A native of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Carys Hulse graduated from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as an entrepreneurship major with an event management minor.
Hulse was nominated for this series by Adjunct Faculty Lea Asti. In this profile, Hulse shares her favorite UD memories, challenges she has overcome and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Hulse: Moving pretty far from home and barely knowing anyone coming to UD was a huge change, but I was excited for something new and pushed myself to really embrace it. Each year has helped me grow more confident in who I am both academically and personally. I’ve stepped into new roles and surrounded myself with people who have supported me and challenged me to grow. I’m leaving UD feeling ready for whatever comes next because of each new experience here.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Hulse: I think one of the biggest challenges for me has been the question of “what’s next?”. Pretty early on in your college career, you are exposed to job fairs, alumni speaking about internship opportunities and all sorts of similar things. For me, the decision of what comes next felt rushed at times, but I realized that all this exposure to the future was made to provide us with opportunities, and I didn’t have to force myself down a certain path just because of pressure. Seeing many of my classmates with jobs lined up early on made me question myself at times, but I know that following something I’m passionate about will fulfill me in ways a traditional path would not have been able to.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Hulse: Studying abroad in Sydney, Australia, during Winter 2025 was definitely my favorite experience at UD. Getting to take a bucket list trip along with some of my friends (and meeting new ones!) was an experience I’ll always cherish. We were immersed in the culture both in business settings and beyond. Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, watching a cricket match and being surrounded by kangaroos at a wildlife reserve were just a few activities that made my experience unforgettable.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Hulse: The first person that comes to mind is Maggie Nelson. She has acted as a mentor to me and has truly been like a big sister to me over the past four years. Through Horn Entrepreneurship, she embodies everything the program stands for – creativity, support, and genuine community. Her positive and infectious energy has helped to make Horn feel like home, and I will be forever grateful to know her.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Hulse: To me, being a “Lifelong Lerner” means continuing to grow and learn as a professional and as a person well beyond graduation. Learning doesn’t end with leaving UD, and I will continue to stay adaptable and eager to grow in my future.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming students to make the most out of their college experience?
Hulse: I would tell incoming students to jump at every opportunity that comes their way. College is one of the best times to step outside your norm, try new things and meet new people. Some of your most meaningful experiences will come from saying yes to things that feel a little outside your comfort zone, so don’t hold yourself back. “Do it afraid” is some of the best advice I heard here, and pushing yourself to try something new will be one of the most fulfilling parts of your time in college.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Hulse: Following graduation and some time at home, I plan to move to Australia early next year!