Lauren Lee, a merchandise and retail business manager in Milton, Del., is pursuing her master’s of business administration and is expected to graduate between 2026 and 2027. Lee shared why she chose to continue her studies at Lerner, and specifically about her experience in the program so far.
Lerner: Why did you go back to pursue your graduate degree? Why did you choose Lerner College for your studies?
Lee: After graduating from the University of Delaware in 2020, I joined the workforce and worked tirelessly to make a career for myself in lower Delaware. After four years of working with a local craft brewery, I found myself wanting to grow and learn more.
My partner received his master’s of applied statistics from the University of Delaware this spring, and seeing the beauty of graduation inspired me to submit my application to the Lerner College of Business and Economics. I received my bachelor’s in art history and anthropology and had many classes in the buildings shared by Lerner College.
The prestige of Lerner College and the success of its graduates, along with my familiarity with the University of Delaware, made returning to Newark an easy decision.
Lerner: What did you learn through this opportunity that you wouldn’t have learned anywhere else?
Lee: This opportunity has taught me that I am capable of learning and thriving in a challenging academic environment.
Lerner: Please share an example of a course or concept that you were able to apply directly to your life and/or career.
Lee: To date, I have completed an accounting course and most of a business analytics course. Both courses have proven to be invaluable in my current position, and to an adult who is interested in understanding the way the economy and finances work. My newfound familiarity with business nomenclature is essential and has helped to build my confidence. I am now an avid reader of the Wall Street Journal!
Lerner: Describe an important connection you have made through your graduate program.
Lee: My highest praise goes to the administrative team of the Lerner Online MBA program. From the moment of my acceptance into the program, I felt welcomed and supported. Colleen Giesing and Amy Estey have been my greatest supporters and I am so grateful for the help they provide!
Lerner: If you were to describe your classmates in one word, what would that be and why?
Lee: Focused; my peers come from all over the world with the widest range of disciplines. They have children and families, multiple jobs, and everything in between. Even with all of that, they still make the time and sacrifices to succeed in this program.
Lerner: How do you balance your career with your studies?
Lee: Finding the connection between my career and my studies has made retention and application easy! I dedicate my weekends and the occasional early morning to my studies.
Lerner: Fill in this sentence: “My graduate program helped me become…”
Lee: My graduate program helped me become confident!
Lerner: What was the most impactful hands-on project or case competition that you were able to participate in?
Lee: So far, the case studies assigned in Professor Kher’s BUAD620: Intro to Business Analytics have been challenging and exciting! Working alongside like-minded individuals has made the case studies a rewarding and excellent application of synthesizing data to inform business decisions.
Lerner: What are your plans or next steps for the future?
Lee: I plan to pursue more education after completing my MBA.