As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2022, Ursula Dzik, an accounting and finance double major from Newark, Delaware, has not had the typical student experience at UD due to the coronavirus pandemic. Dzik, and her entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered as students. Each installment of this series will profile an outstanding member of this class, showcasing their achievements, experiences at UD and what it means to be a Blue Hen.
Dzik was nominated for this series by UD Professor of Finance Laura Field, who said, “She is an outstanding student with a 3.95 GPA and she is really nice. I have had her for two courses and she is very engaged in her classes. She truly deserves being highlighted.”
In this profile, Dzik shared her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How have you grown from your freshman year at UD to now?
Dzik: One of the largest areas for growth for me was coming out of my shell and realizing I have a larger capacity than I thought. A capacity for taking on more roles, pursuing harder classes, sparking friendships with classmates, engaging with professors and packing my day with as much as possible. I think I went into freshman year with limitations and with the aid of advisors, professors and friends I now know that I never wanted an opportunity to learn or to have fun slip away.
Lerner: Were you involved in any extracurricular activities? If so, how did they shape your experience at UD?
Dzik: Some of the most valuable opportunities for me included being a Resident Assistant, a part of the Saint Thomas Moore Oratory and the Women in Finance Club. Each of these great experiences gave me such a sense of community. Being an RA gave me confidence and so many fun moments. Coming from a small, Catholic all-girls school, I was worried I would lose my roots, but the Oratory felt like home away from home. And joining the Women in Finance Club opened so many doors with employers and showed me the different forms that success comes in.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Dzik: Being a Lifelong Lerner means being a lifelong learner and teacher. I cannot count the times Lerner alumni offered to come back to campus to speak at our clubs and classes, get us in contact with employers or just share what life is like after college. Alumni have taught me so much about career paths and how they are continuously still learning about business even after leaving the classroom. And this, in turn, has inspired me to want to give back and talk about my own experiences the same way they have.
Lerner: What was the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Dzik: One of the most memorable classes was definitely Strategic Information Systems and Accounting. UD’s unique small class size allowed it to break the mold of regular lecture style classes and fostered discussion and creativity each session. Having a class where you actually get to apply what you have learned to a business dilemma is so useful. And my favorite element was how no one held back from participating and adding insight.
Lerner: What was your favorite UD experience?
Dzik: I think my favorite UD experience is the collection of incredible memories made from living on campus. Every day is a joy getting to walk around our beautiful campus, seeing others you know and just embracing the community. Warm days invite volleyball playing and studying on the green while cold days mean movie nights or board games.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Dzik: After graduation, I plan on working at EY in Philadelphia as an Audit Associate in their Financial Service Organizations (FSO). UD permitted my dual interests in finance and accounting to flourish making it difficult, yet feasible to attain. Now, I will get to utilize both passions next year. I am excited to work for a company that values its people and mission in the same way UD does.