Students at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics have a diverse range of nearly 30 student-led groups on campus, offering students opportunities to connect, engage and grow in their personal and professional interests.
Sanika Nawathe, Class of 2024 operations management, business analytics and management information systems triple major, is the president of the Women in Business club at Lerner College. Nawathe shared why she joined Women in Business, what makes this organization stand out and how to get involved!
Lerner: When and why did you choose to join this student group?
Nawathe: I joined Women in Business my freshman fall semester (Fall 2020) because I wanted to find a supportive community on campus for female identifying students where I could develop my professional skills and meet other students and professionals with similar values.
Lerner: When and where does your student group meet and approximately how many members do you have?
Nawathe: We meet 2-3 times a month for professional and social events on campus and we have over 400 members currently.
Lerner: What is the mission/goal of your student group?
Nawathe: Our goal is to empower and support women in every stage of their professional journey. Through mentorship, networking and skill development, we strive to empower our members with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in their endeavors.
Lerner: What is your best memory or proudest moment from this student group?
Nawathe: My best memories have been planning events such as the Majors and Minors Informational Workshop Event for underclassmen and Speed Networking with the Lerner Career Center. It is amazing to see so many students come to events that you have thought of and spent so much time planning. These events in particular have become annual events and I hope to see them grow in the coming years.
Lerner: What is unique about your student group?
Nawathe: We have a great alumni network and accept all majors at UD to help students foster connections. Our alumni love to come back for events through the companies they work for to help current members develop professionally. It is important for all female identifying students on campus to find a place on campus where they feel as though they can develop professionally, no matter what industry they go into, which is why we like to partner with companies that have opportunities for all students and have events that teach skills that can be useful for anyone.
Lerner: What are your goals for the future of your student group?
Nawathe: We hope to continue increasing the number of members we have in our organization and get students from all backgrounds. We also hope to work with even more companies in the future, and maybe even some international ones.
Lerner: How has your student group helped you grow, personally or professionally?
Nawathe: Women in Business has given me the tools to succeed in the business industry both professionally and personally. I have learned skills such as how to improve my resume, what to do in an interview, and how to network, but I have also become more confident and a better leader. I have gotten to work with many faculty members throughout the University and even attend events such as the PA Women’s Conference.
Lerner: Does your group have any social media handles?
Instagram: @wibatud
LinkedIn: Women in Business at the University of Delaware
Lerner: Does your group have a website?