Sarah Mailloux graduated from the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics in 2018 with a master’s of science in international business, and then with her MBA in 2021. She currently resides in Douglassville, PA and works as a state director for the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC).
As an Outstanding Lifelong Learner, Mailloux reflected on how her experiences at Lerner College have shaped her career, highlighted some of her recent accomplishments, and emphasized the importance of embracing new challenges.
Lerner: Why did you decide to pursue your program at the Lerner College?
Mailloux: Having received my bachelor’s degree from UD, I knew the caliber of the programs at Lerner and the opportunities these degrees would offer me. The ability to take classes in specialty areas like international business and entrepreneurship were appealing to me as I determined my next career steps, and the business fundamentals were essential in building my leadership acumen.
Lerner: What did you learn through this opportunity that you wouldn’t have learned anywhere else?
Mailloux: The importance of networking and soft skills in the business world was well-learned in the MBA program. While understanding business technical terms and concepts might get you an interview, the grit, dedication, and communication skills will get you the job.
Lerner: Please share an example of a course or concept that you were able to apply directly to your life and/or career.
Mailloux: One of the classes I refer to constantly in my work is leadership and teams. It is important to understand your leadership style, but also the styles of your team members, as it takes all individuals operating cohesively to truly be successful in any endeavor. The learnings around communication, transparency, and change management continue to be hallmarks of my leadership style that my team appreciates the most.
Lerner: Describe an important connection you have made through your program (personal, professional, peers, mentors, professors, etc.)
Mailloux: I stay in touch with many of the professors from Lerner and have found their wisdom and experience incredibly helpful as I navigate different career opportunities.
Lerner: If you were to describe your classmates in one word, what would that be?
Mailloux: That word would be eager. I found that many classmates, whether they considered themselves to be strong academically or not, were eager to learn and to apply their newfound skills in the workplace.
Lerner: Fill in this sentence: “My program helped me become…”
Mailloux: My program helped me become confident. What I learned while in graduate school enabled me to show up in an interview, in meetings, and in other activities with a strong presence and steady calm that spoke volumes before I needed to say anything.
Lerner: What piece(s) of advice would you give to current UD students?
Mailloux: Take the classes that you think are hard. Gather the technical skills, but don’t lose sight of the importance of soft skills.
Lerner: What are your professional plans or next steps for the future?
Mailloux: As I take on the role of State/Executive Director for Pennsylvania SBDC, I aspire to lead the team with the 3 E-s of my leadership credo: empathy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Lerner: What piece(s) of advice do you have for fellow businesspeople?
Mailloux: In stressed or challenging situations, always be kind. Relationships are the backbone of business and you never know when a connection will be key for your next step. Also, you’ll be a better person for it!
Lerner: What does it mean to you to be a Lifelong Lerner?
Mailloux: Embrace new opportunities and take on challenges. Every experience has something you can learn from. Being a Lifelong Lerner is having this growth mindset.
Lerner: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Mailloux: Info from my recent promotion article: https://www.kutztown.edu/news-and-media/news-releases/july-2025/mailloux-named-director-of-pa-small-business-development-centers.html
Recent Awards: 40 under 40 through America’s SBDC and also 40 Under 40 through Delaware Business Times (2023), PASBDC “Game Changer” award and University of Delaware Alumni Leadership Award (2022).
Served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Delaware Lerner College of Business and received an MVP (Most Valuable Professor) Award in 2024 for teaching excellence.
Lerner: What are your social media handles?
Mailloux: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmai/