Stories & Updates

For the past 10 years, Ted Foltyn has been a beloved member of the Horn staff, but his journey at the University of Delaware began long before that, starting as a student and growing into a lasting impact on the community. His connection to the university extends far beyond the classroom. Ted met his wife Kathi here while they worked at the campus radio station, their son also attended and met his wife here. Over the years, he has become an impactful professor who has mentored countless students. Before he officially signs off, in true Ted fashion, he is leaving us with some insightful tips and tricks from his years in corporate business, teaching, and his time spent at UD.

1. Your first job is not your forever job

   Your first job is probably not going to be perfect, that is okay. You are going to bounce around a little, try some things, hate a few jobs, like a few others, and eventually start figuring out what actually excites you. That is kind of how careers work. I started out in finance, which, if you have taken one of my classes, you already know was probably never going to be the long-term plan. But that is the point. Sometimes you do not really know what fits until you actually get out there and try it.

2. Take the risk, even when it feels uncomfortable

   There are always going to be opportunities that may not appeal to you but if you don’t try you may never know the impact it may have on your life. Stepping into something new can feel uncomfortable at times. But those experiences often force you to build new skills, open new doors, and help you grow in ways that otherwise you wouldn’t have.

3. Do not sit in your room and call that “getting involved”

   College is one of the only times in your life where you are surrounded by thousands of people your age and have endless opportunities right in front of you every single day. Join a club, go to events, volunteer, meet people, try something new. Because once you graduate, all of that changes pretty quickly. Sitting in your room playing video games and going to the gym is not “getting involved.”

4. Try the thing you think you are not interested in.

   Sales were never part of the original plan. As someone interested in finance and more of a “numbers person,” it was not even on the radar at first. But stepping into sales ended up completely changing the direction of my career and opened the door to opportunities that never would have happened otherwise. It became a reminder that sometimes the paths you least expect are the ones that teach you the most. Keeping an open mind can lead you toward strengths and passions you may not even realize you have yet.
   

5. Be bored once in a while. You will survive

   When you are young and new at a company, that is actually one of the best times to make an impression. Not every meeting is going to be exciting. Some of them are boring. That is life. But immediately grabbing your phone every time you are bored is not helping you. Put the phone down, make eye contact, ask somebody a question, and actually listen to what they are saying. It sounds ridiculously simple, but honestly, being fully engaged will separate you from your peers.

6. Build real connections, not just a resume

   Connections are not just about handing somebody a business card or adding them on LinkedIn. People remember you when you actually take the time to get to know them. Ask somebody about their kids, what they do outside of work, what they are interested in, and actually listen when they answer. You do not have to fake it or sound overly professional all the time, just be genuinely interested in people. That is how real relationships are built, and those are the people who will remember you later on and want to help you when opportunities come up.

7. Work hard enough that people notice, in a good way!
   
   Always be the person who asks, “What can I do?” When your boss or team needs help, do not be the person staring at the clock waiting for 5 o’clock so you can run out the door. Be the person who steps up. Especially when you are young and new at a company, the people who get remembered are usually the ones who are dependable and willing to help when things need to get done. Staying a little later to finish a project, asking if help is needed, or stepping in when your team is overwhelmed might not sound glamorous, but those are the moments people notice. That is how trust gets built, and that trust is usually what leads to bigger opportunities later on.
   
   
8. Learn how to talk to people.
   
   Put the phone down for five minutes. Seriously. Make eye contact, ask somebody a question, and actually listen to what they are saying. It sounds simple, but now it almost feels like a superpower because everybody is distracted all the time. Some of the best relationships and opportunities come from those small moments that most people overlook.
   
   
9. Take the internship, Seriously.
   
   Internships help you figure out what you actually like, what you do not like, and sometimes what you never want to do again, and honestly, all of that is useful. A lot of people think internships are only valuable if they immediately lead to the perfect job, but that is not really the point. The point is getting experience, being around professionals, learning how companies work, and figuring out what kind of environment fits you best.
   
   
10. Show up early. Not dramatically early, just early enough to look like you care.
    
    Showing up ten minutes late to a meeting is not a great look, it’s a terrible one! This is not college anymore where you rolled out of bed and sprinted to class with a coffee in your hand. Showing up early is not just about being on time, it shows people you actually care. That extra ten or fifteen minutes gives you time to introduce yourself, talk to people, ask questions, and build relationships.
    
    

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