Ian Lidster '25 delves into how hands-on learning, diverse opportunities, and a supportive community made his UNH Paul College experience transformative.
Hooksett, NH
Business Administration: Finance and Marketing Major
Atkins Investment Group, Entrepreneurship Club, Marketing and Advertising Club, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Inner Fraternity Council
When I first toured UNH as a high school senior, I was completely blown away by Paul College. The opportunities here are incredible, from the FIRE program to various student organizations. There's no shortage of ways to get involved and grow.
Plus, the Paul College building itself is easily the best on campus – modern, filled with technology, and designed to foster collaboration.
What really sets UNH apart is the supportive community. The faculty and staff genuinely care about your success and are always there to help. UNH's focus on hands-on learning means you're not just studying business – you're doing it. And for in-state students like me, the quality of education you get at UNH is unbeatable for the price.
Coming to UNH, I knew I wanted to study business, but I wasn't sure exactly where my interests lay. That's where the beauty of Paul College shines through. By joining various clubs like the Entrepreneurship Club and Marketing and Advertising Club, I got to experience different aspects of business firsthand.
One of the turning points for me was taking an intro to marketing class with Professor Diane Devine. Her engaging teaching style made me fall in love with marketing and so much I added it as a second major. It's professors like her who truly make a difference in your college experience.
Challenging myself became a theme throughout my time at UNH. Applying to the prestigious Atkins Investment Group pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover my potential in finance. Through leadership roles in various organizations, I've grown from an unsure freshman to a confident senior ready to take on the business world.
What sets UNH apart is the perfect blend of opportunities and community. From managing real money in Atkins to brainstorming startup ideas in E-Club, you'll get a taste of everything. You'll meet people from all walks of life, with different interests and backgrounds. These connections are invaluable for your future career.
Campus life at UNH is vibrant and exciting. Whether it's hitting the slopes with fraternity brothers or collaborating on projects in Paul College's Great Hall, there's always something happening. Most importantly, the skills and experiences you gain here directly translate to the job market, giving you a competitive edge when you graduate.
If you're on the fence about UNH because you live in New Hampshire, here's my advice: don't let being an in-state student hold you back.
UNH is huge, and you'll meet tons of new people. Think about your career goals and how UNH can help you achieve them. Visit campus and experience the energy of Paul College for yourself. And when you get here, get involved early – it's the best way to discover your passions and grow as a person.
To conclude... choosing UNH and Paul College has been one of the best decisions of my life. The opportunities, the community, and the personal growth I've experienced here are unmatched.
