A native of Wilmington, Del., William Chen graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with majors in finance and business analytics.
Chen was nominated for this series by assistant professor of management information systems Ed Hartono. In this profile, Chen shares his favorite UD experience, 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?
Chen: As a freshman, my first semester at UD was intimidating to say the least. Being naturally reserved, I was nervous about stepping out of my comfort zone and finding my place. However, the community I found within Lerner and the APIDA community was incredibly welcoming and quickly made me feel at home. Now, as a senior, I feel much more confident in myself and am truly grateful for all the friends and experiences I’ve gained over the past four years.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Chen: A challenge I faced during my college experience was adjusting to the structure of college itself. Compared to high school, college came with much less structure and a lot more free time. One of the biggest challenges for me was learning how to use my time efficiently and develop strong time management skills. As I became more involved on campus and within Lerner, I realized it was my own responsibility to plan my schedule wisely and stay disciplined. Over time, I learned to utilize tools such as Google Calendar and Notion to organize my schedule, map out my week and keep track of deadlines. Developing these habits helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Chen: My most memorable UD experience was joining the Blue Hen Investment Club (BHIC). I joined during the spring semester of my freshman year, and it was one of the best decisions I made during my college experience. Through BHIC, I gained a deeper understanding of the finance industry and developed valuable skills in equity valuation and financial analysis. Beyond the technical knowledge, the club connected me with driven peers and mentors that I can rely on.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Chen: Howland Redding and Edward Hartono are two of the many Lerner professors who made a big impact on my college experience. Both supported me throughout my academic journey and provided valuable guidance in professional settings as well. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship and support they provided during my time at UD.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Chen: Being a Lifelong Lerner means being someone who is actively involved in the Lerner College of Business and passionate about pursuing a career in business. I am honored to be recognized as one and am grateful for all the experiences and opportunities I have gained during my time here at UD.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Chen: To incoming students, I would advise them to get involved on campus as much as they can. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way and enjoy the four years as much as possible.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Chen: After graduation, I will be moving to Seattle, Wash. to join the Finance Career Foundation Program (FCFP) at Boeing as an analyst.