You’ve heard of the man with a plan—but what about the woman without one? For Lizbeth Abad, a University of Delaware junior criminal justice major, not having her future locked in hasn’t been a setback – it’s been a starting point. Through internships and co-curricular experiences, she’s discovering what excites her, what doesn’t, and where her passions might lead.

“I have thoughts of becoming a lawyer, but I also might want to become an investigator,” said Abad. “During the school year, I’m a peer consultant at the Career Center so I know the importance of connecting with people in careers that interest you. That’s what I have been trying to do – get out there and see what jobs in my field are like.”     

This summer the Windsor, New Jersey native is interning in the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety in its Division of Criminal Justice. She is assisting civil investigators who are probing Medicaid fraud and has observed firearms workshops and other training sessions.

It’s the latest step in a career exploration journey that began at the beginning of 2025. During winter session she interned with Delaware Family Court, an experience that opened her eyes to the possibility of pursuing family law. “You see everything in Family Court—some really heavy cases and a lot of trauma,” she said. “But there are also joyful moments. I was able to witness an adoption, and that was really special.”

During the spring semester she served as a cadet with the UD Police Department, shadowing officers on shifts and observing their work up close. “It helped me realize that becoming a police officer isn’t the right fit for me—but I have tremendous respect for the work those officers do every day.”

A first-generation college student, Abad credits her parents with being very supportive, though she acknowledges they can’t always guide her through the complexities of college or a path to law school. That’s where mentors like Joyce Henderson, a co-curricular career coach in the College of Arts and Sciences Student Success Center, come in.

“Last summer, I was having a career crisis,” recalled Abad. “I thought I wanted to switch my major. Joyce was a huge help; she was the one who encouraged me to get hands-on experience, to intern and volunteer.”

Her supervisor in the Career Center, Peri Sanders, has also been a key resource. “It’s a pleasure supervising peer consultants like Liz as we witness them progress toward their professional goals while supporting their fellow Blue Hens in doing the same,” said Sanders. “Liz consistently brings an eagerness to help out wherever needed. She always challenges herself to take on opportunities outside of her comfort zone.”

As for Abad, she’s still not 100% certain where she’ll land—but that’s part of the journey. “Looking back over the past year, these internships have taught me so much,” she said. “I’m learning something new every day.”