--- title: "Siegfried Fellow Alumna Spotlight: Devina Patel" description: Discover Devina Patel's journey from classroom stock trials to an Analyst at Goldman Sachs, highlighting leadership lessons from her Siegfried Fellowship. image: https://horn.udel.edu/hubfs/Canva%20images/Devina%20Patel.png --- [![University of Delaware](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/HPE_Jan2017/logo.png?width=168&height=70&name=logo.png "University of Delaware")](http://udel.edu) #### Horn Entrepreneurship # [Stories & Updates](https://horn.udel.edu) ## Siegfried Fellow Alumna Spotlight: Devina Patel by [Sophia Cressman](https://horn.udel.edu/author/sophia-cressman) • October 12, 2026 ![Devina Patel](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Devina%20Patel.png?width=1200&height=628&name=Devina%20Patel.png) Devina Patel's journey into finance has been anything but linear—from navigating a classroom stock market simulation in eighth grade to landing a Financial Analyst role at Goldman Sachs after graduation. Devina credits much of her growth along the way to her time as a Siegfried Fellow. We caught up with her to hear how the program shaped her leadership style, what she's learned in her first few months after graduation, and why she believes leadership always starts with leading yourself. **Tell us a bit about yourself, your experience at UD, and as a Siegfried Fellow.** I graduated from the University of Delaware in May with a double major in Finance and Financial Planning & Wealth Management, along with a minor in Trust Management. I completed the Delaware Innovation Fellows program, earning a [certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership](https://catalog.udel.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=97&poid=97581). My time at UD struck a great balance between academics and campus involvement, which created the perfect environment for both personal and professional growth. In particular, my experience as a Siegfried Fellow helped me refine my leadership capabilities — from decision-making and networking to actively applying an entrepreneurial mindset in real-world situations. **What are you doing now?** I'm currently living in New York City and working as a Financial Analyst at Goldman Sachs. I absolutely love the city! ![Devina Patel 3](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Devina%20Patel%203.png?width=1200&height=628&name=Devina%20Patel%203.png) **What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?** My interest in finance actually began in eighth grade during a classroom stock market simulation game. I had so much fun navigating the world of buying and selling—and taking home a win was the cherry on top! We visited the NYSE afterward, and that whole experience sparked my initial interest in markets. **How did your time as a Siegfried Fellow equip you to thrive as a leader?** I'm definitely still settling into post-grad life—it's only been a couple of months since I officially made the move out of Delaware! Throughout this transition, I constantly find myself returning to the core virtues we cultivated as [Siegfried Fellows](https://lerner.udel.edu/departments/neil-book-school-of-innovation-entrepreneurship/siegfried-fellows-program/): *Lead Change, Be Nimble, Cultivate Character***.** I carry those principles with me into every decision I make and every room I enter. **What is your favorite memory as a Siegfried Fellow?** My absolute favorite memory from the Siegfried Fellows program was our group trip to NYC. ![Devina Patel 2](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Devina%20Patel%202.png?width=1200&height=628&name=Devina%20Patel%202.png) It was amazing to connect with inspiring industry professionals across tech, finance, and the nonprofit world, and to explore museums together as a group. **What do you enjoy doing in your free time?** I've become a total foodie since moving to New York! Whether it's trying new recipes or checking out new restaurants, I love exploring different cuisines. **Share a fun fact about yourself.** I absolutely love to travel! I'm so grateful to my parents for instilling in me a deep appreciation for exploring different cultures and perspectives. My favorite place I've visited so far is Budapest, Hungary — it was absolutely beautiful. I'm definitely hoping to keep seeing new countries post-grad! ![Devina Patel 1](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Devina%20Patel%201.png?width=1200&height=628&name=Devina%20Patel%201.png) **What else do you want readers to know?** If there's one key message I'd love readers to take away, it's that leadership isn't solely about guiding a team or managing a group — it starts with leading yourself. My biggest takeaway from the Entrepreneurial Leadership courses I took was realizing that self-leadership is about how intentionally you develop your own mindset, career, and life in order to achieve your personal milestones. **ABOUT HORN ENTREPRENEURSHIP** [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/) serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the U.S., Horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world. 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