DSU’s DEEP Day 2026 Connects Students with Corporate Leaders and Career Opportunities
Delaware State University’s College of Business welcomed more than 700 students and over 20 corporate partners to its annual Delaware Executive Exchange Program (DEEP Day) on October 22, providing students with opportunities to network with industry professionals, explore career paths and strengthen their professional skills.
Held under the theme “THINK DEEP: Beyond the Surface. Into the Future,” the event featured breakout sessions, professional development activities, networking opportunities, mock interviews and a Business Case Competition. The breakout sessions provided students with opportunities to hear directly from industry professionals on topics related to career development and workplace success.
Established in 2016, DEEP Day is an annual College of Business event designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the professional world. The program connects students with corporate executives, alumni and industry leaders who share career advice, industry knowledge and opportunities for professional growth.
For Lillian Gonet, a business management student, the event offered valuable lessons about building a successful career.
“Throughout the day, I gained valuable insights from industry professionals on executive presence, networking, communication, and career development,” Gonet shared in a LinkedIn post.
Gonet particularly appreciated hearing from keynote speaker Paul Beckles, vice president and general manager of Boardroom, a media company co-founded by Kevin Durant that focuses on sports, entertainment and business. She also highlighted insights from Isaiah Nathaniel, senior vice president and chief information officer at Delaware Valley Community Health Inc. whose advice emphasized the importance of confidence, character and professional credibility.
She noted that one of her biggest takeaways was understanding that “success is about more than talent, it’s about your character, confidence, credibility, and willingness to put in the work.”
For a freshman studying business management, DEEP Day provided an opportunity to connect with professionals from Travelers, M&T Bank, Chesapeake Utilities and Pepco, gaining valuable guidance on career opportunities, resume development and professional growth.
“Networking isn’t just about finding a job or internship. It’s about building genuine relationships, learning from others, and being willing to grow,” the student shared.
Accounting major Bianca Nelson also expressed appreciation for the experience and the organizations that made it possible.
“I’m grateful to Delaware State University for organizing Deep Day 2026 and giving us students the opportunity to learn, network, and explore different career paths,” Nelson shared. “I appreciate DSU for creating experiences that help us grow professionally and prepare for our futures.”
The event also highlighted the continued commitment of corporate partners to supporting student development.
Martin Harrison, senior workforce development manager with Pepco Holdings, reflected on his fourth consecutive year participating in DEEP Day and the importance of investing in students at historically Black colleges and universities.
“Some partnerships are about more than business. They’re about purpose,” Harrison said.
“As a proud HBCU graduate, I have a deep appreciation for the role these institutions play in developing talent, cultivating leadership, and creating pathways to economic opportunity,” he added.
Through partnerships with organizations such as Barclays, Bank of America, M&T Bank, Travelers, PwC, Exelon and Chesapeake Utilities, DEEP Day continues to provide students with access to industry professionals and experiences that support their preparation for careers beyond Delaware State University.