Karly Laughlin, a 2009 graduate of the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with a double major in accounting and finance, has built a career rooted in connection and leadership. A Delaware native, Laughlin leveraged Lerner’s strong ties to the local business community to secure internships that introduced her to the estate and trust industry and ultimately led her to Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs. Laughlin was recognized on Forbes’ 2025 Best-in-State CPAs list. Now a shareholder and director of the firm’s Estate & Trust Practice Group, Laughlin reflects on the mentors, coursework and relationships that shaped her professional journey and continue to guide her work today.
Lerner: Why did you decide to pursue your program at the Lerner College?
Laughlin: I grew up in Delaware and had always loved the beautiful campus. My mom was a Blue Hen and my parents met at the UD ice skating rink! The University’s business curriculum has an excellent reputation, which made it an easy decision to attend.
Lerner: What did you learn through this opportunity that you wouldn’t have learned anywhere else?
Laughlin: The power of connections! The Lerner College has very strong connections with local businesses and the community. Through that network, I found my first internship at a local trust company, which gave me my first exposure to working in the estate and trust industry. I then found my second internship with my current company, Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs, through the Lerner College network and I specialize in estate and trust accounting in my career. Looking back, it’s fun to think about the fact that I am now a shareholder of BLS, the firm that I interned with while at the University of Delaware, the firm that I became aware of through the Lerner network!
Lerner: Please share an example of a course or concept that you were able to apply directly to your life and/or career.
Laughlin: I use the knowledge that I learned in my accounting and finance classes every day. More surprisingly, however, is how I often use the skills that I learned outside of my major classes – such as economics, marketing, psychology, philosophy, and statistics. For example, as a small business owner and someone who often provides advice to other small business owners, it is imperative to understand economic principles such as supply & demand, opportunity costs, and the impact of governmental monetary & fiscal policies. I also took a class on public speaking that gave me phenomenal tips and now I present at national conferences with thousands of attendees!
Lerner: Describe an important connection you have made through your program (personal, professional, peers, mentors, professors, etc.)
Laughlin: The professors in the Lerner College did a terrific job of making a big university feel small. For example, I remember that I missed a class due to illness and Professor Geerts immediately reached out to me to make sure I got caught up. I also took several finance classes with Professor Sommer, who became a close lifelong mentor of mine. I had the opportunity to be a teaching assistant for him during my senior year, and he even attended my wedding 10 years later alongside the many other friends that I made at UD. I currently work at Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs, with many UD alumni, including three other UD 2008/2009 graduates with whom I shared classes, and I am lucky enough to be married to one of them!
Lerner: If you were to describe your classmates in one word, what would that be?
Laughlin: Ambitious. We graduated during the Great Recession, so the job market was very competitive. My classmates worked hard and built meaningful relationships throughout their years at the university, which helped them find successful jobs despite the economic environment at the time.
Lerner: How did you balance your career with your studies?
Laughlin: I find building a schedule in advance and sticking to it as much as possible to be the best way to manage my time. Studying for the CPA exam while working full-time was the ultimate balance of career and studies. UD helped prepare me for that undertaking by teaching me the study and time management skills that I needed to pass the tests.
Lerner: Fill in this sentence: “My program helped me become…”
Laughlin: My program helped me become a leader in my profession.
Lerner: What piece(s) of advice would you give to current UD students?
Laughlin: Build as many connections as possible through shared experiences.
Lerner: What are your professional plans or next steps for the future?
Laughlin: I hope to expand my trust and estate accounting team members at my firm so we can service a broader range. Hint, hint, UD students and alumni, I’m hiring!
Lerner: What piece(s) of advice do you have for fellow businesspeople?
Laughlin: Volunteer! Finding ways to use your skill sets to give back to the community is one of the most rewarding experiences that you’ll have.
Lerner: What does it mean to you to be a Lifelong Lerner?
Laughlin: To be able to provide the best services to your clients and be the best leader to your team, you must always be learning and adapting. It has helped me accomplish both my career and personal goals.
Lerner: Is there any additional information you would like to add?
Laughlin: Enjoy every moment of your time at the University of Delaware. It goes by too quickly! Don’t forget to network with your professors and career services. You never know if you will be introduced to your lifelong career!
Lerner: Share your social media handles if you would like us to share!