advantage of opportunities such as joining clubs, participating in study abroad programs, and engaging with the campus community. At the same time, challenge yourself to be a high-performing student who builds meaningful connections with professors and peers. This may sound easier said than done, but with some intention and time management, it is absolutely possible. Finding this balance has been extremely rewarding for me, and I encourage all incoming students to strive for the same.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Schulman: Following graduation, I will be working as a risk & compliance consultant at Protiviti in Manhattan.