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Finding a Great Balance

With an Accounting and History double major, Philip Delano has found a great balance in his education. How is he using this background to teach English overseas, prepare for law school, and find a rewarding profession?

Philip Delano spent the summer in Slovakia, interning with a local church.About Me

Born and raised in Richmond, I did not travel far for college. Both of my parents graduated from William & Mary and I fostered an interest in the College from our family's annual Homecoming and football game visits.

I came to the College hoping to major in History, but I also wanted to explore business to gain a basic background in the subject. The determining factor in my decision to major instead of minor was the majors program's foundation semester, with introductions to each business discipline. I planned on majoring in Accounting because of the broad background that it gives you.

After the foundation semester, I also gained an interest in Finance from my class with Prof. Claire Rosenfeld and added a Finance concentration to my Individual Program of Study (IPS). I am now a double major in History and Accounting with a concentration in Finance. Whenever I introduce myself people comment on that odd combination, but it fits. I have found a great balance between my liberal arts education and the business school.

Outside of class, I enjoy being outdoors especially hiking, backpacking and playing sports. Additionally I love traveling and have developed a passion for photography. This summer I was lucky enough to combine most of these interests by interning with a church and missionary in northern Slovakia.

Philip Delano taught English to students in Slovakia.While teaching English I formed some great friendships with the kids. I also spent a lot of time outdoors hiking, playing sports and travelling to different places within Europe. It was unlike anything I've ever done before! Not only was it a great cultural and learning experience but it was a great chance to apply some of my business knowledge. It was interesting to see the continued transition to a capitalist economy and the growing variations in wealth distributions. I also got to ask several small business owners and entrepreneurs about their companies.

Impact & Engagement

I am active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) where I have led a small group Bible study the past two years. Weekly home cooked meals provided by local churches and an awesome worship experience each Sunday night is something I always look forward to. I've met some of my best friends at school through BCM and the fellowship we have. It's been a great spiritual anchor for deepening my faith while at William & Mary.

Philip photographs sports for the Flat Hat but also likes playing themI am also a sports photographer for the Flat Hat which has been a great experience, combining my love for sports with my love for photography. Photographing the games not only puts me closer to the action, but also always gets me much more excited about the game itself! Additionally I am a brother in Alpha Phi Omega (APO), the service fraternity on campus, and a member of the history honor society, Phi Alpha Theta.  Within the business school I am a member of the Finance Club, Foundation Semester student mentor and a member of Beta Sigma Gamma, the business honor society.

Highlights

Like everyone else I had a great foundation semester.  I really loved bonding with my team and the rest of our block.  Going through a whole semester and eleven credits with the same people is a unique and thoroughly rewarding experience.

This past semester I had one class that really added to my Mason school experience—Negotiation taught by Prof. William Stewart. Over the course of nine negotiations, I gained many personal insights and greater self-confidence. I definitely think that some of the lessons I gained from that class will benefit me in my future career, but what I liked the most was that the class covered a much broader spectrum than just business applications. It provided a great blend of academic as well as practical knowledge. Negotiations are everywhere and sound negotiating abilities are as much a life skill as a valuable business asset.

Philip Delano while traveling in Cancun.Next Steps

After graduation, I plan on going to law school. I hope to apply the business perspectives I have developed in my future law career. After law school I would like to find a rewarding job that fits both my educational background and interests, while at the same time challenging me and allowing me to help others on a daily basis. The business school has equipped me with an expanded look into the way businesses work and provided me with problem-solving skills which will prove beneficial in my career.