A native of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Sophia Sitnick graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as an economics and cognitive science double major.
Sitnick was nominated for this series by UD Assistant Professor of Economics Liz Bayley and Associate Professor of Economics Julie Butler.
Butler said, “Sophia took two of my ECON courses. In addition to her outstanding academic performance, she also served on the Executive Board of the Economics Club. She was one of the most driven, responsible, and enthusiastic student leaders in recent memory. I highly recommend her for recognition.”
In this profile Sitnick shares her favorite UD memories, how she overcame challenges, and her future plans.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Sitnick: One of the key aspects of my college experience that changed from my first semester at UD is my academic course of study. After taking Introduction to Microeconomics on a whim, I discovered I wanted to learn more about economics. As my interest grew, I added economics as my second major. I am fortunate that I will be graduating from UD this spring with dual degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Sitnick: One of the challenges I faced at the start of my college experience was finding ways to get involved on campus during the pandemic. Although it was a unique time to start college, joining Greek life provided me with an opportunity to make an impact on campus. Being involved with my chapter’s UDance efforts and fundraising for the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation allowed me to raise awareness and funds for a fantastic organization that supports children and families affected by childhood cancer. It has been very meaningful to participate in a program throughout college where I have built a friendship with our chapter’s B+ Hero and had the opportunity to watch her grow into a leader and role model for other kids.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Sitnick: My favorite signature UD experience was taking part in UD’s winter session study abroad program in Florence, Italy. Getting the chance to study abroad was a highlight of my UD experience. It provided me with the opportunity to complete a UD class during the extended winter break, explore multiple Italian cities, gain insight into Italian culture, and meet fellow UD students who would later become some of my good friends.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Sitnick: There are several members of the Lerner economics faculty who have been an important part of my success at UD. I can say with certainty that Professor Schubert had a big impact on my UD experience because it was his ECON101 and ECON103 classes that inspired me to become an economics major. I am also grateful to my advisor, Professor Bayley, who always made herself available to provide guidance about career paths and interesting courses. Her open door policy helped make UD feel like a much smaller school. I also enjoyed working alongside Professor Butler on the Blue Hen Economics Club (BHEC) Executive Board to plan events, recruit speakers for meetings, and run a successful weekly BHEC student-led tutoring program. Professor Butler generously provided me with many networking connections and career advice. I feel fortunate to have been her student and view her as a mentor who had a big impact on my UD experience.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Sitnick: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” means that learning is not limited to a classroom. After graduation, I will continue to seek out new formal and informal learning opportunities, and skill development, and make time for experiential learning. As a student, I benefited from the support and guidance of working with Deepak Tanna, my mentor in the Lerner Executive Mentoring Program. I am thankful for all his support and guidance and hope to return to UD in a few years to serve as a mentor for a UD Lerner student.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Sitnick: My advice to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience is to go outside of their comfort zone, try something new, and keep an open mind. When I started at UD, I could not have imagined that four years later I would graduate from UD with two undergraduate degrees, participate in a study abroad program, or work as a Lerner Ambassador for prospective students. There are so many ways to grow at UD. When presented with the chance to join a club, volunteer on campus, or apply for a job, challenge yourself to try something new. UD is full of opportunities that may lead you down a new and interesting path you may not have previously considered.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Sitnick: Following graduation, I will be working in Philadelphia as an underwriter in the Chubb Associate Program.